STUDENT AND VISITOR VISAS
F-1 (student) visas and B-1 (visitor) visas are nonimmigrant visas where the primary purpose for entry to the U.S. is other than employment in the U.S.
B-1 (Visitor):
The B-1 visa category allows foreign business persons to enter the U.S. for temporary periods of time to “conduct business.” A B-1 business visitor is usually granted a period of entry for 30 days, unless he can demonstrate at the port of entry that a longer period of admission is needed for the purpose of his trip.
The general requirements for entry in B-1 status are that the foreign national:
- Is entering the U.S. for a limited period of time
- Intends to depart at the end of the stay
- Maintains a foreign residence with no intent to abandon it
- Possesses sufficient financial means to stay in the U.S. without accepting employment
- Engages solely in “legitimate business visitor activities”
Legitimate business visitor activities, as opposed to “employment”, include: engaging in commercial transactions (e.g., taking orders for goods manufactured abroad), negotiating contracts, holding meetings with business associates, and receiving training.