Can B1 visa holders enter US as tourists?

[vijiv]

Hi,

My brother-in-law holds a B-1 visa from his earlier employer in India for 10 years multiple entry. But now he is working in London on a HSMP visa. He would like to visit me & my husband living in the US for Christmas holidays. We are permenant residents of US (not that it makes any difference). I was planning on providing the required papers so that he can visit us on a B-2 visa.

But now he is saying that if he applies for the B-2 (tourist) visa, his B-1 would be cancelled, and he doesn't want to cancel that visa. Since he gets interviews with US companies because of a B-1 visa. So I would like to know can we invite him to US on his B-1 visa?

Thanks
viji

[immihelp]

Does the visa say B1/B2 on the stamp?

[vijiv]

His visa states the following:

Entries: M
Visa: R
type/Class: B1/B2
Annotation -
validity duration 10 years

[taco]

There are no separate B1 and B2 visas. They are always given as B1/B2
so the person is entitled to enter both for business(B1) or as a visitor(B2).
The classification(B1 or B2) is stamped by the inspector on the I-94 card at entry to US depending on whether you tell him business or visitor as the purpose of your visit.

If he has a valid B1/B2 he does not need to apply again. He should just fly
in and tell the guy at entry that he is here to visit relatives and he will
be given B2 classification.

[immihelp]

He can enter US as tourist. Just mention that at port of entry.

[vijiv]

Thanks a lot for your help. I was planning on sending him an invitation letter to spend time with us over the Christmas holidays.

Thanks
viji