B-1 VISITOR FOR BUSINESS VISA
By: Gary Chodorow
Rev.: May 17, 2007

To obtain a visa for business travel to the United States, the applicant must be able to demonstrate his or her intention to enter the United States for a temporary period, solely for the purpose of tourism and/or short-term business. The applicant must also provide evidence of financial ability to cover his or her travel expenses to and stay in the United States, and sufficiently strong social, economic, and other ties in the applicant's home country to compel the applicant's return after a temporary and lawful visit. Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended, a visa may not be issued to any applicant who is unable to overcome the legal presumption that he or she is an intending immigrant by demonstrating the above factors to the satisfaction of the interviewing consular officer.

The B-1 visa is intended for temporary business travel. This includes such travel negotiating contracts, attending exhibitions and conferences, short-term training, and consultations with suppliers and customers. The B-1 visa is not valid for employment in the United States. Applicants for B-1 visas may wish to bring to their interviews information regarding their anticipated business activities in the United States, including letters from the U.S. business partners indicating the purpose of the trip, and documentation establishing the applicants personal status, such as marriage certificates, letters confirming employment, bank statements, pay slips, etc.

A B-1 visitor may be admitted for not more than one year and may be granted extensions of temporary stay in increments of not more than six months each. As a practical matter, a B-1 visitor is admitted for a period of time which is fair and reasonable for completion of the purpose of the visit.