If you’re a citizen of a foreign country who needs to do business in the United States, you will probably need a B-1 business visa USA. It is a multiple entry, nonimmigrant visitor visa that allows business travelers to stay temporarily in the United States to engage in business activities. Below we cover the criteria for obtaining one, the benefits of having one, as well as the visa process.

What is the B-1 Business Visa USA?

B-1 visas are nonimmigrant visas issued to business travelers by the US government organization the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. These visas enable individuals to travel to the United States to conduct business temporarily. On a B-1 visa, you can’t be employed or perform duties such as consultancy work. 

The US government has provided examples of what you can do on a US B-1 visitor visa. They include:

  • Attend business meetings or consultations
  • Go to a business convention or conference
  • Settle an estate
  • Negotiate contracts
  • Apply for jobs and attend job interviews

For a full list of permissible activities on a visitor visa B-1 allowed by the US government, go to this site here.

Do I Need a B-1 Visa for the US?

If you fall under any of these categories, you’re probably eligible for the business visa:

  • Selling/setting up a booth/fair/etc.
  • Service engineer
  • Speaker or lecturer
  • Business venture
  • Conference
  • Researcher
  • Medical elective
  • Voluntary work
  • Working in the Outer Continental Shelf

B-1 Visa Benefits

Obtaining a B-1 visa for the United States can be beneficial for various reasons. The B-1 visa is a non immigrant visa category designed for temporary business visitors. Here are a few reasons why you might consider getting a B-1 visa:

  1. Business purposes: The B-1 visa allows you to engage in a wide range of business activities in the United States, such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, participating in business meetings, conducting market research, or consulting with business associates. If you have business interests or opportunities in the US, having a B-1 visa enables you to pursue them.
  2. Networking and collaborations: Attending conferences, trade shows, or industry events in the US can provide valuable opportunities for networking and establishing business connections. With a B-1 visa, you can participate in such events, interact with professionals in your field, and explore potential collaborations or partnerships.
  3. Training and consulting: If you are required to provide training or consultancy services to a US-based company, a B-1 visa allows you to engage in these activities legally. You can share your expertise, deliver workshops or seminars, and contribute to the professional development of individuals or organizations.
  4. Site visits and inspections: If your work involves visiting company branches, factories, or facilities in the US, a B-1 visa allows you to conduct site visits and inspections. This is particularly useful for professionals involved in quality control, supply chain management, or project oversight.
  5. Temporary work assignments: In certain cases, if you need to travel to the US for a short-term work assignment, the B-1 visa can be suitable. It permits you to engage in specific work activities for a limited period, as long as you maintain your primary employment outside the United States. Essentially, the B-1 visa is your window into fostering business relationships and visiting the United States as often as needed for your business affairs. After your visa expires, you can easily apply for another one. The best part is, there’s no cap on how many visas can be issued each year. 

The Visa Waiver Program

However, you don’t always need a B-1 visa to enter the United States. If you’re a citizen from one of the countries part of the Visa Waiver Program, you don’t need a visa to enter. Simply apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) instead.

The Waiver Program lets citizens of 35 countries travel to the US for tourism or business, for 90 days or less, without needing a visa. Citizens of participating countries must meet the eligibility criteria to travel without a visa on the visa waiver scheme. For more information, visit the United States Department of State official website here.

What is the difference between the B-1 Visa and the B-2 Visa?

Like the B-1 Visa, the B-2 Visa is also a non immigrant, multiple entry visa. The key difference between the two categories is that B-2 Visa is for tourism purposes, rather than business purposes. As such, the B-2 Visa is suitable for the following purposes:

  • Tourism activities such as sightseeing and experiencing US culture
  • Visiting family or friends
  • Medical treatment: If you are travelling for medical care, you may need to provide proof that your medical, living and transportation costs in the US will be paid.
  • Amateur performances: If you are an amateur performer, whether individually or as a part of a group, you may be eligible for a B-2 Visa, but you must not receive any remuneration other than an allowance for expenses as this visa is not suitable for anyone hired to do a professional performance.
  • Amateur athletics: If you are participating in an amateur athletics event, you may qualify for a B-2 Visa, but you must not receive payment other than remuneration for expenses.
  • Short courses of study: If you intend to engage in a course of study that does not result in earning an academic credit or completing an academic program of study, a B-2 Visa may be suitable.

Business Visa USA Eligibility Criteria 

The B-1 visa requirements that you must meet are:

  • You have a business-related intent for visiting the US
  • You’re financially covered for your stay and you’re able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds 
  • You intend to return to your home country as soon as your visa expires (unless you must extend it to further engage in business affairs)
  • You must submit the required documents and detailed information to support your application (which may include supporting documents such as a travel itinerary).
  • You must pay the visa application fee, which is typically around $185, as well as a visa issuance fee.

B-1 Visa Application Process: Step-By-Step

The US B-1 visa is issued by the US Department of State through its consular offices located in various countries around the world. These consular offices are typically part of US embassies or consulates and are responsible for processing visa applications and conducting interviews.

To obtain a B-1 visa, you would generally need to submit an application to the US embassy or consulate in your home country or the country where you have legal residence. The visa application process typically involves filling out the required forms (including Form DS-160), paying the application fee, providing supporting documents, and attending an in-person visa interview.

During the interview, a consular officer will assess your eligibility for the B-1 visa, and ask questions about your purpose of travel, intended activities in the US, and other relevant additional information. The officer will decide based on the information provided and the requirements set by US immigration laws and regulations.

Document Requirements for the B-1 Visa

You must have the following documents to support your visa application:

  • The Form DS-160 confirmation page and code
  • A copy of a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the US
  • A list of the social media accounts you use, with the name of each account listed
  • Interview confirmation
  • A photo that complies with the US visa photo requirements
  • A letter describing the purpose of your trip
  • Financial or bank statements to prove you have the finances to stay in the US
  • Ties to your home country, such as family, job contract, lease, or property deed, which prove you will return
  • Criminal records or letters from authorities stating that you do not have prior convictions
  • If you have visited the US before, bring documents relevant to your prior visits.
  • If you work, bring a letter from your employer and payslips for the last three months.
  • A letter from the company detailing the purpose of the trip and your job position

Important note: Visa applicants must attend the interview with all documents on hand. Be prepared to answer questions from the interviewer as to the nature of your visit to the United States. You also may be asked about your background, what business you will be doing in the US, and whether you intend to return – answer in specifics to enhance the chances of your B-1 visa getting approved.

Can I Get a Green Card as a B-1 Visa Holder?

Sadly, you can’t acquire a green card as a B-1 holder. One of the criteria for acquiring a B-1 is to prove you intend to return to your home country. This means you cannot make plans to stay in the US permanently. If you are interested in obtaining permanent residence in the US, then perhaps look into the US’s two other visas, the EB-5 Visa USA Permanent Resident or the E-2 visa USA. Both visas let you stay in the US indefinitely, and provide an opportunity to apply for a green card.

To find out more about immigration opportunities, investment visas, and work visas in the United States, the following articles may be useful:

Do I need an Employment Authorization Document?