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General Information on Business Visas: Foreigners working for a foreign entity
are allowed to visit the United States on a B1 Business Visitor Visa. B1
Business Visas are more advantageous than visa waivers for various reasons
depending on the circumstances, including visa extensions and adjustment of
status.
Business Visa Eligibility Requirements: Foreign nationals interested in visiting
the United States for business purposes that do not involve receiving salary or
payment are eligible to apply for a B1 Business Visa. Additional screening and
interviews are now required at most United States Embassies and Consulates due
to events of September 11th, 2001. It is vital to follow the instructions on the
B-1 Business Visitor Visa Application Guide for the visa to be issued.
Business Visa Length of Stay: Persons admitted to the United States on a B1
Nonimmigrant Business Visa are usually issued a 6-month stay. The maximum length
of stay for visitor visa holders is 6 months. The immigration officer at the
port of entry determines how long each visitor is allowed to stay in the
country. Most visitors have their I-94 cards stamped with a 6-month stay,
however the immigration officer has the right to issue a shorter stay on a case
by case basis. Upon entry into the United States, the foreign visitor has the
right to request an extension of stay.
B1 Business Visa Change of Status: Individuals who enter the United States on
B1 Business Visas are normally eligible to change status to permanent resident
(Green Card holder) if they qualify, or to other non-immigrant status, such as
temporary workers (H1B, H2B, E1, E2, E3), student (F1 Student Visa), among
other categories. Individuals who enter the United States under the the Visa
Waiver Program are not eligible to change status. The option to change status is
the major advantage of Nonimmigrant Visas over the Visa Waiver Program.
Important Warning for Business Visa Holders: Persons admitted to the United
States under a B1 Business Visitor Visa are not allowed to work or receive any
kind of payment while staying in the United States. Foreign nationals who wish
to work in the United States must apply for a work visa, such as an H1B or H2B
Visa. |
