Business Travelers

Travelers wishing to visit the United States for business reasons that do not involve receiving salary or payment of any kind from a U.S. source may apply for a business visa. The visa symbol is "B-1".

Business travel generally means engaging in business activities other than the actual performance of labor. To work in the United States, you will need a visa specifically for that purpose. If you intend to work in the United States, please see the temporary workers visa category.

Travelers holding B-1 visas may travel to the U.S. for purposes such as to consult with business associates, negotiate a contract, buy goods or materials, participate in business or professional conventions or conferences, or attend trainings or meetings on behalf of a foreign employer. The traveler may not receive payment (except for incidental expenses) from a United States source while traveling on a B-1 visa.

Note: The length of the visa does not equate the length of stay. When you enter the United States, you will be inspected by an officer of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The officer will determine the amount of time you will be permitted to remain in the U.S. Extensions of stay will be approved only for unexpected or compelling humanitarian reasons. The maximum extension period of stay for travelers entering with a B visa is 6 months.

Application Procedures: For information on applying for this visa, please see “How to Apply.”

Due to new security regulations, some applications may require additional clearance and longer processing. Since the application process cannot be accelerated, please apply well in advance of your travel date, and do not purchase plane tickets until you have received your visa. Applicants should refrain from calling the Embassy to inquire about the status of their application. Visa applicants should never assume their application will be automatically approved.