At the AILA Central Florida Chapter 2025 Conference, one discussion kept coming up as we talked with attorneys between sessions: USCIS is paying closer attention to B-2 extensions and B-2 change-of-status filings, and a new theme is emerging in Requests for Evidence. Officers are asking a simple question — but it carries a lot of weight.
“What have you been doing?”
This question now appears frequently in B-2 cases, and USCIS expects real proof. Attorneys shared that applicants are being asked to produce travel plans, flight confirmations, hotel reservations, sightseeing itineraries, and any documentation that shows they remained within the limitations of B-2 visitor status. Officers want to see that the individual truly behaved like a tourist — not someone conducting business, working, studying, or engaging in activities outside the scope of a visitor visa.
Our team attends at least ten major immigration conferences every year, from APAC to the Central Florida AILA event, because staying current is part of our professional discipline. We are generally the only business-plan firm at these events, which reflects our commitment to staying informed and the level of care we bring to every business plan we create. Listening to attorneys compare RFEs, approvals, and denials is fundamental to what we do, and it builds on the 15 years we’ve spent tracking adjudication trends, monitoring RFE patterns, and studying how officers’ expectations shift over time. Together, these insights help us keep our business plans aligned with what officers expect today.
The trend with B-2 applications is a good example. Attorneys at the conference emphasized that even a short extension or a simple change of status now requires clear evidence of lawful visitor activity. If someone spent several weeks in the U.S., officers may want to see how they spent that time — and whether their activities align with the purpose of their stay.
For applicants, this means keeping records, saving confirmations, and documenting what would normally feel like casual travel details. For attorneys, it means preparing clients early so that collecting this evidence isn’t an afterthought. And for those of us who support attorneys with the business side of visa strategy, it reinforces how important it is to stay informed, connected, and aware of subtle adjudication shifts.
Stay tuned for the next blog in our AILA Central Florida Conference series. We’ll continue sharing the practical trends, insights, and real-world observations that attorneys discussed — all aimed at helping you better understand how officers are viewing business-related immigration filings today.
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The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
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