B-1 Business Visitors
Generally, a citizen of a
foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa. The
B-1 "business visitor" visa is a nonimmigrant (temporary) visa for persons
seeking to enter the United States temporarily for business. The visa allows a
foreign citizen, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request
permission of the U.S. immigration inspector to enter the United States
Foreign travelers who
are citizens from certain eligible countries may be able to visit the
United States without a visa on the Visa Waiver Program.
As a business visitor, you may consult with business associates, travel for a
scientific, educational, professional or business convention, or conference on
specific dates, settle an estate, or negotiate a contract. Business
visitors are not permitted to accept employment during their stay in the United
States.
If you plan to
travel to the United States for a different purpose such as students, temporary
workers, crewmen, journalists, or other activities not included in the
business visitor visa, you must apply for a different visa in the
appropriate category.
If you are a representative of the foreign press, radio, film, journalists or other
media, you must apply for a
nonimmigrant media visa (called an I visa) if you will be working in that
vocation while in the United States. Members of the media cannot travel to the
United States using a visitor visa
or on the visa waiver program.
Applicants for visitor
visas must show that they qualify under U.S. law.
The presumption in the law is that every visa applicant intends to stay
permanently in the United States. When applying for a visitor visa, you must overcome this
presumption by demonstrating that:
- The purpose of your trip is to enter the United States for business;
- You plan to
remain for a specific, limited period;
- You have sufficient funds to
cover your expenses in the United States;
- You have compelling social and economic ties abroad; and,
- You have a
residence outside of the United States as well as other ties which will insure
your return abroad at the end of the visit.
If you wish to
stay beyond the time indicated on your Form I-94, you must file an application
to extend your stay with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The decision to grant or deny a request for
extension of stay is made solely by the USCIS. You can learn more about
extensions of stay
on the USCIS website.
You can find out more information about visitor visas on the
State Department website. You can also review the
Embassy Consular
internet site for the country where you will be applying for your visa.
National Interest Waivers