U.S. B1/B2 Visa – Who Needs It and What Does the Application Process Look Like?

A comprehensive guide for citizens of Poland and Ukraine – visa types, costs, waiting times, and when it is worth using specialist help.

What Is a B1/B2 Visa and When Is It Needed?

The B1/B2 U.S. visa is a nonimmigrant business/tourist visa issued by U.S. embassies and consulates. It combines two categories: B1 (U.S. business visa) and B2 (U.S. tourist visa), which are most often issued together on a single document.

B1 Visa – Business	B2 Visa – Tourist
• Negotiations and signing contracts • Professional conferences and training • Meetings with business partners • Participation in exhibitions and trade fairs	• Tourism and sightseeing in the U.S. • Visiting family and friends • Medical treatment and care • Participation in cultural events

The key distinction is between the B1/B2 visa and the ESTA program. Citizens of Poland can travel to the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) – an electronic ESTA authorization is sufficient. However, ESTA has important limitations: it allows a stay of up to 90 days without the possibility of extension and is not suitable for people planning longer trips.

When is ESTA not enough?

If you have ever been refused entry to the U.S., hold citizenship of a country subject to an entry ban, or plan to travel to Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen after March 1, 2011 – you must apply for a B1/B2 visa.

How much does a B1/B2 visa cost and how long is it valid?

The cost of a U.S. visa includes several components. The basic MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee is USD 185 and is nonrefundable – it is paid regardless of the outcome of the visa interview. This is the only mandatory fee for citizens of Poland.

It is important to understand the key difference: visa validity is the period during which you may enter the U.S. – for Polish citizens, this is normally 10 years. The length of stay in the United States is determined by the CBP officer at the border and is usually up to 6 months (entered on the I-94 form). A 10-year visa therefore does not mean the right to stay for a decade.

U.S. visa waiting time

In 2024–2025, interview dates at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw ranged from a few weeks to several months. It is worth checking the current dates on https://www.usvisascheduling.com/  and planning your visit well in advance.

After submitting Form DS-160 and paying the MRV fee, you need to schedule a visa interview at the embassy or consulate. A decision is usually made within a few business days after the interview, and the passport with the visa is sent back by courier.

Information for Ukrainian Citizens

Ukraine is not part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which means that every Ukrainian citizen must obtain a visa to enter the United States – regardless of the purpose of travel. This applies to both tourism and business travel.

Documentation of ties to the home country

Ukrainian citizens submit their visa application under the same rules as everyone else – it is necessary to complete Form DS-160, pay the MRV fee, and attend the interview. Documenting ties to the home country (work, property, family) is especially important for convincing the visa officer.

Do you need help with a B1/B2 visa?

Our company specializes in guiding Ukrainian citizens through the entire visa process – from document preparation to interview simulation at the embassy. Contact us to increase your chances of obtaining a visa.

Contact us today – we provide professional assistance at every stage of the visa process.