Visa Information

B-1 Business Visa

The B-1 Visitor for Business visa classification may be used by scholars coming to the United States for temporary stays (generally less than six months) to participate in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions/conferences, or to undertake independent research. 

Useful links about B-1 Visa

   1. B-1 Visa - General Information from Texas A&M University

   2. B-1 Visa - Official web site of INS

B-1 Visa - Top questions

What benefits can be obtained from a B-1 Visa?
The B-1 visa allows an individual to enter the United States to engage in business related activities.


How long may the visitor for business stay in the United States?
The visitor for business will be granted a period of stay necessary to conduct his or her business transaction. This period, however, cannot exceed one year.


What is the process for an individual to obtain a B-1 visa?
An individual must submit his or her application for a nonimmigrant visa (B-1) to the U.S. consulate.


What is the period of validity for the B-1 visa?
Most U.S. embassies issue a B-1 visa with a period of validity of up to ten years.


May the visitor for business be allowed to work while in the United States?
Individuals with B-1 visas cannot engage in gainful employment while in the United States.


What are the requirements to obtain a B-1 visa?
An individual must satisfy five requirements to obtain a B-1 visa:

    1. The individual is entering the U.S. for a specific period of time;

    2. The individual must intend to depart the U.S. at the expiration of his or her stay;

    3. The individual must maintain a foreign residence while in the U.S;

    4. The individual has adequate funds to travel to and depart the U.S. and;

    5. The individual will engage in business legitimate activities.


Are citizens from all countries required to obtain a B-1 visa from a U.S. embassy to enter the United States as a visitor for business?

Citizens of Canada are not required to obtain a B-1 visa from a U.S. embassy to enter the U.S. as a visitor for business. Nationals of twenty-eight countries do not need to obtain B-visas for business or tourist visits to the United States of ninety days or less.

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