How Do I Qualify for a B-1 Visa?

There are a few questions you should ask yourself to determine whether or not the Visitor for Business Visa is what you are looking for. There are six questions to look at:

1. Does your stay only require you to enter the U.S. for a short, specific period of time under six months?

2. Do you need to come to the U.S. to handle setting up a new business or office?

• This can be for looking at office spaces, signing leases, etc.

3. Do you have to attend a business meeting, conference, convention, or other business related activities?

4. Will you be able to prove that you have enough funds to support your stay in the U.S.?

5. Will you receive no income from a source in the U.S.?

6. Will you maintain ties to your home country while you are in the U.S.?

If your answer is yes to most of the following questions, the B-1 visa may be for you.

There are three requirements that must be met if you wish to petition for a B-1 visa. These three requirements are,

    1. You must be coming to the U.S. for a short, defined period of time

• Your stay in the U.S. is generally limited to a six month period
• You can show this by providing a return ticket or showing evidence of the reason you must come and that the activity will only last for a certain period of time
• You should also show ties to your home country

o This will show that you will leave at the end of your stay

o Owned property in your home country can be evidence of your ties

    2. You must be coming to the U.S. to engage in business

• Your reason for coming as a business visitor must be a “necessary incident” to your business
• This may include for,

o Negotiations

o Taking orders for goods

o Business conferences

    3. You cannot draw salary from a U.S. entity

• If you conduct business on behalf of an employer, you salary must come from a source outside of the U.S.
• Before being eligible to enter, you must show sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay

It is important to note that this is a general idea of how you may qualify for a B-1 visa. For further information, at Akrami & Associates, one of our legal representatives will be happy to assist you. Call today to find out how we can help!