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B-1 versus B-2
The State Department regulation at 22 CFR 41.31(b) defines business and pleasure for the purposes of section 101(a)(15)(B).
B-1 business means “conventions, conferences, consultations and other legitimate activities of a commercial or professional nature” and “does not include local employment or labor for hire”.
B-2 pleasure means legitimate activities of a recreational character, including tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, and activities of a fraternal, social or service nature. It does not include obtaining a visa for the primary purpose of obtaining US citizenship for a child by giving birth in the United States — language added by the rule published at 85 FR 4225 on 24 January 2020.
Thailand's reciprocity schedule includes a combined B-1/B-2 class, so one visa covers both business and tourist travel as long as the activities stay within these definitions.
What the consular officer must be satisfied of
Under 22 CFR 41.31(a) the officer may classify an applicant as B-1 or B-2 only if satisfied that the applicant intends to leave the United States at the end of the temporary stay, has permission to enter a foreign country at the end of the stay, and has made adequate financial arrangements for the purpose of the visit.
INA section 214(b) presumes the applicant to be an intending immigrant until he or she satisfies the officer otherwise. The decision therefore rests on the interview and the DS-160, which must be consistent with the applicant's work, finances, family and travel plans; documents serve to confirm those facts. The law sets no bank balance or document set that guarantees a result.
What you cannot do on a B-1/B-2 visa
Work. The definition of business in 22 CFR 41.31(b)(1) excludes local employment and labor for hire. Paid work from a US source requires the relevant work visa.
Study. Under 8 CFR 214.2(b)(7) a B-1 or B-2 visitor who “enrolls in a course of study” violates the conditions of that status. Study requires an F-1 or M-1 visa.
Birth tourism. Under 22 CFR 41.31(b)(2), giving birth in the United States to obtain US citizenship for a child is not a qualifying B-2 purpose.
How long can you stay on a tourist visa?
Visa validity and length of stay are different. A 10-year visa can be used to travel to a port of entry many times within 10 years; the length of each stay is set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on arrival and recorded on Form I-94.
Under 8 CFR 214.2(b)(1), B-1 and B-2 visitors may be admitted for not more than one year, with extensions in increments of not more than six months. Under 8 CFR 214.2(b)(2), a B-2 visitor found admissible is admitted for a minimum of six months, regardless of whether less time is requested, unless there is case-specific cause. Check your own I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. Overstaying affects your status and future visa applications.
Applying for a B-1/B-2 visa in Thailand
First, complete the DS-160 online at ceac.state.gov and keep the barcoded confirmation page.
Second, pay the application fee and book an interview in the scheduling system. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable; interviews may be rescheduled up to three times at no extra charge.
Third, attend the interview in person at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai. The Embassy states that interview waivers are only granted in extreme situations, and nonimmigrant applicants must apply in their country of nationality or residence.
Fourth, if approved, the visa is placed in your passport and the passport is returned to you.
Visa Connext handles each of these steps, from assessing eligibility to preparing you for the interview. See our US visa service.
Facts specific to Thai nationals as of October 2026
Validity. Thailand's reciprocity schedule sets B-1, B-2 and B-1/B-2 at 120 months, multiple entries, with no reciprocity fee. The validity actually issued is for the consular officer to decide.
Visa bonds. 22 CFR 41.11(c), as amended by 91 FR 48766 on 3 August 2026, allows officers to require B-1/B-2 applicants from countries on the State Department's list to post a bond of USD 10,000, 15,000 or 20,000. Thailand is not on the list.
Onward travel to Canada. Canada allows Thai nationals who currently hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa to apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) instead of a Canadian visa when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport (Government of Canada page modified 27 July 2026).
Frequently asked questions
What is a B-1/B-2 visa?
A US nonimmigrant visa for temporary business (B-1) and tourist (B-2) travel under INA section 101(a)(15)(B). One visa covers both purposes.
Source: 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(B) · 22 CFR 41.31
How long can I stay in the US on a tourist visa?
B-2 visitors are admitted for at least six months and not more than one year per visit under 8 CFR 214.2(b)(1) and (b)(2). CBP records the date on Form I-94; extensions are granted in increments of up to six months.
Source: 8 CFR 214.2(b)
How many years is a US tourist visa valid for Thai nationals?
Up to 120 months (10 years) with multiple entries under the State Department reciprocity schedule for Thailand. The validity actually issued is decided by the consular officer.
Source: Thailand Reciprocity Schedule
Can I study or work on a tourist visa?
No. 22 CFR 41.31(b)(1) excludes local employment and labor for hire from business, and 8 CFR 214.2(b)(7) makes enrolment in a course of study a violation of B status. Study requires an F-1 or M-1 visa.
Source: 22 CFR 41.31(b) · 8 CFR 214.2(b)(7)
Can I enter Canada with a US visa?
A US visa is not a Canadian visa, but Thai nationals who hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa can apply for a Canadian eTA instead of a visa when flying to or through a Canadian airport.
Which visa do I need for medical treatment in the US?
A B-2 visa: 22 CFR 41.31(b)(2) lists medical treatment within the meaning of pleasure. Applicants should show the treatment plan and how costs will be paid.
Source: 22 CFR 41.31(b)(2)
Is it hard to get a US tourist visa?
There is no fixed threshold. The officer applies 22 CFR 41.31(a) — intent to depart, permission to enter another country at the end of the stay and adequate financial arrangements — under the INA 214(b) presumption, so the outcome depends on the consistency of each applicant's facts, interview answers and documents.
Source: 22 CFR 41.31(a) · 8 U.S.C. 1184(b)
Official sources used on this page
- 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(B) — INA section 101(a)(15)(B)
U.S. Code text via Cornell LII · checked 29 Oct 2026 - 8 U.S.C. 1184(b) — INA section 214(b)
U.S. Code text via Cornell LII · checked 29 Oct 2026 - 22 CFR 41.31 — Temporary visitors for business or pleasure
last amended 85 FR 4225 (24 Jan 2020) · eCFR version history (as of 23 Oct 2026) shows no later amendment - 22 CFR 41.11 — Entitlement to nonimmigrant status (Visa Bond Program)
eCFR up to date as of 15 Oct 2026 · last amended 91 FR 48766 (3 Aug 2026) - 8 CFR 214.2(b) — Visitors for business or pleasure
checked 29 Oct 2026 · Federal Register rules amending 8 CFR part 214 in 2025–2026 do not concern paragraph (b) - U.S. Department of State — Thailand Reciprocity Schedule
checked 29 Oct 2026 - U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand — Visas
checked 29 Oct 2026 - U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand — Important Visa Information
page last modified 29 Apr 2026 · checked 29 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Countries Subject to Visa Bonds
page last updated 6 Jan 2026 · checked 29 Oct 2026 - Government of Canada — eTA: citizens from some visa-required countries
page modified 27 Jul 2026 · checked 29 Oct 2026