B1 B2 Visitor Visas How To Apply And What To Expect

B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas to the United States

How to Apply & What to Expect

June 24, 2010

Ame Coats and Murali BashyamBashyam Spiro LLP

www.bashyamspiro.com

B-1/B-2 Visa(Same Visa Stamp)B-1: Visitor for Business

Examples: Professional Conventions, Routine Business Meetings

B-2: Visitor for PleasureExamples: Tourists, social visits to friends/family, medical treatment

Visa Not needed for Nationals of Visa Wavier Countries for trips of 90 days or less. (http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html#2)

B-1 Business Visitor

• Commercial Transactions not Involving Gainful Employment

• Temporary and Intermittent Business Activities• Traveling for the Benefit of a Foreign Entity• Manager/Exec – Cannot Enter to Actively Manage U.S.

Operations• Cannot Receive Salary or Payment from U.S. Source• Business Tasks that Cannot be Carried out by U.S. Worker

Step 1: Find the appropriate US Embassy online. www.usembassy.govFind “Visas” and then “Nonimmigrant Visas.” Step 2: Follow website instructions to fill out visa application and make

appointment.

• Complete Form DS-160 Electronically(Be truthful!)

• Upload Photograph if possible• Make an Appointment/Pay Visa Fee• Document Submission (Passport valid 6 months)• Interview

Step 3: Prepare for Visa Interview

A. Evidence that you have a foreign residence and no intention to abandon residence

Ties to your country of residence:• Immediate Family Members who will not be traveling• Employment to which you will return• Property/Economic Interests • Community Ties

Step 3: Prepare for Visa Interview Cont.

B. Evidence Regarding Purpose of Your TripB-2 Visitor for Pleasure:

• Letter of Invitation from Family/Friend• Affidavit from Visa Applicant • Be prepared to give short summary of plans

Step 3: Prepare for Visa Interview Cont.

• Evidence Regarding Purpose of Your TripB-1 Visitor for Business:

• Letter from foreign company and/or US company describing business purpose of the trip

• Brochures/Website information for conference• Documentation showing applicant’s

qualifications--Education/Experience

Step 3: Prepare for Visa Interview Cont.

C. Adequate Financial Arrangements for Your Trip

Best Evidence: • Bank Statements and other evidence of your personal assets

Evidence from Others:• B-2: I-134 Affidavit of Support from Family/Friend• B-1: Letter explaining how business expenses such as airfare, hotel,

meals, etc. will be paid.

Interview

• Usually extremely, shockingly brief• Officer may not review documents• Should be ready to give your “hard sell” • Know your most persuasive document and identify

it to Officer.

Post Interview

If approved:Passport usually mailed back to youValidity dates varyCan travel right away

Post Interview

If denied: • You can apply again• Wait 6 months if possible• Improve Documentation

THANK YOU!

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[email protected]