VISAS & IMMIGRATION

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WHAT IS THE B1/B2 VISA?
The B1 and B2 visas are for visitors who plan to go back to their home country afterward. They're good for short-term visits for one - five year plans. Specifically, the B1/B2 visa is for used for both business, and pleasure, tourism, and medical visits. There are no quotas or limits to the number of B1/B2 visas issued every year.  While you can conduct business, it's important to remember there are certain things you can't do. Please download our information sheet for details. 

WHY DO I NEED THE B1/B2 VISA & NOT A STUDENT VISA?

Actors Conservatory Students (6 months) enrolled in a program that is a non-accredited, recreational course.  Courses of study and the type of school students attend determine visas required, and recreational/educational, vocational or other recognised nonacademic institute students are required to obtain B1/B2 visas.  

ENTERING THE COUNTRY

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.

EXTENDING YOUR STAY

See Extend Your Stay on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94.  Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status. Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided (Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act).  Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.  Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review Visa Denials and Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws to learn more.

CHANGE OF STATUS

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website to learn more. While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa.  However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW: Fees - Pay the non-refundable $160 visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Review the instructions available on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
• There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.