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B-1 business visitor

United StatesShort stays and visits

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Explore pathways in United States Read the five questions ↓

For the relevant traveller scope, is a visa, electronic authorisation, visa on arrival or no advance visa normally required?

Generally a visa is required: the visitor (B-1/B-2) visa is a nonimmigrant visa for temporary entry for business, tourism or both. The official source does not state which travellers are exempt from the visa requirement.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • Visa-exempt travel (Visa Waiver Program, Canada/Bermuda) is linked from the page but its nationality matrix was not captured
  • https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html
    Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to travel to the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1 visa), for tourism (B-2 visa), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2 visa).

What short-visit purposes does this route cover?

Examples of activities permitted with a B-1 business visitor visa: consulting with business associates; attending a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference; settling an estate; and negotiating a contract.

See recorded sources

What maximum stay, rolling-period rule, validity and entry rules apply?

The visa only allows travel to a port of entry; CBP decides admission and records the permitted stay on an admission stamp or Form I-94. Staying beyond that date requires an extension from USCIS; overstaying voids the visa (INA 222(g)). The official source does not state a maximum length of stay.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • Maximum length of stay is not stated on the captured page

What important funds, accommodation, invitation, insurance, onward-travel or passport evidence may be required?

Passport valid at least six months beyond the stay (unless exempt by agreement); the consular officer may request evidence of trip purpose, intent to depart and ability to pay all trip costs (another person may cover costs). An invitation letter or Affidavit of Support is not needed.

See recorded sources

Where/how is permission obtained when required, and under what important circumstances can a stay be extended or changed?

Applicants apply online with Form DS-160 and are generally interviewed at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where they live. Extensions beyond the admission date are requested from USCIS; a change of status (e.g. after marrying a U.S. citizen or a job offer) may be requested from USCIS without a new visa while in the U.S. B visitors may not work.

See recorded sources

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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