What's the difference between a B1 and B2 visa?

The B-1 and B-2 visas are U.S. non-immigrant visitor visas, and the main difference between them is the purpose of travel.

The B-1 visa is issued for business-related visits. It allows travelers to enter the United States temporarily to attend meetings, conferences, business negotiations, or short-term professional training. Holders of a B-1 visa are not allowed to take up employment, receive a salary from a U.S. company, or engage in productive work. The activities must be strictly business-oriented and temporary in nature.

The B-2 visa is intended for tourism and personal travel. It allows visitors to travel for holidays, sightseeing, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, or participation in social or recreational activities. Like the B-1 visa, paid work and long-term study are not permitted under a B-2 visa.

In many cases, applicants are granted a combined B-1/B-2 visa, which allows both business and tourist travel. The purpose of each trip determines whether the visitor is considered a B-1 or B-2 entrant at the time of entry.

In summary, the B-1 visa is for temporary business activities, while the B-2 visa is for tourism and personal reasons, with neither allowing employment in the United States.