What is a B-1 Visa?
TheB-1 visais a temporary/non-immigrantU.S. visathat permits visitors to enter the U.S. for business travel.
Reasons for B-1 Visa Rejections
B-1 visas are highly discretionary and can often result in a denial if there is insufficient evidence. The critical factor for getting a B-1 visa application approved is presenting sufficient evidence to the U.S. Consulate showing that the applicant fully intends to return to their home country. Most applications depend on the ability to prove that you have strong ties to your home country.
Book Your Strategy Session
Duration of Stay and Processing Time for a B-1 Visa
B-1 visas are valid for up to six months and may be renewed once for up to an additional six months. In general,B-1 visa processing timeis about three months (90 days) for USCIS to process work permit applications but has been taking longer recently-often 4.5-5 months (135-150 days) to process. To obtain a B-1 visa extension, you must collaborate with your employer and demonstrate that you have outstanding business tasks to complete with a B-1 visa.
Showingproof of intent to return for a B-1 visa may include:
• owning real estate;
• current employment;
• or significant dependents;
We strongly recommend you work with a qualified immigration attorney to help prepare the evidence to present with any B-1 application.
Types of activitya B-1 visa is used for include:
• consulting with clients or business associates;
• conferences, seminars, or conventions;
• carrying out research;
• to take part in legal negotiations or proceedings
The Most Common B-1 Fees and Their Associated Costs:
- Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: This is the primary form for B-1 visa applicants, which is used to apply for a nonimmigrant visa for temporary travel to the United States. The fee for Form DS-160 is $160.
- Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status: This form is used when a B-1 visa holder seeks an extension or changes in their status while they are in the United States. The cost for Form I-539 is $370.
- Form I-134, Affidavit of Support: This form is typically needed if the applicant must demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in the United States. The fee for Form I-134 is $0.
- Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant: This form is required for individuals who are not eligible to be admitted into the United States due to certain grounds of inadmissibility. The cost for Form I-192 is $585.
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document: This form is required if the applicant needs to travel outside of the U.S. while their I-539 form is being processed. The cost for Form I-131 is $575.
In addition to the costs listed above, the applicant might also incur other expenses such as those related to travel to the U.S. embassy or consulate, translation of documents, and costs for obtaining necessary supporting documents like copies of passports, or other required identification documents. The total cost of a B-1 visa application can vary depending on the individual's circ*mstances, but the applicant should expect to pay at least a couple of hundred dollars in application fees and other related costs.
MOST FREQUENTLY USED B-1 VISAS FORMS | ||
|---|---|---|
Visa Application | SEVIS I-901 | Form DS-160 |
|
|
|
The visa application processing fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State, and the SEVIS fee is paid to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The SEVIS fee is required for all nonimmigrant visa applicants who will be studying or participating in an exchange program in the United States.
The processing fees for the B-1 visa are subject to change, so it is always best to check the latest fees on the U.S. Department of State website.
Click to play
Alternative Options to the B-1 Visa
People who are considering applying for a B-1 visa may also look into:
- E-1— Treaty Trader
- E-2— Treaty Investor
B1 Visa FAQs
“What is the probability of getting a business visa with 5 weeks duration? Does anyone have an idea about the duration of stay allowed for business meetings under a B1/B2 visa?”
B-1 Visa News
Uncategorized
Unlocking Permanent Residency: How Non-Citizens Can Transition from Temporary Visas to EB-5
If you are currently in the US on an H-1B, F-1, or B-1/B-2 visa, you may be wondering about your options for staying in the country. While these visas are temporary, there is a path to permanent residency through the EB-5 program.EB-5 Program Adjustment of Status PackagesThe EB-5 program offers a path to permanent residency
Read More
USA
Which U.S. Visas Will Be Impacted Between The Trump Biden Administrations?
Joseph R. Biden will be the next U.S. President, but with Trump in office until January 20, 2021, which visas will continue to be affected? People currently in the U.S. may continue to file for any of the following visas. O-1 extraordinary ability P-1 athletes L-1 inter-company transferees and essential employees E-1 and E-2 investors
Read More
USA
1
How To Get Into The United States On B-1/B-2 Visitors Visa During The Pandemic And Trump Presidency
After the news that U.S. Consulates are going to start reopening around the world, getting a B-1 or B-2 visitor’s visa to the United States is still proving problematic. Jon Velie brings you up to date on how to get a visitor’s visa for pleasure or for business purposes. Valid reasons for entering the U.S.
Read More
H-1B
3
H1B Holders and Resident Aliens to Receive Stimulus Check
Good news! If you are a non-immigrant with a SSN and have filed your taxes for 2018 and/or 2019, expect to get a check credited to your bank account. As part of the economic stimulus package called theCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, H1-B visaholders,their dependents, and othernon-immigrant visa holdersin the United States
Read More
