A person who wants to visit the U.S. for a short duration for business-related reasons that do not involve actual labor or payment from a U.S. source can apply for a Business Visa. The U.S. Business Visa is designed for business owners or employees of a company/firm who are planning to attend training sessions, seminars, meetings, or to open branch offices in the United States. This visa, formally known as the B-1 Visa, is a non-immigrant visa to the U.S.

Visitors are not allowed to engage in paid employment under a B-1 Visa. However, they must demonstrate to the consular officer that they have strong ties to their country of residence and that they intend to return home after their temporary visit.

Categories of Business Visa

1. B-1 Visa (Business Visitors)

The B-1 Visa allows business visitors to enter the U.S. for a minimum duration of 6 months and up to a maximum of 10 years, usually on a multiple-entry basis. It is suitable for:

• Applicants with sufficient funds for their stay
  
• Applicants not seeking U.S.-based employment
  
• Visitors staying with family/friends (must submit an invitation letter)
  
• Applicants with no criminal record and adherence to U.S. laws
  
• Attendees of scientific, professional, or religious conventions
  
• Foreign professionals working on projects but paid by a non-U.S. employer
  
• Business consultants, negotiators, and feasibility study researchers
  
• Professionals attending business conferences, seminars, or workshops
  
• Individuals exploring subsidiary setup or investment opportunities
  
• Personal/domestic staff accompanying U.S. citizens or non-immigrant employers
  
• Technical staff servicing equipment under post-sale contracts
  
• Board members attending U.S. corporate meetings
  
• Observers of vocational/business activity (no hands-on work)
  
• Athletes competing for tournament prize money
  
• Purchasing agents for foreign employers
  
• Business visitors involved in litigation, consulting, or training
  
• Foreign employees visiting for pre-approved training programs
  
• Airline staff and other special categories under U.S. law
  
• Canadian/Mexican nationals in unique professional situations
  

2. L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transferees)

Known as the L-1 Visa, this is for employees being transferred within multinational companies. It is divided into:

• L-1A for managers/executives
  
• L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge
  

Requirements:

• A qualifying relationship between U.S. and foreign business entities
  
• The foreign company must continue operations abroad
  
• The applicant must have worked abroad for one continuous year prior
  
• Transfer must be for a temporary period
  
• The role must be managerial, executive, or specialized
  

Ideal for:

• Executives managing U.S. operations
  
• Managers overseeing key departments or staff
  
• Specialists with company-specific knowledge
  
• Employees and partners of global firms, especially in accounting and finance
  

3. E-1 Visa (Treaty Traders and Family)

The E-1 Visa is for:

• Executives, managers, and specialists from treaty countries
  
• Nationals entering the U.S. for substantial trade
  
• Family members (spouse and children under 21) of E-1 holders
  
• Trade between the U.S. and the treaty country must be principal
  
• Personnel managing or launching U.S. branches
  
• Spouses may apply for work authorization via Form I-765
  

Note: Dependents must apply for an extension before visa expiration to remain in the U.S.

4. E-2 Visa (Treaty Investors and Family)

The E-2 Visa is designed for:

• Entrepreneurs from treaty countries making a substantial investment in the U.S.
  
• Minimum investment: typically $40,000 to $100,000 or more
  
• Investor must control over 50% of the U.S. entity
  
• Investment must involve risk capital
  
• The investor and E-2 employees must intend to leave after visa expiration
  
• Key personnel setting up U.S. subsidiaries or branches
  
• Family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) may apply for dependent status
  
• Spouses may file Form I-765 to work in the U.S.
  

Let Atlanta Immigration Services Guide You

At Atlanta Immigration Services, we assist clients at every stage of the Business Visa process—from selecting the right visa category to preparing documentation and submitting USCIS petitions. Our expert legal team ensures compliance, reduces risk, and supports individuals and corporations seeking legitimate business access to the United States.

Source of Information: www.uscis.gov