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MAIONA & MAIONA, P.C.
171 MILK STREET • SUITE 200 • BOSTON, MA 02109
TEL: (617) 695-2220 • FAX: (617) 695-6377 • EMAIL: mjm2@gis.net
B-1 VISA
I. Basic:
The B-1 visa is granted to the business visitor for the period of time necessary to conduct business. It is usually less than three months and never more than six months. Nationals of Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom & Uruguay DO NOT need a B-1 visa issued at a US Consulate or Embassy, if they intend on staying in the US and conducting business for less than three (3) months. Please see NAFTA info for Canada & Mexico.
II. Requirements:
(1) The alien is entering the US for a limited duration and intends on departing at the end of the approved stay;
(2) The alien maintains a foreign residence while in the US and has adequate financial arrangements to travel to, stay in and depart the US; and
(3) The alien will engage only in legitimate activities relating to business and not paid work.
III. Necessary Documents:
(1) Letter from employer division overseas that is requesting that the alien come to the US stating the: (i) legitimate business reason for the trip; (ii) specific dates of the trip; (iii) attestation by employer that the alien’s travel expenses and means of support during the trip will be covered by employer; and (iv) that alien is employee at foreign employer office and is paid by the foreign employer office;
(2) Supporting documentation showing travel arrangements and accommodations; and
(3) Passport for employee and any spouse (with marriage certificate) or child (with birth certificate).
IV. Time Line:
(1) Processing of this visa occurs either at the US Embassy or Consulate in the alien employee’s home country, or if a national of one of the approved countries listed above, the employee can apply upon entry the US if staying less than three months.
V. Period of Validity:
The B-1 will be valid for the extent of stay authorized by the BCIS. If a national of one of the approved countries listed above, the alien may stay for three months or less. If not from one of the approved countries or if the alien applies for a visa, the alien may stay up to six months.
VI. Family:
The spouse and children may accompany the alien to the US. Please be sure that each qualifying relative supplies a passport, marriage certificate and birth certificate. This will be necessary for the US Consulate or INS Boarder Inspector to issue the visas.
VII. Permanent Residency:
The business visitor on a B-1 may not apply for residency, as this is a temporary visa.
VIII. Previous Immigration Status:
If the transferee ever held B-1 or any other status in the US, (H-1B, TN, L-1, etc.), they must provide employer with a copy of their current visa approval notice.
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