Business Visa (B-1)

• Your work must be for a foreign employer and you must be paid by your employer abroad. (certain exceptions may apply)
• You are engaging in business-related (international commerce or trade) activities only for a temporary period of time not exceeding one year. After six months, you may apply for an extension of stay, generally for another six months.
• You are an employee of a non US based company and you are coming to the US to conduct business, do a market research, take part in an exhibition or attend a business conference. (not exceeding 9 days).
• You are an employee of a foreign branch of a US company abroad and you are visiting the US headquarters for business purposes.
• You are coming to the US on a prospective travel to set up a business venture.
• You are a speaker/lecturer and are coming to the US to make a presentation with no renumeration from a US entity.
• You are participating in a voluntary service program for a recognized non-profit charity organization.
• If you are exempt as a citizen of a country under the Visa Waiver program, you may stay for up to 90 days without a visa.

You can apply at your designated US embassy or consulate abroad.

• You will go to the U.S. consulate abroad and fill out optional form "DS156". You may be required to interview with the consulate. You will have to prove sufficient financial resources to support your stay. This financial resources must be coming from a source related to your business activities. You will submit a letter from your employer or specific organization attesting to the business activities or the purpose of your trip in the US. You will also submit a valid passport, photographs and other documents proving your intent to return to your home country. This proof may include your real estate statements or letters from your employer. If you are accompanied by relatives, a separate visa application will need to be completed by them as well.
• If approved, you will receive your B-1 Business Visa. A Visitor Tourist Visa may be granted at the same time (stamped B-1/B-2 on your passport). However if you hold a B-2 Tourist Visa, you can not engage in business activities while in the US. You may be granted multiple entries for usually a period of 10 years. If denied, you may have to provide additional evidence. If this is not the case, there is no formal appeal process for this type of visa but you can reapply.

• Get the answers you need with our Self-Help US immigration Kit.
• Read more information on eligibility requirements.