The US B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows citizens of South Africa to enter the United States for business, medical treatment, or tourism purposes.
The B1 visa (Business visa) is for those traveling to the US for business purposes, such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or consulting with business associates. This visa is commonly used for short-term visits to the United States. B visas are usually valid for up to 10 years from the date of issuance, and individuals traveling to the United States can stay for a maximum of 180 days. After the initial stay period, they have the option to return to the U.S. again.((Travel State. (2024). Visitor Visa. State.gov. Retrieved March 12, 2024.<https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html>))
The B2 visa (Tourist/Visit visa) is designed for individuals visiting the United States for tourism, pleasure, or medical treatment. Activities such as visiting friends or relatives, taking vacations, participating in social events, seeking medical treatment, or engaging in recreational activities fall under this category. Like the B1 visa, B2 visa holders are prohibited from working during their stay.((Travel State. (2024). Visitor Visa. State.gov. Retrieved March 12, 2024.<https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html>))
Permitted activities for B2 Visa
- Tourism.
- Vacation (holiday).
- Visit with friends or relatives.
- Medical treatment.
- Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations.
- Amateur participation in musicals, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating.
- Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation).
It is not permissible to use this visa to undertake any of the following activities:
- Pursue education.
- Engage in long-term employment with a U.S. company.
- Perform in exchange for payment or conduct any professional performance for a paying audience.
- Enter the United States as a member of a ship or aircraft crew.
- Work for foreign press, radio, film, print journalism, or other media outlets.
- Establish permanent residency in the United States.
If you’re interested in a more straightforward way to apply for a visa, Visas for Future is what you need. Our team will assist you throughout the process, ensuring it’s stress-free. Please don’t hesitate to request assistance if you have any questions. Our experts will carefully evaluate your application and handle its submission. Once your visa has been approved, we’ll send it to your mailbox.
What We’re Offering
If you are a South African and plan to visit the United States for business, tourism, pleasure, visiting friends or relatives, or medical treatment, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa. Our processing service can assist you in obtaining your US B1/B2 Visa within 30 days and have it delivered to your mailbox.
- The B1/B2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals to travel temporarily to the United States for business purposes (B-1), pleasure, or medical treatment (B-2).((Travel State. (2024). Visitor Visa. State.gov. Retrieved March 12, 2024. <https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html>))
- The U.S. B1/B2 visas for South Africans are valid for Ten (10) years.
- Multiple Entries.
- The cost of this visa is $215.81.
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Eligibility criteria for South Africans applying for US B1/B2 visa
A consular officer considers certain factors when assessing a South African candidate’s B1/B2 visa application. Here are some essential things to keep in mind:
1. Strong Ties to South Africa
- Employment: A stable job with a return contract or proof of self-employment.
- Education: Enrollment in a South African school.
- Property Ownership: Owning a house or property in South Africa.
- Family: Having a spouse, children, or other close relatives living in South Africa.
2. Purpose of Visit
- Business (B1): Attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts.
- Tourism (B2): Sightseeing, vacationing, visiting friends or family.
- Combination (B1/B2): A mix of business and tourism activities.
3. Financial Resources
- Bank Statements: Recent bank statements demonstrating your financial stability.
- Employment Documents: Proof of income, like salary slips.
- Sponsor’s Letter: If someone sponsors your trip, a letter from them outlining their financial support.
4. Travel Plans
A well-defined itinerary showcasing your planned activities and accommodation in the US strengthens your application.
5. Clean Criminal Record
A criminal record, especially related to immigration violations, can negatively impact your visa approval.
Required Documentation
The documents required to get a US Business/Tourist Visa are as follows:
- Passport: A valid passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States.
- Travel itinerary: This includes details of your travel plans, such as the purpose of your visit, where you will be staying, and your intended length.
- Passport photo: A recent color photograph of yourself that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.
- The minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 x 600 pixels. Maximum acceptable dimension 1200 x 1200 pixels.
