B Visas

The B-1 visa allows foreign nationals short-term entry into the United States to engage in a number of business or commercial activities. While these activities do not include employment for a United States entity, this visa category does allow travelers the ability to meet with potential business partners, attend professional seminars, open branch offices, and conduct a variety of other business activities. Business Visitors must be able to document that they possess adequate resources to finance their trip and maintain close ties with their country of origin to ensure that they return home after the completion of the business travel. For individuals from Western Europe and some Asian countries, foreign nationals may travel under the Visa Waiver Program with virtually the same rights and obligations.

The Bae Law Group will review the specifics of each case to determine whether the B-1 visa is the best solution. In addition, our firm will provide personalized consultations to ensure clients are informed of all legitimate and permissible business activities, understand the restrictions and limitations of this visa, and have the necessary documentation to enter the United States without delay.

A B-2 visa is for any person wishing to visit the United States temporarily for pleasure. The term "pleasure" includes any legitimate activity of a recreational character, including tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, and activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature. Participation in conferences with fraternal, social, or service organizations would also be considered an appropriate B-2 activity. Visitors for pleasure may not engage in employment while in theUnited States.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less at a time, without obtaining a visa. The VWP currently includes 27 industrialized countries, which includes many European countries and Japan. Persons in the United States who entered under the VWP may not change or extend their status. Although the VWP is relatively simple and efficient, there is no appeal process for visitors found not to be entering for valid business purposes. The visitor can be removed by the first available means of transportation selected by the district director.