Visitor Visas for Business ("B-1") and Pleasure ("B-2")
The U.S. Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) offers a number of “non-immigrant” visas for individuals who wish to enter the United States for business purposes, but who do not plan to move to the U.S. permanently or to take up residence in the country in long term. If you are one of these entrepreneurs, you may have considered a B-1 business visa.
Those who seek a B-1 Visa are typically entering the U.S. on a “business visit.” The purpose of the visit might be to seek funding for a new business, rent an office or industrial space, negotiate a business contract, or attend business meetings held in the United States. The visa typically allows the entrepreneur to stay for up to six months, although extensions are available.
You may qualify for a B-1 visa if:
● you need to stay in the U.S. for a short, specific, and limited time period, ● you plan to enter the U.S. to set up a new business or office in the country, and your plans include taking specific steps toward setting up your new business or office, ● you need to participate in business meetings and other activities in person, ● you have the financial resources to cover your expenses while in the United States without taking a job, and you plan to receive no income from a U.S. source while in the country, or
● you plan to maintain your residence and ties abroad while you are in the U.S
Visitor Visas for Pleasure B-2
You can qualify for a B-2 Visa if you plan on entering the U.S for a limited time for pleasure (tourist) The B-2 visa may be issued in either single entry or multiple entry formats and The B-2
visa may also be issued for a limited time frame or on an indefinite basis.
Qualifying for a Visa
Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The presumption in the law is that every visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:
The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment; That they plan to remain for a specific, limited period; and That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit.
Visa Ineligibility/ Waiver
The nonimmigrant visa application Form DS-160 lists classes of persons who are ineligible under U.S. law to receive visas. In some instances an applicant who is ineligible, but who is otherwise properly classifiable as a visitor, may apply for a waiver of ineligibility and be issued a visa if the waiver is approved.
Applying for a Visitor Visa
Applicants for visitor visas should generally apply at the American Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.
Required Documentation
1) Each applicant for a visitor visa must submit 1) An application Form DS-160, completed and signed;
2) A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date of at least six months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application;
3) One photograph 1 and 1/2 inches square (37×37 mm) for each applicant aged 16 and older, showing full face, without head covering, against a light background.
Optional Documentation
Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors under U.S. law. Evidence that shows the purpose of the trip, intent to depart the United States, and arrangements made to cover the costs of the trip may be provided. It is impossible to specify the exact form the evidence should take since applicants’ circumstances vary greatly.
Persons traveling to the U.S. on business can present a letter from the U.S. business firm indicating the purpose of the trip, the bearer’s intended length of stay, and the firm’s intent to defray travel costs. Persons traveling to the U.S. for pleasure may use letters from relatives or friends in the U.S. whom the applicant plans to visit, or confirmation of participation in a planned tour.
Persons traveling to the U.S. for medical treatment should have a statement from a doctor or institution concerning proposed medical treatment.
Those applicants who do not have sufficient funds to support themselves while in the U.S. must present convincing evidence that an interested person will provide support. Visitors are not permitted to accept employment during their stay in the U.S. Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may provide other evidence substantiating the trip’s purpose and specifying the nature of binding obligations, such as family ties or employment, which would compel their return abroad.
A Dependable Immigration Lawyer
If you are an immigrant who is currently facing barriers to a new life in America, get in touch with the compassionate lawyers at the Law Offices of Azhang & Associates, Inc. We are renowned for providing personalized service and unwavering attention to each and every client. Contact us online or by calling (949) 296-7660 today to get started on building a better future.