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In general, individuals who are not U.S. citizens but want to enter the United States have to obtain a visa. The visa is classified as an immigrant visa and can be for temporary or permanent residence.
A B-1 visa is for people who want to come to the U.S. for business purposes and are staying in the country temporarily. B-2 visas are for immigrants who are traveling to the United States for tourism, and a B-1/B-2 visa is for individuals who are coming into the U.S. for both business and tourism.
According to Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, those who may be eligible for a B-1 visa include individuals who are traveling for the following reasons:
- Short-term business
- Attending a conference
- Negotiating a contract
- Settling an estate
The attorneys also stated that the initial period of stay when you have a B-1 visa can be anywhere from one to six months. If your business takes longer than you expected, this period can be extended for as many as six more months.
If you're interested in applying for a B-1 visa, here are some important things you should know about the application process.
Complete an Online Visa Application
There are a few ways to apply for your visa. How you complete each step, as well as the order of the steps, could be slightly different depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your application. Refer to the Consulate or U.S. Embassy website for clarity.
Next, you'll fill out Form DS-160. Be sure to upload your photo while you're completing the form. Check the photo requirements to make sure your photo is in the right format. When you're finished, print the confirmation page so you can bring the document to your interview.
Schedule Your Interview
Usually, an interview is required, but there are certain exceptions. If you are age 13 or younger, an interview is not mandatory. If you are between 14 and 79, you will have to have an interview if you're applying for a B-1 visa for the first time. If you're in this age group and you're getting your B-1 visa renewed, you may not have to schedule an interview. Interviews are generally not required for individuals who are 80 and older.
Your interview should be scheduled at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. It's important to schedule the interview as early as possible since your wait times will depend on your location, the time of year when you want to travel, and the type of visa you need. If you schedule your interview in the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in another county, the application process could be more difficult.
Get Ready for the Interview
You'll have to pay a visa application fee. The fee is normally $160, and it is non-refundable. You'll also pay a visa issuance fee if your visa is approved. The amount will depend on which country you are from.
Make sure you have the correct documentation to present at your interview. You'll need:
- A passport that verifies you can travel to the United States. The passport has to be valid for at least six months past the date of staying in the U.S. If there are other family members on your passport, each individual has to submit their own application
- Your Form DS-160 confirmation page to verify that you completed your application
- A payment receipt showing that you paid your application fee
- A copy of your photo. You should bring this in case the photo upload fails while you're filling out the application online.
Be sure to check the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to see if additional documents are required before your interview.
During the interview, you must verify that you can pay for all costs related to your trip. You'll also have to let the interviewer know when you intend to leave the United States. You can also present proof of your employment or any family connections you have in the U.S. This will prove your intent for entering the country.
It's essential that you work with an immigration attorney when you are planning to visit the United States for business purposes. Having the guidance of an experienced immigration lawyer can make the process of getting approved for a visa much smoother.
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