The validity of the B1/B2 visa depends mainly on the traveler’s nationality and the rules established in the U.S. reciprocity agreement with their country. This means that not all applicants receive the same validity period, and understanding the differences is key before applying.
Typical Validity Periods
10 years multiple entry: Many countries, including India, Colombia, the Philippines, and the UK, enjoy 10-year visas that allow travelers to enter the U.S. multiple times without reapplying.
5 years multiple entry: Some nationalities receive 5-year validity.
1 year or less: Certain countries have limited reciprocity, and applicants may only receive 6 months or 1 year.
Single entry visas: In rare cases, the visa may only be valid for a single trip.
Multiple Entry vs. Length of Stay
It is important to distinguish between the validity of the visa and the authorized stay per trip:
The visa validity defines how long you can use it to enter the U.S.
The authorized stay is determined by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the airport, usually up to 6 months per entry, regardless of how long the visa itself is valid.
Official Reciprocity Tables
The U.S. Department of State publishes official reciprocity tables that define visa validity, entry limits, and applicable fees for each country. VisaClick uses these tables to confirm exactly what clients should expect before applying.
Renewals and Extensions
If your visa is nearing expiration, you may be eligible for a renewal without an interview depending on your age and last visa conditions. This is called the “interview waiver program” and is available in many countries.
Why It Matters
Visa validity determines how frequently you can travel to the U.S. without repeating the application process. Having a 10-year visa, for example, saves significant time and money in the long term. VisaClick ensures that each applicant understands their country-specific rules so there are no surprises when planning future travel.