Max Stay Per Entry
Typical Validity
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Application Form
Temporary business activities for foreign employers
The B-1 Business Visitor visa is a temporary, non-immigrant visa for individuals traveling to the United States to engage in business activities on behalf of a foreign employer. It allows short-term business trips for consultations, meetings, conferences, and contract negotiations.
The B-1 visa does NOT authorize employment in the United States. You cannot work for a U.S. employer, receive U.S. source payment, or engage in productive labor. Business activities must primarily benefit a foreign employer or foreign business interest.
Most U.S. embassies issue combined B-1/B-2 visas by default, which allows both business and tourism activities. However, if you're seeking a B-1-only visa for pure business purposes, you must clearly state this on your DS-160 and during your interview. The B-1/B-2 combination gives you maximum flexibility.
Permitted business activities under B-1 status
Consult with business associates, negotiate contracts, and participate in business meetings with U.S. partners or clients.
Attend professional conventions, conferences, seminars, or trade shows related to your business or profession.
Install, service, or repair commercial/industrial equipment purchased from outside the U.S., if specified in the sales contract.
Settle estates, conduct independent research, or handle financial matters for foreign entities.
Receive short-term training or attend corporate board meetings and shareholder meetings.
Continue working remotely for your foreign employer while temporarily in the U.S. (no U.S. source income).
All permitted B-1 activities share one critical characteristic: payment comes from a foreign source, not from a U.S. entity. The business activities must primarily benefit your foreign employer or a foreign business interest. You're representing foreign interests in the U.S., not working for U.S. companies.
Prohibited activities that violate B-1 status
A B-1 visa holder CANNOT engage in local employment or productive labor for hire in the United States. Violating these restrictions can result in visa revocation, deportation, and permanent bars from re-entering the U.S.
These situations require careful evaluation:
Violating B-1 restrictions can lead to:
If your activities don't clearly fit B-1 business visitor parameters, you may need a different visa:
Five straightforward steps to get your business visitor visa
Fill out Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) completely and accurately. Select B-1 Business Visitor as your visa category.
Critical: Clearly state that you're seeking a B-1 Business Visitor visa. Emphasize that payment comes from foreign employer and activities are temporary business-related only.
Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (MRV fee). Payment method varies by country/embassy.
Current Fee: $185 USD for B-1 visa (as of 2025)
Book your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Most applicants ages 14-79 must attend interview.
Varies by location:
Expedited Appointments: If you have urgent business needs (important meeting, time-sensitive contract), contact embassy with supporting documentation. Many embassies accommodate genuine business emergencies.
Appear for your scheduled interview. Consular officer will ask questions about your business purpose and evaluate your eligibility.
Required Documents:
Supporting Documents:
Interview Tips: Be very clear that: (1) You're paid by foreign employer, (2) Trip is temporary for specific business purpose, (3) You're not seeking U.S. employment, (4) You have strong ties to home country. Bring business documents to support your story!
If approved, your passport with visa will be returned via courier or pickup. Most applicants receive combined B-1/B-2 visa.
1-2 days
DS-160 completion
1-8 weeks
Interview wait time
5-10 days
Visa issuance
Total Cost: $185 visa fee + optional professional assistance
Complete documentation checklist for business visitor visa
Critical: Without these mandatory documents, you will NOT be allowed to attend your interview!
Most Important: The business letter from your foreign employer is the single most critical document for B-1 visa. It must clearly explain your business purpose and confirm foreign payment!
A proper business letter should include:
[Company Letterhead]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern / U.S. Embassy / Consulate General
Re: Business Trip to the United States - [Your Name], [Job Title]
This letter is to confirm that [Your Name], [Passport Number], employed as [Job Title] at [Company Name] since [Date], will be traveling to the United States from [Start Date] to [End Date] for business purposes.
Purpose of Trip:
[Detailed description of business activities - meetings, conferences, equipment servicing, etc.]
