Non-Immigrant Visas

Business & Tourism

The "visitor" visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Examples include travel to the US to: consult with business associates, attend a conference, negotiate a contract, vacation, visit with friends or relatives, etc.  The visa allows a foreign citizen, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission of the US immigration inspector to enter the US.

Under U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Act Section 214(b), every B1/B2 non-immigrant visa applicant is presumed to be an intending immigrant. It remains the responsibiilty of the visa applicant to prove to the satisfaction of the interviewing consular officer that he/she is qualified, or the visa application is refused. Therefore, to overcome this presumption, the applicant must demonstrate:

• The purpose of the trip is for business, pleasure or medical treatment;
• That the intended period of stay is for a specific, limited duration;
• Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the U.S.;
• Evidence of compelling social and economic ties to Gabon; and
• The presence of a residence in Gabon, which the applicant does not intend to abandon.

The following documents (only original documents are considered - no photocopies or certified copies) may be helpful in demonstrating B1/B2 visa qualification:

• Marriage and/or birth certificates (when spouses or children are included) demonstrating clear family relationships, particularly if visiting a relative in the U.S.;
• Letters from individuals or organizations in the U.S. sponsoring or arranging the trip;
• Letter from employer indicating position, monthly salary, length of employment and vacation time approved for travel;
• Pay stubs covering the last three months of employment;
• Official bank statements for the last 3 months that arrive by mail monthly - local bank printouts of historic transactions are not accepted;
• Proof of home or property ownership (if applicable).

**Issuance of a B1/B2 visa is never guaranteed to any visa applicant.**