This article provides an overview of the permissible activities as a standard visitor in the United States of America (USA).

The United States of America

B-1 Visitor Visa

Certain kinds of business related travel are 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.

What Type of Business is the B-1 Visa Suitable For?

• Participants to attend scientific, educational, professional, business, or religious conventions.

• Business professionals to participate in commercial transactions (which do not involve gainful employment) such as negotiating contracts and consulting with business associates.

• Persons to undertake independent studies such as feasibility studies, market research or any such activity.

• Persons to attend professional or business conferences, workshops, or seminars.

• Business professionals to explore possibilities to set up a subsidiary of a foreign corporation, or to make investments.

• Technical personnel to install or service equipment pursuant to a contract of sale, or to provide after sales service.

• Business professionals to attend meetings as a member of the Board of Directors of a U.S. corporation.

• Professionals to conduct business consultations with business associates in the U.S.

• Purchasing agents of a foreign employer to come to the U.S. to procure goods, components, or raw materials for use outside the U.S.

• Foreign business persons coming to the U.S. in conjunction with litigation.

• U.S. companies to bring foreign business consultants for training or expert advice.

• U.S. universities to bring foreign guest speakers or lecturers.