Can H1B/H4 VISA be used for tourism?

[devashishbhatt]

Hi!

I have an H1B visa for the US valid until October 2011, and my wife has an H4 valid until the same date.

I am currently working in India. I came back from the US in October 2009.

What I want to ask is -

Ques 1. Whether my wife and I can use our H1B and H4 visa's for the purpose of TOURISM to the US?

My employer who filed my VISA is based Iowa but I'd like to visit New York, and other places, but NOT Iowa.

Is it, therefore, possible to utilise our H visa's JUST for tourism that would last for a period ranging between 2-3 weeks?

My second question is:

Ques 2. If tourism on H visas is not possible AND if we now want to only VISIT the USA to meet our friends/relatives - do we need to apply for seperate B1/B2 visas from the consulate?

Ques 2.1 Will the consulate ask for any explanations/justifications for these seperate applications, if at all?

I'd be GLAD, so glad, if one of you could let me have answers to my questions.

Thanks a GIG!

Best,

Dee.

[kabkaba]

Entering on H1 without having H1 job will be a fraud, don't do that.

You can apply for a visitor visa, I don't understand what you mean by separately. You two can book the appointment either together or separately if that is what you are asking.

[devashishbhatt]

Hi Kabkaba,

Thanks for responding to my query.

What I meant to ask in my other question was if the US Consulate will ask me questions as to WHY I'm applying for a B1/B2 when I already have an H1,

OR

if they will ask me why I want to vist the US since they will know of my having an H1 stamped on my passport.

Will they unnecessarily suspect anything fishy or will they just issue me a B1 for the purpose of tourism?

I'd be glad if you could let me know.

Thanks.

[shervin143]

There will be no such question. Every visa is intended for a specific purpose. B1/B2 is required for tourism. You cannot enter in H1B for the purpose of tourism. As long as you can convince the VO that your main intention of applying for B1/B2 is for tourism, you are all good.

Hi Kabkaba,

Thanks for responding to my query.

What I meant to ask in my other question was if the US Consulate will ask me questions as to WHY I'm applying for a B1/B2 when I already have an H1,

OR

if they will ask me why I want to vist the US since they will know of my having an H1 stamped on my passport.

Will they unnecessarily suspect anything fishy or will they just issue me a B1 for the purpose of tourism?

I'd be glad if you could let me know.

Thanks.