B-1 Visa Lawyer, Boston MA

Eligibility

B-1 visa applicants must have a passport that is valid at least six months beyond the period of authorized stay in the United States.

B-1 visa applications are most commonly denied when applicants fail to establish:

1. Temporary nature of intended visit;
2. Intent to depart the United States at expiration of requested stay;
3. A foreign residence, which they do not intend to abandon; and/or
4. Adequate financial resources to carry out purpose of visit.

Required Documents

B-1 business visitor visa applications must include copies of: 

1. Applicant’s passport;
2. Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, confirmation page;
3. Application fee payment receipt; and
4. One passport-style photograph.

Business visitor visa applicants may also be required to produce documentation concerning the purpose of the trip, their intent to depart the United States after the trip, and/or their ability to cover the expenses of the trip and stay in the United States

B-1 visas applications may be rejected or denied for failure to submit required evidence or supporting documents. All required evidence should be submitted with the initial application.

Application Process

B-1 business visitor visa applicants must submit Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, to the U.S. Department of State, and should schedule a visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Costs

B-1 business visitor visa applicants must pay the $160 fee for DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.

Processing Time

B-1 business visitor visas are processed at varying speeds depending on a variety of circumstances. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date information on visa processing times.

Validity Period

B-1 business visitor visas may be approved for a maximum initial stay of six months. The maximum period of stay in the United States in B-1 status on any one trip is generally one year.

Extensions

B-1 business visitors may be granted an extension of temporary stay of not more than six months.

B-1 business visitors who wish to stay beyond the time indicated on the Form I-94 without departing from the United States, must file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and submit any required supporting documents to USCIS.

B-1 business visitors who remain in the United States longer than authorized may be barred from returning and/or may be removed (deported) from the United States.

Family Members

Spouses and children accompanying B-1 business visitors are not eligible to obtain a dependent visa. Each of the B-1 business visitor’s dependents who will be accompanying or following to join must apply for a separate B-2 visa and pay the DS-160 fee.