12

Background: I am a PhD student. I intend to attend a scientific conference in the US in August, where I'll be presenting a paper. I specified B-2 type (tourism, pleasure, visit type) while filling my DS-160 application form and scheduling an appointment with the US Embassy in Madrid. I later realized that B-1 (business type) fits better for scientific conferences, but I had already submitted the DS-160 form with B-2 specified on it before realizing. I have also received an appointment confirmation.

Question: Do you think specifying B-2 instead of B-1 might be a problem during the visa interview please? What can I do to avoid potential problems please? Thanks a lot!

Improve this question
4
  • Do you need a visa at all? If you're a Spanish citizen, you can attend the conference on the Visa Waiver Program.
    – David Richerby
    Commented Jun 23, 2016 at 19:24
  • Thanks for your comment. I am not Spanish, but I have a Schengen visa with Spain as port of entry.
    – rand0muzr
    Commented Jun 23, 2016 at 21:50
  • 2
    Follow-up: I got the B1/B2 visa without any problem.
    – rand0muzr
    Commented Aug 5, 2016 at 10:43
  • Thanks for following up - very useful for those with similar questions
    – tea4two
    Commented Aug 5, 2016 at 13:06

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
12

No, not a problem. The interviewer will ask you about the reasons of visiting, and will correct the visa type on the spot if you chose the wrong type. One time, I was applying for D visa (crew visa), and I asked the interviewer if it's ok to include another visa as well (B1/B2), he asked me why and I told him I would like to visit if I have some days off, he said ok and I got it.

Regarding B1/B2, most likely you will get the two together, it's rare to issue just one of the two B visas.

Improve this answer
3
  • Thanks a lot Heidel Ber Gensis! Your response has helped to put my mind at rest :)
    – rand0muzr
    Commented Jun 23, 2016 at 17:10
  • @rand0muzr it would be nice and more helpful to come back and update us with the outcome after the interview..
    – Nean Der Thal
    Commented Jun 23, 2016 at 17:10
  • Sure, I will do so.
    – rand0muzr
    Commented Jun 23, 2016 at 17:12

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .