Business Visa USA


Business Visa USA

B1 Visa is a non immigrant visa to the United States. Those who want to visit USA for certain kinds of "business" related travel can apply for Business visa known as B-1 visitor visa.


While in the USA as a business visitor on B1 Visa, an individual may:

  • Conduct Negotiations
  • Solicit sales or investment
  • Discuss planned investment or purchases.
  • Make investments or purchases
  • Participate in scientific, educational, professional or business meetings, conventions, conferences or seminars and other legitimate activities of a commercial or professional nature.
  • Interview and hire staff
  • Conduct research

On B1 Visa, the business visitor is restricted to carry the following activities:

  • Running a business
  • "Gainful employment"
  • Accepting payment by an organization within the USA.
  • Participating as a professional in entertainment or sporting events
Dependents
B1 Visa has no dependent category and it is not advisable to take your spouse or children while traveling to the United States on B1 Visa. In case, you plan to take your spouse or children along, it is advisable that they apply B2 Visa. Each B2 Visa application is cleared on its own merits. That means the Visa Officer at US Consulate may grant visas to the whole family or may deny visas to any/ all.
Duration of the B1 Visa
The length of business visa can be few days to 10 years multiple entry. The actual stay of each visit is given at the port of entry by the Immigration Officer while you enter into USA. Generally, on B1 Visa you are allowed a 3 months entry.
Visa Interview
All B1 visa applicants are interviewed by a USA Consulate, before being the visa is granted. The applicant need to appear in person for the Interview at consulate. A prior appointment is must for this purpose.
Expedited Appointment
Very few USA Consulates offer expedited appointment or in other words urgent or emergency appointment. It depends on the reason of travel and normally for B1 Visa is not applicable.
Note: Foreign travelers, who are citizens from certain eligible countries, may not need B1 Visa to visit the U.S. They can enter USA without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program.
Following countries are in the Visa Waiver Program

Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (For citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.)


Qualifying For Visitor Business B1 visa?

Applicant must demonstrate that:
  • The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business
  • That they plan to remain for a specific, limited period
  • Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States
  • Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad
  • That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit.


Points to remember about B-1 visa:

  • Business visa (B-1) is meant for business purpose only. Legally, you are not allowed to work in the USA as a B-1 visa holder.
  • You are allowed to rent an apartment on B-1 visa. You might be required to show a recommendation letter from your company, and proof of your identity (i.e. your passport).
  • You may open a bank account by showing proof of your identity (passport).
  • You can get the ATM or debit card, from the bank in which you have opened your account, but not a credit card. Though most places ATM card can be used.
  • That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit.
  • You can rent a car, only if you have a valid driving license from your country (IDP or State Driving License). However, some US states insist on having a IDP (International Driving Permit).
  • Initially you can drive in any US state on your IDP or State driving license, for a limited period of time. Rules vary from state to state. Confirm this from your local DMV office.
  • You can't join any educational institute on B-1 visa.
  • You can get a telephone/ cable connection installed in your apartment.
  • You cannot convert B-1 to H-1 status, while you are in USA.
  • B-1 visa can be extended for the maximum of total 1 year stay in USA.
  • You are not liable to pay any taxes on your allowances, since it is not a salary.
B1 in lieu of an H1B

In certain, limited circumstances the US Consulate may issue an employment - authorized B1 visa where the work to be undertaken would usually require an H1B visa. This provision is particularly applicable to situations where you may need to send a member of staff to the US for a limited period in order to undertake specific projects for you. The requirements for acquiring a B1 in lieu of H1B are:-

  • The work to be undertaken in the US must be H1B level i.e. the worker must be engaged in a specialty occupation;
  • The worker must permanently employed (i.e. not a contractor) and paid by the employer outside the US;
  • The worker may receive no compensation other than expenses from a US source;
  • The worker must have a degree relevant to the services to be provided there is no provision for work experience to be considered equivalent to a degree, as there is under the H1B.
 
B1 in lieu of H-1 visa generally takes 1 to 2 weeks to obtain, and considerably more supporting documentation is required than for a normal B1 visa. Periods of admission and extension are the same as for the standard B1 visa (i.e. generally 6 months).

More questions about B1 Visa? Need help to apply? Contact us at info@kampuslanding.com

 
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