U.S. Immigration: B-1/B-2 Visa Categories

Coming to the U.S. as a Business Visitors

B-1 & B-2 VISAS:
TEMPORARY BUSINESS & VISITORS VISAS

Travelers may be eligible to enter the United States using a temporary business visa, B1, or temporary visitor visa B2. A B1 visa is for business related activities, whereas a B2 visa is granted to a visitor coming to the U.S. for pleasure. A business visitor visa (B1) is issued if the applicant plans to travel to the United States for a business convention, seminar, and meet with business associates, etc. A visitor visa (B2) is issued to an applicant who plans to travel to the United States to visit friends/relatives, for touristic purposes and vacations, medical treatment, or participate as an amateur in a musical or sports event without receiving payments.

The B1 visa excludes visitors coming to the U.S to perform skilled or unskilled labor. However, exceptions are made to business visitors who may be eligible for B1 if they qualify for one of the categories below:

• Contract negotiations;
• Litigation;
• Independent research;
• Taking purchase orders;
• Consultation with business associates;
• Participation in meetings, conventions, conferences, and seminars;
• Certain professional athletes;
• Prospective investors
• Specialized commercial or industrial workers (After-sales service);
• Eligible artists, musicians, and photographers;
• Participants in international competitions;

Due to the presumption in the law that every visitor visa applicant is an intended immigrant, the applicant for a visitor visa must overcome these presumptions by demonstrating that they plan to remain in the United States only for a specific and limited period of time. This can be done by demonstrating that the applicant has  (1) evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States, (2) evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad, and , (3) a residence outside of the United States. Proof of additional binding ties to country of origin or country of residence may be required.

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To know more about a strategic solution that fits your business needs including how to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa, processing times, government fees, conditions for accompanying dependents or individuals, and length of stay in the U.S., please schedule a consultation with our law firm.

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