B 1 Visa
The B-1 visa is for business travelers planning short-term visits to the US.
B-1 Visa Application Advice
The B 1 visa allows you to carry out business-related activity within the US during a time-limited visit.
It is used primarily by business travellers who do not qualify for ESTA or visa-free travel to the USA, for example where the intended stay will last for longer than 90 days or if the applicant has a criminal record.
Applying for the B 1 visa will require a petition to be made to the local US Consular and attending a visa interview.
What is a B 1 visa?
Business travellers who are ineligible for visa-free travel under the US Visa Waiver Program can apply to enter the US using a B 1 visa.
When applying, you must evidence you will be participating in permissible business activities of a commercial or professional nature while in the US. The application process requires that you submit supporting documentation to evidence the purpose of your visit. Failure to present a comprehensive and complete application can lead to delays in a decision or even refusal.
The visa permits time-limited entry to the US, and you must leave before visa expiry.
What you need to know about the B 1 Visa
You only be allowed to carry out the approved activities under the visa. This does not extend, for example, to tourism. Should you intend to combine business and leisure activities during your stay in the US, you should apply on the basis of the combined B1/B2 visa.
You are also not able to bring dependants with you on a B 1 visa. They must apply separately for entry clearance, through ESTA or an appropriate classification of visa.
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Your questions answered
Am I covered by the Visa Waiver Program?
The B 1/B 2 Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of specified countries to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visitor visa:
United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan.
In addition to having status as a national of one of the specified countries, you must also not otherwise be ineligible for a US visa, for example due to a criminal record. You must also hold a valid e-passport.
Am I covered by the Visa Waiver Program?
The B 1/B 2 Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of specified countries to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visitor visa:
United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein,Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan.
You must not otherwise be ineligible for a US visa, for example due to a criminal record. You must also hold a valid e-passport.
What are the eligibility criteria for the B 1 visa?
If you do not come under the Visa Waiver Program, to be eligible to obtain a visa, you must demonstrate as part of your application that:
- The purpose of your trip is to enter the US for business of a legitimate nature
- You plan to remain for a specific, limited period of time
- You have the funds to cover the expenses of the trip and your stay in the US
- You have formal ties to your home country such as a permanent residence to ensure your return at the end of the visit
- You are otherwise admissible to the US
The most common reason for refusal of visas is the applicant showing insufficient evidence of social, family or economic ties to the home country that would ensure return following the visit to the USA.
The B 1 visa should generally be applied for from your home country – ie where you are a citizen or permanent resident. Applications made in other countries tend to run a higher risk of being turned down.
Can my dependants apply under the visa?
Can I change status to a B 1 visa?
What activities are permitted under the visa?
While in the US as a business visitor, you are permitted to:
- Conduct negotiations
- Solicit sales or investment
- Discuss planned investment or purchases
- Make investments or purchases
- Attend and participate in meetings
- Interview and hire staff
- Conduct research
What activities are not permitted under the B 1 visa?
The following activities require a working visa, and may not be carried out by business visitors under a B 1 visa:
- Running a business
- “Gainful employment”
- Payment by an organization within the US
- Participating as a professional in entertainment or sporting events
If in doubt, it is advisable to seek advice on the immigration options open to you based on your specific circumstances.
How long does the B 1 visa allow me to stay in the US?
You will generally be granted six months admission on entry under the visa, though the maximum allowable stay is 1 year.
It may be possible to obtain a six-month extension to your visa as long as you will be maintaining your visitor status, and can provide good reason for this.
In some circumstances, it may be possible to change status to a longer-tern visa while you are on a B 1 visa. To do so, you must first enquire with the relevant Consulate as to the likelihood of a visa change based on the specific facts of your circumstances and on the understanding that there was no prior intent to take this course of action.
What is a combined B 1/B 2 visa?
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