B1 Visa Attorney - B2 Visa Lawyer

The visitor visa is a nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure, tourism or medical treatment (B-2), or a combination of both (B-1/B-2). Foreign national visitors entering the U.S. on this visa may apply to USCIS for an extension of stay of up to six additional months from the date placed in their white I-94 arrival document, but there are no guarantees USCIS will approve extension requests.

The B-1 Visa
Foreign nationals wishing to temporarily enter the United States for business purposes or to receive training may qualify for a B-1 visa. As a visitor, the foreign national may not receive a salary or payment of any kind from a U.S. source with the possible exception of honorarium, per diem, and reimbursement for travel expenses. Examples include:

• Employees of foreign companies coming to the U.S. to consult with U.S. business associates, solicit sales, negotiate contracts, take orders from established customers, or conduct independent market research;
• Foreign nationals coming to the U.S. to attend professional conferences or conventions, including physicians invited to observe new techniques or to offer consulting services that do not include direct patient care.
• Personal/domestic servants accompanying returning non-immigrants who are temporarily assigned to the U.S., but who permanently reside in a foreign country.

The B-2 Visa
Foreign nationals wishing to temporarily visit the United States for non-business related reasons can include, for example:

• Foreign nationals coming to the U.S. for travel or recreation.
• Foreign nationals coming to the U.S. to visit friends and relatives.
• Foreign nationals coming to the U.S. to receive medical treatment.

Foreign national visitors entering on these visas affirm to USCIS that they will remain in the U.S. for only a specific, limited period, and have a permanent residence outside of the U.S. to which they plan to return on or before the expiration of their visa.

Visa Waiver
Nationals from many countries may enter the U.S. for temporary visitation without a visa and be granted a90 day stay. This stay may not be extended (except in emergency cases) and requires the visitor to return to their country of origin.

To talk to a lawyer about any personal or business immigration concern, call our offices in New York City at 212-401-4040 or Toll-Free in the U.S. at 866-746-0137. You can also contact us online.