Type of visa required for conference

[Vamshi Krishna]

Hi
I am 32 yrs old and a doctor. I wish to attend a medical conference in chicago. The conference is for 5 days. I wish to take my wife and child with me. The trip will be self financed for all of us, though her sister is also staying in the US. My doubts are
1. I want to stay an extra week as vacation. Should i apply for B1 or B1/B2 which is also an option in the DS 160.
2. Should i mention duration as 1 week or 2 weeks to include vacation time?
3. Should i mention my sisterinlaw as contact in the US?
4. Is it true that if i once apply for B1, then each subsequent visit must also be for a business purpose? If i apply and get B1 now, what about a future visit for tourism?
I need to apply urgently and any comments will be appreciated.
Thanks
Vamshi

[peace999]

It does not matter. Whatever you choose, the visa granted will always be as " B1/B2" . Which means you can use it for either purpose
either B1 ( business) or B2( tourism). Whether it will be B1 or B2 will be decided at the airport . If stamped B1 at the airport you are allowed B2 activities by default. But the reverse is not true ( stamped B2 , you are not allowed to engage in business ,B1 acitivities.
For technical precision, choose B1/B2 in the form for yourself and B2 for your family.
That also answers your Q4 , which is a myth.
2. Include vacation time. If the officer asks you why 2 wks when the conference is only 1 week, tell him you will be sightseeing for 1 week.
3. You will have to mention her in non-immediate relatives as 'YES" only. No specification required. But your wife will have to specify her under "Immediate relatives."
And , whether you mention her as a CONTACT is your choice. You may also choose the conference holding entity as the Contact.

[Vamshi Krishna]

hanks for the info.

It does not matter. Whatever you choose, the visa granted will always be as " B1/B2" . Which means you can use it for either purpose
either B1 ( business) or B2( tourism). Whether it will be B1 or B2 will be decided at the airport . If stamped B1 at the airport you are allowed B2 activities by default. But the reverse is not true ( stamped B2 , you are not allowed to engage in business ,B1 acitivities.
For technical precision, choose B1/B2 in the form for yourself and B2 for your family.
That also answers your Q4 , which is a myth.
2. Include vacation time. If the officer asks you why 2 wks when the conference is only 1 week, tell him you will be sightseeing for 1 week.
3. You will have to mention her in non-immediate relatives as 'YES" only. No specification required. But your wife will have to specify her under "Immediate relatives."
And , whether you mention her as a CONTACT is your choice. You may also choose the conference holding entity as the Contact.

Thank you for the inputs. Wish me luck.
Regards