Application Requirements  

VISA CLASSIFICATIONS

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stays, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The "B" Visitor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1), or temporarily for pleasure (B-2). Persons planning to travel to the U.S. for a different purpose such as students, temporary workers, crewmen, journalists, etc., must apply for a different visa in the appropriate category. The consular officer can provide additional information.

You may also find detailed information about non-immigrant visa types on the USCIS website.

And on the Department of State travel website:  http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1286.html