General Information on Business Visas: Foreigners working for a foreign
entity are allowed to visit the United States on a B-1 Business Visitor Visa. B1
Business Visas are more advantageous than
visa waivers
for many reasons, including
visa extensions and
adjustment of status.
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
the events of September 11th, 2001. It is vital to follow the detailed, clear instructions
provided in the
B-1 Business Visitor Visa Application Guide for the visa to be issued.
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 6 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 on a case by case basis. Upon entry into the United States, the foreign visitor has the right to request an
extension of stay.
B-1 Business Visa Change of Status: Individuals who enter the United States on B-1 Business Visas are normally eligible to change status to permanent resident (Green Card holder) if they qualify, or to other non-immigrant statuses,
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 the
Visa Waiver Program are not eligible to change status. The option to change status is
one of the major advantages of a Nonimmigrant Visa compared to visas obtained
through the
Visa Waiver Program.
Important Warning for Business Visa Holders: Persons admitted to
the United States under a B-1 Business Visitor Visa are not allowed to work or
receive any kind of 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 a
H-1B or
H-2B
Visa.
The B-1 Business Visa Application Guide includes:
- B-1 Business Visa overview
- B-1 Business Visa eligibility information
- How to complete the B-1 Visa application forms
- B-1 Business Visa extension information
- B-1 Business Visa document checklist
- List of all USCIS (formerly INS) offices nationwide
- List of United States Embassies and Consulates
- FREE B-1 Business Visa application forms
