Doing Business and Working Temporarily in the United States

The United States is a free and open society. We welcome citizens from around the world who want to come here to conduct legitimate business and work temporarily. We are dedicated to protecting their safety, keeping our doors open to them, and fostering the efficient transaction of commerce.

Each year hundreds of thousands of people travel to the United States to do business and work temporarily. We welcome the international exchange of commerce, the contribution of temporary workers to our society, and cultural, educational and training programs in the U.S. The kind of visa you will need is defined by immigration law, and relates to the intended purpose of your travel.

The U.S. government made some changes in visa procedures after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Advance planning by international travelers is essential to ensure they have their visa when they need it to come to the U.S. For most visa applicants, an interview is required as a standard part of visa processing. Visa applications are evaluated very carefully and take more time now than in the past. Some applications require additional security screening. Improved and automated procedures have considerably sped up visa clearance procedures.

Doing Business - Using Your Visitors (B-1) Visa

Certain kinds of "business" related travel, is permitted using a B-1 visitor visa. The definition of "business" under immigration law is limited, and does not generally allow for gainful employment, labor for hire or productive activity such as operating a business or consultancy work. Specifically, in the applicable U.S. law the term "business" is limited to the negotiation of contracts, consultation with business associates, litigation, and participation in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences or seminars and other legitimate activities of a commercial or professional nature.

Persons entering the U.S. on a visitor visa, for business or tourism (B-1/B-2), or without a visa on the Visa Waiver Program are not permitted to work. If you are planning to work, or to attend certain training in the U.S., you cannot enter the U.S. with a visitor visa. Instead, you will need a visa in one of the employment categories for temporary workers. Learn more

Traveling without a Visa - Some visitors, who are citizens of certain countries, traveling for visitor visa purposes for 90 days or less, and who meet all the requirements, can travel to the United States without a visa, on the Visa Waiver Program. Additionally, certain citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a visa to visit the U.S.