- JPEG file format (less than or equal to 240 kB).
- Please provide the dates of your last five visits or trips to the United States. If you have previously traveled there, you must give the dates.
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae: This includes a summary of your educational and professional background.
- Other information: Depending on the intended purpose of travel, other applicants may be asked to provide additional information when completing the DS-160 form, such as employment details, financial status, and family ties.
Required Documents for Minors
- Consent Letter: It should be notarized and signed by parents or guardians, stating their consent for the minor to travel to the United States and outlining the purpose of the trip.
- Birth Certificate: A copy of the minor’s birth certificate to establish their relationship with the parent or legal guardian.
- Proof of Guardianship: Proof of custody or guardianship is required when a child travels or enrolls in school or medical care. It confirms an individual’s legal responsibility for the child and can be a court order, notarized letter, or other official documentation.
Step by Step procedure to apply for a U.S B1/B2 Visa
To apply for a U.S B1/B2 Visa, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Click ”Get United States B1/B2 Visa Now.”
Step 2: Fill out the order form; you can see it as ”United States Application Form”. with the following details:
- Name
- Nationality
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Planned date of travel
- Planned date of return
- Select how many are applying for U.S B1/B2 Visa.
- Billing Address
Step 3: Choose the payment method and make payment via:
- Credit card/Debit card
- PayPal
Step 4: Complete the intake form with the details needed:
- Personal Information
- Surname
- Given Name
- Full name in native alphabet
- Have you ever used other names?
- Do you have a telescode that represents your name?
- Gender
- Marital Status
- Date of Birth
- City of Birth
- State of Birth
- Country of Birth
- Nationality or country of origin.
- Do you hold another nationality?
- Do you hold other passports?
- National Identification Number
- Travel Information
- Purpose of travel
- Have you made specific travel plans?
- How many days, weeks, or months is your intended length of stay in the U.S.?
- Your complete address in the U.S. where you will be staying.
- Information about the person paying for your trip
- Given Name
- Surname
- Telephone Number
- Email Address
- Relationship to you
- Is the address of the party paying for your trip the same as the address where you will be staying in the U.S.?
- Information of person traveling with you
- Name of person or organization traveling with you.
- Relationship with the person traveling with you.
- Previous U.S. Travel Information
- Have you ever been to the U.S.?
- Have you ever been issued a U.S. visa?
- Have you ever been refused a U.S. Visa, denied admission to the United States, or withdrawn your application for admission at the port of entry?
- Has anyone ever filed an immigrant petition on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services?
- Address and Contact details of the applicant
- Passport Information
- Passport/Travel Document Type
- Passport Book Number
- Country/Authority that Issued Passport/Travel Document
- Issuance Date
- Expiration Date
- Have you ever lost a passport or had one stolen?
- U.S. Point of Contact, your sponsor’s contact details in the U.S.
- Surname of U.S point of Contact
- Given Name of U.S point of contact
- Organization Name
- Relationship To You
- Complete Address
- Contact Details
- Family Information: Relatives
- Father’s Given Name
- Father’s Surname
- Father’s Date of Birth
- Is your Father currently in the U.S?
- Mother’s Given Name
- Mother’s Surname
- Mother’s Date of Birth
- Is your Mother currently in the U.S.?
- Do you have Immediate relatives, not including parents in the United States?
- Present Work/Education/Training Information
- Primary Occupation
- Present Employer or School Name
- Were you previously Employed?
- Have you attended any educational institutions at a secondary school or higher?
- Additional Work/Education/Training Information
- Do you belong to a clan or tribe?
- Provide a list of languages you speak
- Have you traveled to any countries / Regions within the last five years?
- Have you belonged to, contributed to, or worked for any professional, social, or charitable organization?
- Do you have any specialized skills or training, such as firearms, explosives, nuclear, biological, or chemical experience?
- Have you ever served in the Military?