Business Contact in the U.S.:
[Name], [Title], [Company Name], [Address], [Phone], [Email]
Financial Arrangements:
All expenses for this business trip, including travel, accommodation, and daily expenses, will be covered by [Company Name]. [Your Name] will continue to receive their regular salary from our company during this period and will not receive any payment from U.S. sources.
Employment Details:
Position: [Job Title]
Salary: [Amount]
Employment Since: [Date]
Upon completion of business activities, [Your Name] will return to [Country] to resume their duties at [Company Name].
Should you require any additional information, please contact us at [Phone/Email].
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Name], [Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Seal/Stamp]
Reality: Consular officer may not ask for all documents, but having them ready demonstrates preparedness and strengthens your case!
Common questions about B-1 business visitor visa
In practice, most embassies issue combined B-1/B-2 visas by default, even if you only request B-1:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| B-1 Only | Pure business | Business meetings, conferences, equipment servicing only |
| B-2 Only | Tourism/pleasure | Vacation, family visits, medical treatment only |
| B-1/B-2 Combined | Both business & tourism | Can do business activities AND tourism on same trip |
Bottom Line: If your visa stamp says "B-1/B-2", you can engage in both business and tourism activities. The CBP officer at entry determines your admitted class based on your stated purpose. Most business visitors receive B-1/B-2 combined for maximum flexibility.
You CAN continue working remotely for your foreign employer while temporarily in the U.S. on B-1 visa, as long as you meet these requirements:
Important: While legal, extended stays for remote work can raise questions about your true intent. CBP officers may scrutinize frequent or long visits. Keep stays reasonable and maintain clear ties to home country!
The length of stay is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry, not by your visa validity:
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical Admission | Up to 6 months per entry (at officer's discretion) |
| For Business | Usually based on length of business activities stated |
| Extension Possible? | Yes, can request up to 6 more months (Form I-539) |
| Visa Validity | Typically 10 years (but doesn't equal stay duration) |
Period during which you can use the visa to enter the U.S. You can make multiple trips during this 10-year period.
How long you can remain in the U.S. per visit. Check your I-94 form for "Admit Until" date - this is when you must leave.
Critical: Overstaying even by one day voids your visa and can result in 3-10 year bans. Always check your I-94 online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov and leave before the "Admit Until" date!
Payment source is critical for B-1 visa qualification. Here are the acceptable arrangements:
But they CANNOT pay you a salary or fees for your services!
Best Practice: Your business letter should clearly state that your foreign employer is covering all major expenses (travel, salary, etc.) even if U.S. company covers some incidental costs during meetings.
B-1 visa allows installation, servicing, and training on commercial/industrial equipment, but only if certain requirements are met.
While legally possible to change status from B-1 to H-1B, it's extremely challenging and generally NOT recommended.
Important: Don't enter the U.S. on B-1 visa with intent to seek employment or change status to work visa. This is visa fraud and can result in permanent ban. If you want to work in the U.S., apply for the appropriate work visa from your home country!
Schedule a free consultation with our B-1 specialists to get personalized guidance for your business travel needs.
The B-1 business visitor visa enables you to engage in legitimate business activities on behalf of your foreign employer. Our experienced consultants guide you through every step: DS-160 completion, business letter preparation, documentation review, and interview coaching. We ensure your application clearly demonstrates the temporary business nature of your trip and foreign source of payment.
Business visa experts • High approval rates
Meetings, conferences, negotiations
Paid by foreign company
Multiple entries typical
B-1 specialists
Other visas for business and temporary visits
Most common visa issued - allows both business AND tourism activities on the same visa.
For substantial investment in U.S. business. Allows active management and operation of your business.
For specialty occupation workers with bachelor's degree. Allows employment with U.S. companies.
Key Principle: B-1 is for temporary business activities on behalf of foreign employers. If you're working FOR a U.S. entity or receiving U.S. payment, you need a work visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.), not B-1!