US B1 Temporary Business Visitor

The US B1 Temporary Business Visitor is a temporary, non-immigrant visa that allows the holder to travel to US for business or training purposes. B-1 visa classification is for business travellers to consult with business associates, attend a conference or negotiate a contract for investments and buying business in United States. Your spouse and children are not eligible for a dependent visa. Each of your dependents who will be accompanying or following to join you must apply separately for a B-2 visa and must follow the regulations for that visa. The US business visas do not have a cap so there are no rules as to how many visas can be issued per year.

Eligibility Criteria for US B1 visa

Below are the criteria that you must meet to be able to get the B1 visa:

1. You are entering United States for business of a legitimate nature.
2. You have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of the trip.
3. You plan to stay for a specific limited period of time.
4. You are otherwise admissible to the United States
5. Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad
6. You do not intend to settle in the US

Documents required for US B1 Temporary Business Visitor

1. Original Passport with at least 6 months validity and minimum 3 blank pages + all old passports
2. 2 recent Photographs
3. complete online form DS-160, the non-immigrant visa application form.
4. Original updated Bank Statement with sufficient bank balance (last 6 months)
5. Personal Covering letter (For Employed – Plain paper/ For Self-Employed – Letterhead).
6. Income Tax Returns / Form 16 for last 3 years;
7. US Visa Fee Payment Receipt
8. Supporting Financial Documents such as Fixed Deposits, Property Investments, Recurring Deposits, any other Investments etc (Optional but advisable)
9. No criminal record.
10. interview confirmation print.
11. Ties to your home country such as family, job contract, lease, or property deed, which prove you will return.
12. If you work, bring a letter from your employer and payslips for the last three months.
13. A letter from the company detailing the purpose of the trip and your job position.

What is B1 Visa Processing Time?        

It can take a couple of weeks or a few months for your visa to be processed.   This depends on the volume in the US Embassy and other factors that they take into consideration.

What is B1 Visa Validity?

B1 visa validity is given for 6 months. After 6 months, you are expected to return to your home country and not stay in the United States past your visa expiration date. if you want a B1 visa extension, you must work with your employer on that. You must prove that you have not completed all the business that you need to complete with a B1 visa.

How to apply for Green Card as a B1 Visa Holder?

1. Marry a US citizen then apply for permanent residence.
2. Get job in the US where the employer is willing to sponsor your visa such as the H-1B visa, and then apply for the Green Card.
3. Get job in the US where the employer is willing to sponsor your visa such as the H-1B visa, and then apply for the Green Card.