- Have you ever served in, been a member of, or been involved with a paramilitary unit, vigilante unit, rebel group, guerrilla group, or insurgent organization?
- Security and Background Questions
- It is answerable by Yes or No.
Step 5: Upload the required documents
- Passport Biopage.
- U.S. visa photo. You can avail of our photo service at Visas for Future
Step 6: Review your information and submit your application.
Step 7: Wait for your U.S.B1 B2 Visa confirmation to be sent to your mailbox.
Interview procedures for South Africans
For South African citizens applying for a B1/B2 U.S. visa, it’s helpful to understand the interview procedures. Here’s the process to expect:
Before the Interview
- Preparation is the key: Gather all the required documents, such as your passport, DS-160 confirmation, proof of funds, itinerary, and other supporting documents. Review these documents carefully beforehand and be prepared to answer questions about them.
- Practice makes perfect: It can be helpful to practice your interview responses beforehand. Consider how you’ll answer questions about your trip purpose, itinerary, and ties to South Africa.
The Interview Day
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the U.S. embassy or consulate well before your scheduled interview time.
- Security Check: A security check will likely be at the entrance, so avoid bringing prohibited items.
- The Interview: A consular officer will review your application and interview you. The interview will likely be conducted in English. Here are some common questions you might be asked:
- Why are you traveling to the United States? Be clear and concise about your trip purpose (business or tourism).
- What is your itinerary? Explain your travel plans, including where you’ll be staying and what you’ll be doing.
- How long do you plan to stay in the United States? Stick to your approved travel dates.
- How will you finance your trip? Be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds.
- What ties do you have to South Africa? Explain why you will return to South Africa after visiting the U.S.
- Additional questions may be asked depending on your specific circumstances.
- Honesty is the Best Policy: Answer all questions honestly and directly. Refrain from fabricating information.
- Maintain a Positive Demeanor: Be polite and professional throughout the interview.
After the Interview
- The Wait: After your interview, the consular officer will inform you about the next steps. Processing times can vary, so be patient. You might be approved on the spot, receive a request for additional documentation, or have your application put on administrative hold.
- Status Check: After the interview, you can usually check the status of your visa application online using the reference number provided.
Fees, Validity, and Processing time of U.S. B1/B2 visa for South Africans
Fees | Validity | Processing time |
It costs $215.81. | The U.S. B1/B2 visa for South Africans is valid for ten (10) years | 30-day processing time. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a U.S. B1 B2 visa easy to get?
Getting a U.S. B1/B2 visa as a South African citizen isn’t necessarily easy, but it’s also not impossible. The difficulty depends on your circumstances and how well you meet the eligibility criteria.
What not to say during a US visa interview?
During a US visa interview, it is essential to avoid providing unconvincing ties to your home country, unclear purpose of visit, financial issues, negative or unprepared statements, and dishonest or evasive statements.
How much is a bank balance required for a US tourist visa?
The U.S. Department of State does not specify a minimum bank balance requirement for obtaining a B1/B2 tourist visa. However, consular officers consider your financial situation during the visa application process. You must show sufficient travel funds, including accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and unexpected costs.
How can I increase my chances of getting a B1/B2 visa?
To apply for a U.S. visa, you must meet the eligibility criteria and gather the required documents. Strong ties to South Africa, accurate completion of the DS-160 form, and a detailed itinerary are necessary. During the interview, be honest and polite, dress professionally, explain the purpose of the visit, show proof of sufficient funds, and highlight ties to South Africa.
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Cite this article
MLA Style
Gajes, Apple. "U.S. B1/B2 visa for citizens of South Africa." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/u-s-b1-b2-visa-for-citizens-of-south-africa/. Accessed on 12 March 2024.
Chicago Style
Gajes, Apple. "U.S. B1/B2 visa for citizens of South Africa." Visas For Future. March 12, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/u-s-b1-b2-visa-for-citizens-of-south-africa/.