FAQs US Business Visa

What is the US business visa?
The US business visa is given to individuals entering the United States for business-related purposes or transactions.

What are the activities permitted by the US business visa?
Concrete examples of business-related purposes are consultation with business partners, purchasing of goods, settling an estate, attending of seminars and conventions, appearance in court trials etc.

What are strong ties?
Strong ties are personal circumstances of the visa holder that oblige them to return to their respective home countries. Strong ties are evidence used by applicants to convince consular officers that they are not intending immigrants.

How do I need my strong ties?
Concrete examples of strong ties are steady employment, personal businesses and close relationship with family members. Take note however that these are not limited to the said examples. Any compelling reason that would ensure that the applicant shall not overstay in the US falls under the “strong ties” categories. It can be effectively demonstrated via presenting documentary evidences.

The consular officer stamped a B-1/ B-2 visa in my passport, what does it mean?
More often than not, consular officers grant the B-1 and B-2 visas since most visitors enter the United States both for tourist and business-related purposes.

Does the US business visa permit me to work or study?
Unfortunately, these two activities are not allowed. The activities mentioned above are the only travel purposes covered by the US business visa. Violating such policy may result to deportation. It is also a criminal offense that could readily affect the visitor’s future applications.

Am I permitted to get married with the US business visa?
No. Marriage is not covered by the visa. If intending to get married, the K-1 visa is the appropriate entry permission that must be obtained.

Some foreigners may enter without a US business visa; can I do the same thing?
Entering without a visa is permitted only if the applicant originates from countries that are covered by the Visa Waiver Program. Currently, only 36 countries are covered by the visa waiver.

How long can I stay with the US business visa?
The US business visa permits its holder for a maximum of 6 months.

Can I extend the US business visa?
Yes, the US business visa can be extended provided that the holder’s status and passport are still valid and they did not violate any of the visa’s immigration conditions and policies.