B1 / B-1 Visa: Business Visitor
Description
The business visitor (B-1) visa allows foreign businessmen to enter the United States for a brief and specific period in order to conduct limited business activities. Certain alien truck drivers may also qualify for the B-1 visa to pick up or deliver cargo related to international commerce.
B1 / B-1 VISA ADVANTAGES
Simplicity
The B-1 visa does not require a pre-approved visa petition by the Immigration and Naturalization service. The foreign businessman may apply in person at the nearest U.S. consulate. This visa is available to all persons with an actual need to visit the United States for a brief visit for business purposes.
Renewals
The B-1 visa may be renewed indefinitely in increments not to exceed five years.
B1 / B-1 VISA REQUIREMENTS
Temporary Intent
The B-1 applicant must demonstrate strong personal and business ties to his home country, and otherwise demonstrate that his visit will be temporary in nature. This is inclusive of the Immigration and Nationality Acts' provision that the alien have a residence "in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning...".
Valid Business Purpose
The B-1 applicant must demonstrate a valid business purpose which is temporary in nature, and which is permissible under the limited activities permitted for business visitors.
B1 / B-1 VISA LIMITATIONS
Limited Stay
The B-1 visa holder is typically allowed to remain in the United States for no more than six months per year. Often the visitor will receive permission to remain in the country for only a brief time, depending upon the particular business purpose at the time of entry.
Not Authorized To Work
The business visitor is not allowed to perform any activity that is considered to be “gainful employment” during his stay. The business visitor is not entitled to be employed in any capacity in the United States.
Activities Limited
The business visitor may not perform any activity that would serve a gainful employment purpose for any company or on behalf of the business visitor himself. Activities are limited to consultations, contract negotiations, and attendance at trade shows and conferences.
Admittance Discretionary
Notwithstanding the possession of the B-1 visa in the visitor’s passport, the inspecting officer may deny entrance into the country at any time. The inspecting officer may consider the nature of the visitor’s purpose, number of previous entries, and length of previous stays in admitting or denying any B-1 visitor.
Family Not Included
Each family member must apply for and receive his own B-1 visa in order to enter the United States.
B1 / B-1 VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
Foreign nationals who are residents of certain countries listed in the table below may also be able to take advantage of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) which does not require a visa to visit the United States for business purposes.
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For more information on this program please visit the Department of State page listed below:
Useful Links for the B1 / B-1 Business Visitor Visa
New York Immigration Attorneys
