ImmigrationNetLine.com - B-1 Visa: Temporary Visitors for Business

The B-1 Visa allows for travel to the United States for the purpose of conducting temporary business activities. The B-1 visa does not allow for employment while in the United States. Acceptable temporary business activities include attending sales meetings, contract negotiations, or trade shows, acting as a purchasing agent for a foreign employer to procure U.S. goods, or consulting with U.S. business associates or observing U.S. business operations. In addition, Canadians and Mexicans may engage in additional activities listed under NAFTA. The principal benefit of the business activity must accrue to the foreign national or corporate entity abroad. Furthermore, there can be no direct remuneration or salary payment from a U.S. source. The business visitor must also demonstrate a limited stay in the U.S., a foreign residence abroad that has not been abandoned, and nonimmigrant intent.

An application for a B-1 visa is made directly with the U.S. consulate in the home country of the foreign national. However, Canadians and Mexicans may apply for B-1 status on the intended day of entry at any "Class A" Port of Entry or International Airport. Applicants should show specific and realistic plans as well as credible support arrangements for their time in the United States. The duration of the B-1 visa is limited to the time required to conduct the business activity, up to an initial grant of one year.

The United States has agreements with over 25 countries that allow foreign visitors to enter the United States for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program. Nationals from these countries are not required to make a formal visa application before attempting to enter the United States. For a list of these countries, please see the following table: