A visitor visa is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows a foreign alien to enter the United States for the purpose of recreation or limited business. Visitor visas are designed for temporary entry into the United States for limited tourist or business purposes.

A visitor visa costs $160. This fee is nonrefundable.

According to the state department, the average wait time for a visitor visa interview is about two months. If there are emergency circumstances that require the visitor to enter the U.S. sooner that may be taken into consideration.

A B-1 visitor visa is available to businesspeople who are entering the U.S. to:

• Consult with business associates
• Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• Settle an estate
• Negotiate a contract

A B-2 tourist visa is available to individuals seeking to engage in:

• Tourism
• Vacationing
• Visiting with friends or relatives
• Medical treatment
• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Amateur participation  in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• A short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree

If an individual is going to participate in activities outside of the ones listed, they will not be allowed to enter on a simple visitor visa.