B-1 (visitor for business) / B-2 (visit or for pleasure)
The B-1 or B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa option for internationals seeking a temporary entry into the U.S. for the purpose of business in which there will be no employer/employee relationship; medical treatment; or, for tourism.
The B-1 visitor visa for business must be applied for through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the U.S. by presenting evidence of a temporary invitation to the U.S. in which there will be no employer/employee relationship (e.g. Consultant with no compensation; Short-Term Visitor or Observer; or, Conference attendee). The U.S State department offers an overview chart of key grouping of temporary business related travel allowed under the business visitor visa( B-1)
The B-2 visitor visa for tourism must be applied for through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the U.S. by presenting evidence of intent to enter the U.S. temporarily to visit the U.S. for tourism or to enter the U.S. for medical treatment.
At the time of B-1 or B-2 visa application to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the U.S., the international must present a valid passport; evidence of purpose for entering U.S.; evidence of temporary nature of purpose; evidence of no U.S. Employer/employee relationship; evidence of ability to fund complete stay in the U.S.; and, evidence of strong ties to the home country.
The ultimate decision to the grant the B-1 or B-2 visa is that of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
The ultimate decision to grant the B-1 or B-2 visa status and/or entry into the U.S. will be that of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) by presentation of the same documentation presented to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
A department inviting an international visitor for a purpose that does not meet the definition of B-1 and/or B-2 should consult with the Office of International Affairs to determine the appropriate visa sponsorship which should be supported.
INSTITUTIONAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT – All non-U.S. Citizens on institutional premises are required to check-in and be cleared by the Office of International Affairs with original immigration documents and a copy of appointment and/or invitation letter before beginning appointment.
Note - The period of authorized stay granted by the US CBP Officer will be dependent on the documentation presented but in most cases will be granted for periods of 1 day to six months. The exact period of entry granted is determined by the US CBP Officer and this date will be noted on the Form I-94 which will be issued at the U.S. Port of Entry. It is critical that the international visitor review the I-94 immediately upon issuance to ensure the period of stay does not expire prematurely. If an extension of stay will be necessary, an application to extend status must be filed with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (US CIS) at least fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration date noted on the Form I-94 by filing Form I-539 with all required supporting documents and fee. Form I-539 and instructions on filing an extension of stay may be obtained from the US CIS website http://www.uscis.gov/
WB (Visa Waiver for Tourist for Business) and/or WT (Visa Waiver for Tourist for Tourism)
The Visa Waiver Program is available for internationals from eligible countries seeking a temporary entry into the U.S. not to exceed 90 days for the purpose of business or tourism as defined in the B-1 or B-2 description above. The major difference between the B-1/B-2 and the WB/WT is that the WB/WT does not require a visa application to a U.S. Embassy or Consul abroad; is restricted to a period of stay not to exceed 90 days from entry into the U.S.; no extension of stay in the U.S. beyond the 90 day period may be requested; no change of status in the U.S. to another immigration status may be requested; and, is only available to nationals of countries in which the U.S. Government has a valid Visa Waiver Agreement. Additional details about the Visa Waiver Program and a list of countries the U.S. has valid agreements with may be obtained from the U.S. Department of State website http://www.travel.state.gov/
A department inviting an international visitor for a purpose other that does not meet the definition of WB or WT or for a period more than the 90 day maximum period of the WB/WT should consult with the Office of International Affairs to determine the appropriate visa sponsorship which should be supported.
INSTITUTIONAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT – All non-U.S. Citizens on institutional premises are required to check-in and be cleared by the Office of International Affairs with original immigration documents and a copy of appointment and/or invitation letter before beginning appointment.
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