US business visa (B-1): permitted activities and application

Typical B-1 activities are consulting with business associates, attending scientific, educational, professional or business conferences, negotiating contracts, settling an estate and short-term training that is not productive work. Your salary should continue to be paid by your employer abroad. Working for a US company, performing services for US clients or being hired locally requires a work visa such as H-1B, L-1 or O-1.

Bring an employer letter stating your role, salary, the purpose and dates of the trip and who pays, an invitation from the US company or event, and evidence of your company’s activity, such as a commercial register extract. Business owners should show the company’s turnover and their own ties to their home country.

The process is the same as for B-2: complete the DS-160, pay the $185 fee through the official appointment service of the US embassy or consulate where you apply and book the interview. Urgent business travel can be raised through the emergency appointment request, although capacity is limited.

Most visitor refusals are under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act: the officer was not convinced you have strong enough ties to return or that your purpose fits the visa. There is no appeal; you can reapply with a new DS-160 and fee when your circumstances have changed or you can present them more clearly. Fees are non-refundable.