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Visas for Business or Pleasure (B/1; B-2; WB; WT)

The B-1 visa is intended for visitors to the U.S. to do Business. An international visitor entering the U.S. in B-1 visa status holds a permanent residence in a foreign country which he/she has no intention of abandoning and who is visiting the U.S. temporarily for business or pleasure. The term business refers to legitimate activities of a commercial or professional character. It does not include local employment or labor for hire. B-1 visitors cannot accept full-time, part-time or temporary teaching or research positions or other employment for which they are paid by a U.S. institution. A B-1 visa may be issued for the purpose of preparation for qualifying and board certification examinations, but not for enrolling in full-time study. B-1 visa holders can be reimbursed for expenses and honorarium. 

The W-B visa is the counterpart to above-mentioned B-1 visa, but with more convenience. It holds the same stipulations as the B-1 except that it is more easily attainable for individuals from certain specified countries. Individuals from such countries are allowed to enter the U.S. without a visa stamp from a U.S. Embassy in their passport provided that they possess a non-refundable roundtrip transportation ticket.

The B-2 visa is intended for visitors to the U.S. who are entering for the purpose of Pleasure. An international visitor entering in B-2 visa status has recreational intent, including tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, and activities of a social nature. The person can be in the U.S. for the purpose of choosing a school. B-2 visitors are also not permitted to accept employment.

The WT visa is the counterpart of the above-mentioned B-2 visa. It too holds the same stipulations as the B-2 visa, but if being granted to international visitors from certain countries then the individual merely presents him/herself at the airport with non-refundable roundtrip transportation ticket. Individuals from these countries do not need to obtain a B-2 visa in their passport prior to entering the U.S.

Acceptable Payments of Above Four Categories (B-1; B-2; WB; WT):

• B-1 & WB visa holders can be paid for honorarium.
• B-2 & WT visa holders can be reimbursed for expenses and paid honorarium.
• Activities connected to honorariums cannot exceed a nine-day period.
• The honorarium can be from different institutions, but it cannot exceed a total of six honoraria.
• In order to be paid for either an honorarium or reimbursed for expenses, he/she must have either a Social Security Number (if he or she has already obtained one while previously in the U.S. in a different visa category which was social security number eligible) OR must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which takes approximately 6 weeks to process. An individual may apply for an ITIN Number from overseas prior to entering the U.S. by completing and submitting IRS W-7 form to the IRS.  Departments must plan ahead when thinking of sponsoring anyone on any of these temporary visas. The International Center does have IRS W-7 forms for your convenience.

Countries eligible for "Visa Waiver" WB or WT visas):

Nationals of the following countries are exempt from the requirement of obtaining a visa stamp to enter the United States in either the B-1 or B-2 categories. The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of certain countries to apply for admission to the U.S. for 90 days or less for the purpose of visitors for short-term business or for pleasure. Visitors entering on the Visa Waiver program cannot involve in employment in the United States or enroll in an academic study program. Visitors entering in the Visa Waiver program will not be permitted to change to another visa category within the United States, nor will they be allowed to extend their stay beyond the ninety day period.

Learn more detailed information on the Visa Waive Program, including participating countries and strict passport requirements >>

Learn more about Visas For Business >>