Visitor
B-1 VISA
Visitor for Business
The B-1 classification is appropriate for those seeking entry to the United States to engage in temporary, business-related activities. Permissible business activities include conventions, conferences, consultations, and other legitimate commercial and professional activities. This category does not allow individuals to engage in local employment for hire within the United States.
Typical acceptable activities in the B-1 category include:
negotiating contracts, meeting with business associates, participating in scientific, educational, professional, or business conferences or conventions, and litigating
Foreign medical students may also be granted the B-1 visa and status for unpaid observer ships. It is appropriate on a limited basis for missionaries as well as certain ministers exchanging pulpits. This category is available, subject to very specific requirements, to personal and/or domestic attendants of certain non-immigrants and U.S. citizens who hold international jobs. These attendants must obtain separate work authorization documents.
Requirements
- Show that business activities primarily benefit a non-U.S. based company
How We Can Help You
- The Global Solicitors Law Firm provides assistance and advice regarding B-1 options, including the parameters of permissible activities and options for extensions or changes of status.
- Our attorneys provide guidance and representation in connection with requests for B-1 personal and/or domestic attendants.
- We provide B-1 visa application assistance and advice to individuals who are abroad.
- Our affiliate, Global Solicitors & Co. provides representation and guidance in visa matters, including routine and more complex B-1 visa applications.
B-2 VISA
Visitor for Pleasure
The B-2 classification is appropriate for those planning to visit the United States for pleasure. The intent at the time of the visa application and admission must be to engage in a purely temporary visit, followed by departure from the U.S.
The B-2 category is appropriate for tourism, social visits, certain medical treatments, and participation in amateur sports, music and related events. This category is also used for domestic partners not in a marital relationship, to accompany their qualifying partners. B-2 visitors generally are admitted to the United States for an initial admission period of six months. However, port of entry officers can further limit the admission period based on the purpose of the visit, one’s U.S. travel history, and other considerations. In some situations, it is possible to obtain extensions of B-2 stay beyond the initial admission period. However, it is necessary to establish the need to extend the visit in a manner consistent with the B-2 requirements.
Requirements
- Ability to show the U.S. visit as purely temporary and for activities permitted under the B-2
- If for medical treatment, documentation of the need for treatment in the United States and the financial ability to pay for the treatment
How We Can Help You
- For those within the United States, our attorneys advise as to options for obtaining a change to or extension of the B-2 from within the United States, and represent individuals in connection with changes or extensions of status, if appropriate.
- For individuals outside the U.S., we provide assistance and advice related to B-2 visa applications at U.S. consulates. We assist in appropriate cases involving prior denials and prior immigration violations.
- Our affiliate, Global Solicitors & Co. provides representation and guidance with visa matters, including routine and more complex B-2 visa applications.
VISA WAIVER
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is available to citizens of a specified list of countries. These countries are designated for inclusion in the VWP based on having low rates of immigration violations as well as meeting other security-related protections.
Citizens of the designated countries are permitted to travel to the United States for up to 90-days to engage in activities that would be appropriate within the categories of visitor for business or visitor for pleasure (B-1/B-2). The list of designated countries is available on the U.S. Customs and Borders Protection Website.
The VWP facilitates routine travel for business or pleasure by eliminating the need to apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate before entry. However, it contains strict prohibitions on obtaining extensions or changes of status within the United States.
Requirements
- Must hold and travel on the passport of a designated country
- Advance travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) [Those unable to obtain approval through ESTA cannot use the VWP.]
- Machine readable passport [Some must meet e-Passport requirements.]
- Purely temporary travel, lasting no more than 90 days
- Visit consistent with the B-1 or B-2 visitor category
How We Can Help You
- The Global Solicitors Law Firm provides assistance and advice regarding U.S. travel options, including the VWP.
- We can review and assess the benefits and drawbacks of VWP travel for eligible foreign nationals.