The B visa classification allows individuals to enter the United States for a short period to participate in tourism or limited business-related activities connected to employment or business operations outside the U.S. This visa category is intended for temporary visits rather than long-term or permanent purposes, with the primary focus on business or visitor activities.
B-1 visitors can enter for the length of the business trip. Visa Waiver Program visitors are allowed to enter for non-extendable stays up to 90 days.
The visitors on this visa type will take the responsibility to obtain the visa and/or waiver themselves and pay any fees they incur.
As participating in a temporary business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2) activities, the following activities are not permitted.
-Engage in full-time employment or receive a U.S. based salary
-Enroll in a degree program or take courses that count towards a U.S. degree.
-Work as a professional performer or athlete for pay.
-Stay in the U.S. beyond the authorized period of admission.
Business travelers can apply for a B-1 visa (or a combined B-1/B-2 visa, which also covers tourism) at a U.S. consulate. Once approved, they can enter the U.S. and request B-1 status at the border. Their stay is usually limited to the length of their visit, though it’s possible to apply for an extension before the visa expires. People visiting just for tourism would need a B-2 visa and request B-2 status.
Right now, 42 countries are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which lets travelers visit the U.S. without a visa. Business visitors from these countries can request WB (Waiver-Business) status when they arrive, for stays of up to 90 days. These visits cannot be extended. Travelers coming mainly for tourism would request WT (Waiver-Tourism) status instead.
All VWP visitors must get travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a flight. When they arrive, they are screened at the U.S. port of entry and registered in the Department of Homeland Security’s system.
Visitors without ESTA approval, or those who want to stay longer than 90 days, need to apply for a B-1 or B-1/B-2 visa to enter the U.S.
Visitor visas are a useful way for TXST departments to host international guests for a short visit with a limited purpose. They cannot be used for studying or working in the U.S. There are two main types: B-1 for business and B-2 for tourism. For visitors who wish to study in the U.S., departments will need to guide the visitors to apply to TXST in which they would be seeking an F-1 visa. For visitors who are planning to teach or engage in research, departments can encourage them to apply for a J-1 exchange visitor visa.
