Note: For information for APEC meeting participants, see APEC Meetings in the U.S. - FAQs
The Business Visa Center (BVC) is part of the Department of State’s ongoing effort to better facilitate the issuance of visas for legitimate business travelers worldwide. The Business Visa Center is available to assist businesses in the United States and their partners, customers and colleagues around the world.
The Department of State is striving to make the visa process as understandable as possible The Business Visa Center, a part of Visa Services, in Washington, D.C., is a part of this effort to make visa information readily available.
The Business Visa Center assists businesses located in the United States (U.S.) by providing information about the application process for business (B-1) visitor visa travel to the U.S. As part of an ongoing effort, the BVC:
See Frequently Asked Questions below to learn more about the kinds of travel considered business related (B-1) visitor visa travel, and to find out if the BVC can assist with your visa question.
The Business Visa Center cannot:
It’s important to understand some basics about steps in the visa process. U.S. Embassies and Consulates in more than 200 countries overseas continue to have the responsibility under immigration law for the acceptance and processing of visa applications, and decisions about issuance of visas for foreign citizens to travel to the U.S. The Business Visa Center does not change the steps in the visa process nor can it interfere in the visa process.
Improved information for businesses and the public, in the form of up-to-date details about wait times for interviews and visa processing times, is available on most U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites and www.travel.state.gov. This information allows business travelers to better prepare for their interviews and plan their trips.
Do you still have questions about how the Business Visa Center can help you? See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
For inquiries falling within the scope of the Business Visa Center’s services, contact us:
Email: BusinessVisa@State.gov (preferred means of contact)
Phone: 202-663-3198 Hours: 8:30am to 5pm (EST) Monday – Friday.
For general visa information and to speak with a Visa Specialist, contact the Visa Office at:
Phone: 202-663-1225 Hours: 8:30am to 5pm (EST) Monday-Friday.
Press Release announcing the Business Visa Center.