Misconceptions about the B Visa

Misconceptions about the B Visa

There's a lot of misconceptions about the actual function of a B visa. In almost all cases B visas are issued by US consulates for either one year or five years. But regardless of how long your visa label is actually issued for, that doesn't control how long a person can actually physically remain in the US — that is the I-94 record.

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2016 Visa Waiver Program changes prompt more B visa applications

2016 Visa Waiver Program changes prompt more B visa applications

In January 2016, the U.S. government made significant changes to the VWP. These changes were aimed at increasing U.S. national security. Effective January 21, 2016, foreign nationals who had traveled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria, on or after March 2011 are prevented from traveling to the United States under the VWP. Additionally, nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria are also prevented from applying for an ESTA and traveling to the U.S. under the VWP. This change has made travel to the U.S. for many foreign nationals harder, as foreigners that were once permitted to travel under the VWP must now apply for a B visa at a U.S. consulate.

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