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B-1 Temporary Business VisitorYou may be eligible for a B-1 visa if you will be participating in business activities of a commercial or professional nature in the United States, including, but not limited to:
Eligibility CriteriaYou must demonstrate the following in order to be eligible to obtain a B-1 visa:
Application ProcessFor information on applying for a B-1 visa, see the “Department of State” link to the right. Aliens seeking a B-1 visa from certain countries may be able to enter the United States without a visa. For information about exemptions from the visa requirements, see the “Customs & Border Protection” link to the right. If you are in the United States in another valid nonimmigrant status, you may be eligible to change to B-1 status. To change to B-1 status, you must file a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. For more information, see the “Change my Nonimmigrant Status” link to the right. Period of Stay/Extension of Stay
At the port of entry, an immigration official must authorize your admission to the United States, and, if you are eligible for admission, you may be admitted initially for the period necessary to carry out your business activities, up to a maximum period of 1 year. If you who wish to stay beyond the time indicated on the Form I-94 without departing from the United States, you must file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status and submit any required supporting documents to USCIS. For more information, see the ”Extend my Stay” link to the right. Family of B-1 Visa HoldersYour spouse and children are not eligible to obtain a dependent visa. Each of your dependents who will be accompanying or following to join you must apply separately for a B-2 visa and must follow the regulations for that visa. Certain B-1 Activities that Require an Employment Authorization DocumentThe following types of B-1 business visitors require employment authorization:
Note: All applicants for a B-1 visa or admission as a B-1 business visitor as a personal or domestic servant described above must demonstrate the following:
Before you may commence employment in any of the above three activities, you will need to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. For more information on filing the Form I-765, see the “Work Authorization” link to your right.
Last Reviewed/Updated: 03/31/2011
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