General. The B-1 business visa category is suitable for individuals who plan short trips to the United States to engage in discrete business related activities. Such activities include, but are not limited to: attend conferences or conventions, work on a specific project in the U.S. and be paid by a foreign employer; participate in commercial transactions which do not involve gainful employment; undertake new business feasibility studies; make investments or explore opening of a U.S. subsidiary of a foreign company; install or service equipment pursuant to a contract or sale of equipment to a U.S. company; and many others.
Term. B-1 visas are normally issued for a period of up to six (6) months. Extension is allowed for up to additional six months with the exception of Visa Waiver Program participants who cannot extend beyond the initial six-month term.
Qualifications. In order to meet the B-1 visa requirements, an applicant must show the following:
- the intent of the U.S. trip is to enter the U.S. for legitimate business purposes;
- the applicant will remain in the U.S. for a specific and limited period;
- the applicant has financial ability to cover expenses while in the U.S.;
- the applicant is not receiving pay or renumeration from a U.S. source;
- strong economic and social ties to the home country, such as residence or business, indicating that the applicant intends to return to the home country upon completion of the B-1 business in the U.S.
Restrictions. A holder of B-1 visa cannot study in the U.S., is not allowed to work, and it is generally difficult to change to a different status.