VISITOR’S VISA TO THE UNITED STATES

Explore the Possibilities. Understand the Boundaries.

A visitor's visa provides individuals with temporary entry into the U.S. to pursue business ventures, for travel, or to participate in research endeavors. USILaw and our team of legal professionals offer clients support throughout the visa application process.

TYPES OF VISITOR’S VISAS	CATEGORY OF VISITOR
B-1	Nonimmigrant to enter the U.S. temporarily for business purposes
B-2	Tourist Nonimmigrant visa

Selected Categories of Permissible Travel on an B-1 Visitor’s Visa

PURPOSE OF TRAVEL	RESTRICTIONS AND PERMISSIBE ENGAGEMENT
ATHLETE	Cannot receive salary or other remuneration. Can participate as an Athlete in individual or team sports activity. May also ‘try-out’ for a professional team. Cannot be employed either for short or long duration
BUSINESS VENTURE	Short term visit to assess business needs or attend meetings. Cannot remain in the United States to manage business. Receipt of Salary or other employment benefits not allowed.
CONFERENCE, MEETING, TRADE SHOW, OR BUSINESS EVENT ATTENDEE	Temporary visit should be limited to scientific, educational, professional or business purposes. Cannot salary or income from a U.S based company/entity.
LECTURER OR SPEAKER	Receipt of Salary or other employment benefits not allowed. Honorariums can be received but there are restrictions on the type and number of institutions (within a 6-month period) it can be received from
RESEARCHER	Allowed to enter for independent research but not allowed to receive income / salary or benefit U.S. based entity / institution
SALES	Limited to activity involving exhibitions or signing/ negotiating sales contract for products produced outside the U.S.
TRAINING	Limited to participation in a training program that does not constitute employment. No salary or income allowed except reimbursements for traveler’s stay and related expense

B1 IN LIEU OF H

There are provisions within the Visitor’s Visa program that enables individuals to engage in short term work assignments on a B-1 visa. Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

• Hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree
• Plan to perform H-1B-caliber work or training
• Will be paid only by their bona fide foreign (non-U.S.) employer, except reimbursement of incidental travel costs such as housing and per diem allowance. The individual must not receive any salary from a source in the United States.
• The task can be accomplished in a short period of time

These individuals may travel on a B-1/B-2 visa and will be admitted to the United States as B1 visitors. They may only stay in the U.S. for the time allotted by the Department of Homeland Security at the port of entry (up to a maximum of 3 months). As with everyone travelling on a B1/B2 visa, such individuals must still show strong professional, familial and financial or other ties to their home country or place of residence. This demonstrates a commitment and incentive to return to the country of origin or another country other than the United States.

Schedule your initial consultation and learn more about the types of temporary workers' visas and requirements.