B-1 Business Visitor Visa

The B-1 visa is reserved for temporary visitors who will perform business-related activities but will not be receiving salary or payment from a US source.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for a B-1 visa, an applicant must be able to demonstrate:

1. strong ties to his/her home country and a permanent residence abroad that s/he does not intend to abandon;
2. the sole purpose of the trip is to engage in legitimate activities relating to business;
3. intent to enter the US for a definite temporary period consistent with the stated purpose of the trip and intent to depart the US upon completion of the visit;

What Types of Business Activities Qualify?

B-1 visas may be issued for the following activities:

1. Commercial transactions that do not involve gainful employment in the US (such as taking orders for goods manufactured abroad);
2. Consultations with business associates;
3. Litigation;
4. Negotiation of contracts;
5. Installation, service, or repair of commercial or industrial equipment purchased from a foreign company;
6. Investors establishing an investment in the US or opening a US office;
7. A member of a board of a US company attending a board meeting;
8. Scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences or seminars;
9. Independent research;
10. Missionary work, so long as the work does not involve the selling of articles, acceptance of donations, or receipt of salary;
11. Voluntary service programs benefiting U.S. local communities;
12. Professional athletes who are not paid a salary in the US and are participating in a tournament;
13. Personal or domestic servants who have worked for their employer for over a year and whose employer is only in the US temporarily;

A B-1 visa holder is not eligible to engage in gainful employment in the US for either a US employer or on an independent basis. Any work done in the US must be performed on behalf of and paid for by a foreign employer. In general, the performance of skilled or unskilled labor does not qualify for a B-1 visa.

How to Apply?

All B-1 visa applicants must submit an Electronic Visa Application Form DS-160 via the website of the Department of State. An application fee, an international passport, and all supporting documentation should be submitted to an appropriate US Consulate.

How Does White & Associates Help?

If you are seeking a B-1 visa, the experienced professionals at White & Associates can provide legal support. If you would like help determining if you qualify for a B-1 visa, assistance compiling the necessary documentation and completing the application forms, or guidance with the interview, please feel free to contact us.