Nonimmigrant Visas: B-1 Business Visitor

WHO IS THE VISA FOR?

The visa is for an individual who wants to come to the U.S. for short-term business-related trip.

WHO MAKES THE APPLICATION/PETITION?

The individual makes the application.

WHERE/HOW DO THEY APPLY?

S/he applies at the consulate in her/his home country. If the U.S. subsidiary of a foreign corporation or a U.S. corporation with a foreign subsidiary has the need to bring employees to the U.S. from the location abroad, it should contact a U.S. immigration attorney. The attorney will assist the company in the U.S. in preparing documentation. The U.S. company will then send the documentation to the employee abroad who then goes to the consulate and applies for the visa.

HOW LONG DOES PROCESSING TAKE?

Depending on the consulate, processing of a B-1 takes one to seven days. Most consulates currently process B-1s in 24 to 48 hours.

HOW LONG IS VALIDITY?

Validity of B-1s vary, from three months to a maximum of one year.

1)Admission upon initial entry may be one year, however, most visitors in this category will only be granted a period of stay required to conduct his/her business.

2)Alien’s salary must not be paid by U.S. entity. Alien may not engage in productive employment.

3)Requirements include the following:

a)Alien must enter the U.S. for a limited duration;

b)Alien must intend to depart the U.S. upon expiration of stay;
c)Alien must maintain a foreign residence which s/he does not intend to abandon;
d)Alien must have adequate financial arrangements to travel to, sojourn in, and depart the U.S.;
e)Alien must engage solely in legitimate activities;

4)Acceptable activities include:

a)Employees of foreign employer coming to the U.S. to solicit sales, negotiate contracts, or take orders from established customers for work that will be performed outside the U.S.
b)Purchasing agent to procure goods, components, or raw materials to be used in production outside the U.S.
c)Fulfill service or sales contracts already undertaken by a foreign company.
d)Consultations with U.S. business associates.
e)Litigation.
f)Attend conferences, conventions, executive seminars.
g)Independent research not relating to sales, service, or solicitation of business.
h)Arrange employment in U.S.

i)Arrange investments.