To travel to the United States temporarily on business, you have to ensure you have the relevant permission.
You may have to apply for the B-1 visitor visa if you are a national of a country that does not participate in the US Visa Waiver Program, or if you are otherwise ineligible for visa-free travel to the USA, for example, due to a criminal conviction.
NNU Immigration are specialists across all classes of US visa, including the B1 visa for business visitors.
The B1 visitor rules on permissible activities are strict and you can be denied entry at the border if officials are not satisfied that you will comply with the rules. Your application will also require you to attend a visa interview, which you should prepare for to avoid issues with your application.
With exceptional knowledge and insight into the visa application processes, we advise non-US nationals on available US visa and immigration options, including the B1 visa, providing full support with your application to the US authorities.
Contact our US immigration experts
For advice on any aspect of a US visa application, contact our US immigration attorneys.
For advice on any aspect of your B-1 visa application, contact our US immigration attorneys.
For advice on any aspect of your B-1 visa application, contact our US immigration attorneys.
If the purpose of your planned travel relates to business, you may need the B1 visa. Permissible activities under the B1 visa include consulting with business associates, travel for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention or conference on specific dates or negotiating contracts.
If the purpose of your planned travel relates to tourism, visits with friends or relatives, or medical treatment then a visitor visa (B-2) would be the appropriate type of visa.
The combined B1/B2 visa is what is most commonly issued to visitors, allowing the visa holder to carry out the permissible activities under both visa categories.
No, the rules are clear that the B1 visa cannot be used for the purposes of carrying out actual labor work or gainful employment.
The B1 visa can be used in a number of scenarios outside of the exemptions. For example, for project scoping, attending conferences or business meetings.
Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors under US law.
The presumption in the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant.
Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating the following:
If you believe you may require a B1 visa please contact us for a comprehensive review of your circumstances and a detailed discussion about strategy, procedures, timing, and costs.
You are advised to submit your application no later than 60 days before your intended date of travel.
As with all visa applications, decision times depend on the consulates involved and their workload.
Your authorized duration is just that – it relates to the length of time for your approved visit which is granted by Customs and Border Protection at the time of your entry into the United States Under the Visa Waiver Program this is typically 90 days. For a B visa holder admission could be up to 6 months.
The visa stamp duration relates to the window of time within which you can actually enter the US for the visit.
For example, the visa stamp may say 10 years – within that 10 year period you may be allowed to make multiple visits. This does not mean you are permitted to stay in the US for a continuous decade.
It is important to distinguish between the two, they are not in any way ‘interchangeable’.
Dependents – spouses, children – can apply for a B2 tourist visa but if the business traveller is genuinely travelling for a specific business purpose, the embassy officer may not deem it appropriate to issue a long-term visitor visa for a spouse and children. Seek professional advice to determine the best course of action for your circumstances.
Need specialist advice? Speak to our experts.
Need specialist advice? Speak to our experts.
NNU Immigration is a leading firm of US immigration attorneys advising companies, entrepreneurs, investors, individuals & families from across the globe.
NNU Immigration is registered in England & Wales Company No. 09815477.
Address: Thomas House, 84 Eccleston Square, London, UK, SW1V 1PX
NNU Immigration is registered in England & Wales Company No. 09815477.
Address: Thomas House, 84 Eccleston Square, London, UK, SW1V 1PX
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NNU Immigration is registered in England & Wales Company No. 09815477.
Address: Thomas House, 84 Eccleston Square, London, UK, SW1V 1PX