US Tourist/Business Visa (B1/B2)
For tourism/visit/business. DS-160 + interview.
About visa
The US Tourist/Business Visa (B1/B2) is intended for Georgian citizens who wish to travel to the United States for short-term travel, to visit relatives, for business meetings, conferences, medical consultations, or for tourism. This category is not for work, study, or permanent residence; if your purpose is different, you should consider a US Exchange Visa (J-1) , US Fiance/Spouse Visa (K-1/K-3) , or US Immigrant Visa (IV) .
For Georgian citizens, the application is usually made online and then you go for an interview at the US Embassy in Tbilisi. This process is more similar to the American system than, for example, the electronic model of a Canadian visa or an Australian visa , as a personal interview is often required for a B1/B2. At the same time, financial and travel credibility are assessed particularly strictly here, compared to a Japanese visa .
The validity period of a visa and the maximum length of stay allowed per visit are not the same. The consul may issue a multi-year multiple-entry visa, but your period of admission at the border is determined separately and is usually fixed for each entry; therefore, having a visa does not automatically grant you the right to stay for any length of time.
Part B1 applies to business purposes — meetings, negotiations, exhibitions, and short-term professional visits. Part B2 is used for tourism, visiting family members, and some medical cases. If you incorrectly indicate your purpose in the application, or the actual purpose of the trip does not match the documents, refusal is common.
The processing time depends on the interview schedule, the workload of the consulate, and the need for additional verification. Sometimes the decision comes quickly, but administrative processing can be lengthy; this is especially important for applicants who plan to travel at short notice. Properly organizing the relevant documents and preparing the application in advance greatly reduces the risk of errors.
The most common reasons for refusal are insufficient financial support, weak connections to return to Georgia, unclear purpose of travel, violation of a previous visa, or incomplete application form. The US system places more value on a clear personal history and consistent answers than the UK visa system; as with the UK visa , it is important that your documents and explanation match, but in America the interview has a greater impact.
If this is your first time applying, we recommend paying special attention to consistent answers to questions, financial documents, and the fact that you have a realistic expectation of returning to Georgia after your trip. GetVisa will help you select the right category, verify your documents, and prepare a solid application for the consulate — this is especially useful for those who have been rejected in the past or are applying for the first time.
Required Documents
📄Basic Documents
💰Financial Documents
🛡️Civil and Security Documents
🏥Medical and Technical Requirements
📋Other Documents
Application Process
Selecting a goal and category
Please clarify whether you are truly visiting for tourism or business. If it is for study, exchange, or family immigration, you should select a different category from the beginning, not B1/B2.
Filling out an online application
Fill out the nonimmigrant form with complete and consistent information. Pay attention to the purpose of travel, past visas, employment status, and contact information, as even small inconsistencies can cause problems.
Paying the fee and scheduling an interview
Pay the consular fee and schedule an interview according to the consulate's rules. The applicant should keep all supporting documents, as they will be needed at the verification stage.
Organizing documents for the interview
Gather your passport, financial documents, proof of connections to Georgia, and travel justification. A coherent and easy-to-read package will give you a big advantage at the interview.
Interview at the US Embassy
Show up at the appointed time and answer briefly, specifically, and honestly. The consul will usually verify the purpose of your trip, your financial strength, and your reason for returning to Georgia.
Additional inspection or decision
Sometimes a case is referred for further consideration, which does not automatically mean a refusal. In such cases, it is important to submit the additional information requested by the consulate in a timely and accurate manner.
Getting a passport and planning a trip
After the decision, the passport will be returned according to the consular procedure, with a visa approval or refusal. Only after that, plan your flight, as the final admission still depends on the decision of the border service.
Important Tips & Advice
Processing Fees
Non-immigrant visa fee
Standard US Tourist/Business Visa (B1/B2) Consular Fee for Georgian Citizens Applying from Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Georgian citizens apply for a US B1/B2 visa?
Typically, the application is completed online and the interview is conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi. The final decision and return of the passport are made according to consular procedures.
How much does a US tourist/business visa cost?
The current standard consular fee is 185 USD. The amount may change officially, so it is always better to check on the embassy's website.
How long will it take to make a decision?
There is no fixed deadline, as it depends on the interview order, season, and additional checks. Sometimes the answer comes quickly, but sometimes the process takes longer.
Do I need to have a personal interview?
In the B1/B2 category, a personal interview is very common and in practice is a key step. Exceptions depend on age, previous visa history, and current consulate regulations.
How long can I stay in the US?
The duration of a visa and the length of stay are different things. You are granted entry at the border for a specific trip, and that determines how long you can stay.
Can I work in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
No, this visa is not for work. If your purpose is employment, you should select another category, such as a relevant work or immigration pathway.
If I already have a Japanese or Singapore visa, will it help me?
Yes, it is useful because it shows that you have a history of traveling in compliance with the rules. However, the final decision will still be made based on your finances, purpose, and connections to return to Georgia.
Why do many applicants get rejected?
The most common are insufficient financial evidence, unclear purpose, weak ties in Georgia or inconsistencies between the application and the interview answers. The importance of the interview here is even higher than with a UK visa, so there must be complete consistency in all documents.
United States of America Visa Types
Explore other visa options that might suit your needs