B1 Visas

Fast Business Visas for Temporary US Visits

Many businesspersons travel to the US using a B1/B2 visa or a visa waiver system (eg, ESTA).

However, for a number of business travelers, their purpose of travel may not be authorized by a B1/B2 visa. Or that person may not qualify for travel under a visa waiver program.

In such instances either a B1 or “B1 in lieu of H” visa may be the right solution.

ELIGIBILITY

In addition to being available to employees and entrepreneurs, B1 visas are especially helpful for the following individuals:

Applicants who no longer qualify for a visa waiver
Independent contractors and consultants going to US clients’ sites
Workers who would otherwise qualify as an H1B employee and who need to go to the US for urgent projects

In such cases appropriate supporting documents should be submitted with the B1 visa application.

B1 VISA VALIDITY PERIOD

Depending on the applicant's nationality, the B1 visa may be valid for up to 10 years, authorizing stays in the US for up to 180 days each year.

"B1 in lieu of H" visas are typically valid for only one year, with the recommendation that a different type of visa (eg, E2 visa, L1 visa, H1B visa or O visa) be subsequently obtained.

SALARIES AND COMPENSATION

B1 visas do not authorize "work" in the US. Individuals with a B1 visa are not allowed to be paid by US sources. Instead the B1 visa holder must be paid by their overseas company.

AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES

Examples of authorized B1 visa activities include:

Product launch activities for a US subsidiary
Product development project for a client
Attendance at scientific conferences, business conventions and trade shows
Short-term training
Search for commercial space for a new company
Negotiations with business associates

B1 VISA ADVANTAGES

Compared to other business visas, B1 visas have certain advantages:

H1B visa applications have a low success rate because their approval process involves annual quotas and a lottery selection.
L1 visas involve a long application process and require pre-employment with the overseas employer.
E2 visas are only available to nationals of certain countries and require many more supporting documents.

B1 VISA DISADVANTAGES

Applications for "B1 in lieu of H" visas must be submitted with a substantial amount of supporting documentation.

OUR LAW FIRM'S FEES

B1 Visa $1400
"B1 in lieu of H" visa $2400