A non-U.S. citizen who wants to travel to the United States for a business meeting or for any other temporary business needs shall acquire a visitor visa (B-1). On the off chance, you are unable to acquire a B-1 visa, you can also apply for The Visa Waiver Program also abbreviated as (VWP). Under this program, one can travel to the United States and stay for up to 90 days in the country for business or tourism purposes even without a visa. Let us learn more with the help of this article.
“A B-1 visa allows individuals to travel to the US for a temporary period of time for certain business purposes. Importantly, it is not intended for individuals seeking employment or to engage in work. The B-1 visa is typically issued for a period of up to 10 years and can be used during that 10-year period to request admission to the US for periods of up to 6 months at a time. B-1 visas are intended for temporary, business travel purposes. The B-1 visa is different from work visas (like H-1B), student visas (like F-1), and green cards.”[1]
How to apply:
Under Immigration law, the purpose of your travel greatly determines the kind of visa that you will need to obtain. Each visa has its own requirements and eligibility that you will need to fulfil and or qualify. The mode of applying for a visa varies from different Embassy or Consulates. You can also consult the instructions mentioned on the official website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website. You can also submit your visa application through online mode. You would have to fill out forms, a DS-160 for nonimmigrant visa application and upload a passport-size photo in the format asked in the form. Accordingly, you will be called for an interview, children under the age of 13 years and adults aged 80 and above will not be called for the same.
Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).[2] Under the business category, the following are a few activities that are permitted for conducting business activities:[3]
- Consult with business associates,
- Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference,
- Settle an estate,
- Negotiate a contract.
Required Documentation
Ensure that you will possess the below-mentioned documents before your interview.[4]
- Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). Everyone who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified, which may include evidence of:[5]
- The purpose of your trip,
- Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
- Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.
“The VWP allows 40 countries to travel, and in return, those 40 countries must permit U.S. citizens and nationals to travel to their countries for a similar length of time without a visa for business or tourism purposes. Since its inception in 1986, the VWP has evolved into a comprehensive security partnership with many of America’s closest allies. The VWP utilizes a risk-based, multi-layered approach to detect and prevent terrorists, serious criminals, and other mala fide actors from traveling to the United States. This approach incorporates regular, national-level risk assessments concerning the impact of each program country’s participation in the VWP on U.S. national security and law enforcement interests. It also includes comprehensive vetting of individual VWP travelers prior to their departure for the United States, upon arrival at U.S. ports of entry, and during any subsequent air travel within the United States.”[6]
[1] A guide for employers on the US B-1 Visa for business travel (localyze.com) [2] Visitor Visa (state.gov) [3] Ibid. [4] The below-mentioned point shave been retrieved from Visitor Visa (state.gov) [5] Ibid. [6] Visa Waiver Program | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)
