A B-1 business visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for business-related activities for up to six months. The visa is valid for 10 years.
B-1 visas are suitable only for short-term business in the U.S. and do not allow for long-term residency or employment.
Purpose and use cases for a B-1 visa
A B-1 visa is designed for those who need to visit the U.S. for business purposes for a short period of time. This visa is ideal for individuals looking to open a new office in the U.S. or attend a U.S.-based office for training.
Common use cases include:
- Attending a conference, convention, or seminar
- Negotiating a contract with a client
- Opening a new office
- Running a fundraiser
- Conducting business
- Settling an estate
- Participating in work-related training
- Attending business meetings
- Conducting research
All B-1 visa holders must fund their own expenses while in the U.S. as this visa is not an employment visa, which means holders cannot earn income from a U.S. company.
Qualifications and eligibility for a B-1 visa
B-1 visa holders are often used by those unable to enter the U.S. under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or the visa waiver program. Applicants must supply the following information to obtain their visa:
- Reason for travel. Applicants must prove they are traveling to the U.S. for a business-related activity.
- Intent to return. Applicants must prove their intent to return to their home country by demonstrating ties to their home country, such as their family, job, property, or commitments that require their return.
- Plan for stay. Individuals must prove their visit will be temporary. B-1 visas typically cover up to six months of work, though extensions can be granted.
- Background check. Applicants must prove they have a clean criminal record.
- Valid passport. Passports must be valid for at least six months longer than the period they plan to spend in the U.S.
- Proof of finances. Applicants can supply pay stubs, bank statements, or other documents that prove they have the funds to support themselves during their stay.
- Visa application payment. Application fees are non-refundable and vary in cost, starting at US$185 for a non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa.
- Passport photo. Applicants must submit a recent passport-sized photo that meets all U.S. visa photo requirements.
- Form DS-160. All applicants must complete Form DS-160, the Non-immigration Visa Application Form, through the online application portal during the B-1 visa application process.
B-1 visa application process
Once applicants have confirmed they are eligible for a B-1 visa, they apply at either their local U.S. embassy or consulate. Historically, this application process took about 90 days, but processing times have recently increased to four to five months. B-1 visas can be expedited for certain applicants.
The application process requires individuals to provide essential information and complete an interview with a consular officer. The overall process includes:
- Online registration. The process begins with creating an online account through the local U.S. embassy or consulate website to initiate the application.
- Application form submission. Each candidate must complete Form DS-160 through the online portal and retain a printed confirmation page for records.
- Fee payments. A non-refundable visa application fee must be submitted through the embassy's approved payment system.
- Interview scheduling. Candidates are required to schedule a mandatory in-person interview at their nearest U.S. consular office.
- Biometric collection. A visit to an Application Support Center is required to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph.
- Interview completion. The process concludes with attending the scheduled interview while presenting all required documentation, including the DS-160 confirmation page, passport, supporting documents, and application fee receipt.
All applicants aged 14 through 79 must attend a visa interview to explain the purpose of their trip, their ties to their home country, and how they plan to return to their home country once they have finished their business in the U.S.
Successful applicants are clear and concise about the reason for conducting business in the U.S. and can prove their strong ties to their home country.
If the office denies the visa request, the applicant will receive a letter explaining the reasons behind the denial. Common reasons for B-1 visa denials include:
- Lack of ties to the applicant’s home country
- Vague business purpose
- Inconsistent application information
- Previous visa violations
B-1 visa vs. B-1/B-2 visa
A B-1 visa is for business activities, while a B-2 visa, or "tourism" visa, is for pleasure. Both B-1 and B-2 visa holders can travel freely within the U.S. during their authorized stay of up to six months.
The key distinction is not in travel restrictions but rather in permitted activities: B-1 visitors engage in temporary business activities like attending conferences or consulting with associates, while B-2 visitors pursue recreational activities, such as:
- Visit relatives or friends living in the U.S.
- Go on holiday
- Seek medical treatment while in the U.S. under some circumstances
The U.S. can grant both visas simultaneously.
FAQs about B-1 visas
Below are answers to common questions about B-1 visa duration, extensions, and family considerations. Understanding these considerations helps employers and visa applicants effectively handle the requirements and limitations of the B-1 visa program.
What is the duration of stay allowed on a B-1 visa?
B-1 visas are usually valid for up to six months, though this varies depending on how long the U.S. Customs and Border Control (CBP) deems necessary. Holders can apply for an extension if they want to stay for longer.
It should be noted that the B-1 is considered a multiple-entry visa, which grants an unlimited number of visits per year to the U.S. However, CBP officers do have discretion in allowing the holder entry.
Can a B-1 visa holder extend their stay?
Yes, B-1 visa holders can apply for an additional six months, bringing their entire stay in the U.S. to one year. To apply, a holder must file Form I-539 (Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigration Status) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at least 45 days before their B-1 visa expires.
Can family members accompany a B-1 visa holder?
No, family members cannot accompany a B-1 visa holder. Family members can instead apply for a B2 visa if they wish to join the B-1 visa holder.
Is the B-1 visa renewable?
Yes, the B-1 visa is renewable. To be eligible for renewal, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Previous visa was valid for at least five years
- Visa expired within the last 48 months
- Applicant was at least 14 years or older when they applied for their visa
- U.S. has not rejected the applicant’s visa during the previous 12 months
- Holder doesn’t have a criminal record or arrests on record
- Applicant’s name, gender, and date of birth have remained unchanged since the last visa was issued
- Holder has not exceeded 180-day stay in the U.S.
It usually takes four to six weeks to renew a B-1 visa, and the renewal process looks very similar to the initial application process.
Can a B-1 visa holder apply for a work visa while in the U.S.?
As of March 2023, B-1 visa holders can apply for jobs and attend interviews in the U.S. However, a change of visa status, such as changing to an H-1B work visa, is required before holders can start working.
The B-1 visa process can be exhausting for an applicant or their employer to navigate. As a leading employer of record (EOR), Velocity Global helps businesses and their talent navigate the ins and outs of immigration, relocation, and mobility by offering visa support and worldwide coverage to transfer talent across borders for temporary or permanent needs.
Learn more about our integrated global immigration services and how we help businesses hire, pay, relocate, and retain global talent with speed and compliance.
Disclaimer: The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. © 2024 Velocity Global, LLC. All rights reserved.
