B-1: Business Visitor Visa

General
The B-1 visa is for individuals who are entering the U.S. to conduct business for a relatively short period of time on behalf of their non-U.S. employer.

Requirements
To qualify for a B-1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. While in the U.S. you will not be employed by or receive compensation from a U.S. entity or individual.  If you are paid for any activities conducted in the U.S. while in B-1 status, such remuneration must come from your employer abroad.
2. You must have ties in your home country, such as employment, family, assets etc. to evidence that you will return home prior to the expiration of your visa.
3. You must have sufficient financial resources to fund the trip and your living costs while in the US.

Duration
B-1 visa-holders may be admitted for not more than one year and may be granted extensions of stay in increments of not more than six months each.  B-1 visa-holders will be admitted no longer than the amount of time necessary to fulfill their business purpose in the U.S.

When to use the B-1 Visa
The B-1 visa is appropriate under the following scenarios:

1. Employees, Managers, and Executives of Non-U.S. Companies or a U.S. Company’s Foreign Branch/Subsidiary: Use this visa to negotiate contracts, explore investment opportunities, meet with business associates or attend seminars.
2. Professionals, Professors, and Researchers: Use this visa to attend professional conferences, conventions, executive seminars, or undertake independent research.
3. Foreign Physicians: Use this visa to observe new procedures and offer consulting services without performing any patient care.
4. Musicians and Athletes: Athletes, musicians, and artists coming to the U.S. to participate in a competition where they will not be receiving remuneration from a U.S. entity may use this visa.
5. Religious Ministers: Religious ministers, such as priests and missionaries, coming to the U.S. to provide services related to their ministry and who will not receive remuneration for such services, other than a stipend or allowance to cover their cost of living, may use this visa.

B-2: Tourist Visitor Visa

General
The B-2 visa is for individuals who are entering the U.S. for pleasure, tourist purposes, medical purposes, or to attend conferences/meetings.

Requirements

1. You must have ties in your home country, such as employment, family, assets etc. to evidence that you will return home prior to the expiration of your visa.
2. You must have sufficient financial resources to fund the trip and your living costs while in the U.S.

Duration
There is not set time restriction for the B-2 visa.  However, in general, it is intended to be used for relatively short stays in the U.S to conduct tourist activities or visit friends/family while on vacation.

When to use the B-2 Visa

1. Tourism/Vacation:  Use this visa to visit the U.S. as a tourist.
2. Visit Friends and Family: Use this visa to visit friends and family in the U.S.
3. Medical Purposes:  Enter the U.S. under this visa to receive medical treatment.
4. Conventions/Conferences: Use this visa to participate in non-business conventions, conferences, and meetings in the U.S.

Ife Ashabo

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