B-1 Temporary Visitors

Individuals may enter the United States temporarily as Visitors for Business in B-1 status to participate in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions or conferences, or undertake independent research, provided the following conditions are met: 

• The individual must be entering the United States temporarily.
• The Business Visitor must have a foreign residence in his or her home country that he/she has no intention of abandoning and must be able to show ties to his or her home country in the form of such evidence as property, family, and a permanent job.
• The visitor must not be coming to the United States to provide services or engage in business activities that are primarily for the benefit of a U.S. employer.
• Visitors should not be paid a salary or other remuneration from a U.S. source. However, reimbursement for per diem, travel expenses is permitted.
• Visitors must depart the United States on or before their expiration date. There is no grace period for individuals in B-1 status. Failure by the Business Visitor to depart will result in an unlawful overstay.