To enter the U.S. for business purposes, foreign nationals need a B-1 visa.
Foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States for business purposes must hold the proper visa. The B-1 business visitor visa allows citizens of a foreign country to enter the U.S. for up to six months for specific business purposes, including meetings, trade shows, estate settlement and contract negotiation. Individuals must obtain a B-1 visa before traveling. This process begins in the foreign citizen's country of residence.
Application
The application for a B-1 business visitor visa is called the DS-160. In many countries, this application form is hosted online, allowing the applicant to complete the first step of his application via the Internet. The DS-160 asks for information about the applicant's travel plans, his immigration history and personal background, including criminal convictions.
Documentation
A B-1 business visitor visa application requires specific documentation. Business visitors need a current, machine-readable passport with at least six months of valid time remaining. Applicants must also include two color photos, each 2 inches by 2 inches. The application must also include evidence of the purpose of the trip, such as meeting agendas, letters of invitation or trade show reservations. Finally, applicants must include evidence of strong ties to the applicant's home country, such as letters from a current employer, current tenancy agreements, family ties or other binding obligations to prove an intent to leave the U.S. once the specified visit period is over.
Interview
Once the DS-160 application has been submitted, an interview with the applicant is scheduled at the U.S. Embassy in her country of residence. At this interview, the supporting documents are submitted and a consular official reviews the application. The applicant is asked questions about her travel plans and about the information submitted on her application. If the consular officer is satisfied, the visa is issued.
The Visa
A B-1 business visitor visa is valid for up to 10 years and can be used to enter the U.S. on multiple occasions. When entering the U.S., visitors present the visa to the border officer, who checks the validity and may ask questions about the specifics of this particular visit. Once satisfied, the border official places a stamp on the visa, activating it and allowing the holder to enter the U.S. to transact his business.
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