Typically, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who wish to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), tourism (visa category B-2), or a combination of both (B-1/B-2). Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1):

• Consulting with business associates

• Attending a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference.

• Settling an estate

• Negotiating a contract Tourism (B-2)

• Sightseeing and vacationing

• Visiting relatives or friends

• Medical treatment

• Participating in social events organized by fraternal, social, or service organizations.

• Amateur participation in musical, sporting or similar events or competitions, if they are not paid for participating.

• Enrolment in a short-term recreational course of study, without credits towards a degree (for example, a two-day cooking course during the holidays).