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B-1 Business Visa Application Guide
Business Visa Eligibility Requirements: Foreign nationals interested in visiting the United States for business purposes that do not involve receiving salary or payment are eligible to apply for a B-1 Business Visa. Additional screening and interviews are now required at most United States Embassies and Consulates due to September 11th, 2001. Following the detailed, clear instructions in the B-1 Business Visitor, Visa Application Guide is vital.
What's included?
- B-1 Business Visa Overview
- Understanding the Business Visa application process
- Business Visa eligibility information
- How to complete the B-1 Visa application forms
- Business Visa extension information
- Business Visa Interview Information
- Directory of U.S. Embassies and Consulates
- Visa Eligibility Information
- List of Required Documents
- Information on Filing Fees
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- List of USCIS Offices Nationwide
- Information on how to obtain the latest United States immigration forms
IMPORTANT: If you are a citizen of one of the 41 Visa Waiver Countries (list of countries), you may qualify to enter the United States for up to 90 days visa-free. Download the “Visa Waiver Program Application Guide” for more information on how to start your application immediately. Most applicants receive their online Visa Waiver Confirmation within 5 minutes.
Can you use a B-1 Business Visa to work in the US?
Persons admitted to the United States under a B-1 Business Visitor Visa are not allowed to work or receive any payment while staying in the United States. Foreign nationals who wish to work in the United States must apply for a work visa, such as an H-1B or H-2B Visa.
Download the B-1 Business Visa Application Guide and learn what activities you are allowed to do in the United States on a B-1 Business Visa.
General Information on Business Visas
Foreigners working for a foreign entity can visit the United States on a B-1 Business Visitor Visa. B-1 Business Visas are more advantageous than Visa Waivers for many reasons, including the right to apply for a Visa Extension and Adjustment of Status (Green Card) after entering the United States.
Business Visa Length of Stay
Persons admitted to the United States on a B-1 Nonimmigrant Business Visa are usually granted a 6-month stay. The maximum length of stay for visitor visa holders is six months. The immigration officer at the port of entry determines how long each visitor is allowed to stay in the country. Most visitors have their I-94 cards stamped with a 6-month stay. However, the immigration officer has the right to issue a shorter stay case-by-case basis. Upon entry into the United States, the foreign visitor has the right to request an extended stay.
B-1 Business Visa Change of Status
Individuals who enter the United States on B-1 Business Visas usually are eligible to change status to permanent resident (Green Card holder) if they qualify or to other non-immigrant grades, including temporary workers (H-1B, H-2B, E-1, E-2, E-3), and student (F-1 Student Visa). Individuals who enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are not eligible to change their status. The option to change position is one of the significant advantages of a Nonimmigrant Visa compared to visas obtained through the Visa Waiver Program.
Eligibility Criteria for B-1 Visa
Although the US business visa eligibility criteria may not be as stringent as those for other visas, you can still qualify. These are the requirements you need to meet to obtain the B1 permit.
- Your purpose for traveling to the United States must be business-related.
- You have sufficient funds to pay for your stay in the United States.
- You will return to your country once your visa expires. However, you don't intend to remain in the United States.
These criteria will apply if you show that you are eligible through the application phase.
How do I apply for a B-1 Visa?
- Complete the DS-160 Form
You can apply for a business visa using Form DS160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. This is similar to most US nonimmigrant visa applications. This form requires you to provide your background and details and the purpose of your visit. Find the section that is specifically for B1 visas and complete it. Once you submit the online form, you will receive a confirmation page with a number you can use later in the application process.
- Pay the B1 visa fees
The $160 application fee is required for B1 visas. This fee must be paid to proceed with your application. You may also have to pay additional costs, such as visa issuance fees. The visa issuance fees will vary depending on the relationship between your country and the US. Once you have paid all fees, keep the receipts so you can attach your documents to them.
- Schedule your visa interview
All applicants for visas between 14 and 79 must attend a visa interview. Interviews are held at the US Embassy to which you are applying. An officer conducts them. The workload at the United States Embassy is usually high, so scheduling your interview is essential. This will reduce wait times and allow you to complete your application faster. You can also call your Embassy to schedule a consultation. After that, you will receive your interview confirmation letter. This letter must be brought to your interview.
- Prepare your B1 visa documents file.
To support your application, you must include the required documents for a business visa application. Additional documents must be included in your B1 visa application:
- The Form DS160 confirmation page and code.
- Your valid passport. A valid passport for six months beyond the planned stay in the US.
- Information about your social media accounts. A list of social media accounts you use and their names
- Each account should be logged.
- The confirmation page for an interview.
- Photo that meets the requirements of the US Visa photo.
- A letter that explains the purpose of your trip.
- Bank statements or financial statements prove that you can afford to remain in the US.
- You can prove your return by establishing ties to your country, such as family, job contract, or lease.
- You may have criminal records or letters from authorities declaring that you are not convicted of any prior offenses.
- Bring documents from previous visits to the US if you've been there before.
- Bring a letter from your employer along with payslips for the past three months if you are working.
- A letter from your company describing the purpose of your trip and your job situation.
- Attend the Interview
Bring your documents and be ready to answer any questions the interviewer may ask. Your background and purpose for visiting the United States will be discussed. You may also be asked questions about whether you plan to return. Give details and answer about your plans to visit the United States.