What is the B-1 visa

Understanding what a B-1 visa is and how it works is key for those seeking to conduct commercial business in the United States.

If you wish to apply for a B-1 visa, our Los Angeles immigration attorneys at Lluis Law can guide you through every step of the process to ensure your application meets all requirements and avoids setbacks.

What is a B-1 visa for the United States in 2025?

The B-1 visa is a temporary entry authorization to the United States for those individuals who travel for business purposes and will participate in:

• Conventions;
• Conferences; 
• Seminars; or 
• Business meetings, as well as for those negotiating contracts or consulting with business partners. 

Although this visa allows you to engage in business-related activities, it does not authorize you to work or receive wages from a US source.

Note: If you want to work in the US and receive compensation, you may qualify for an employment-based visa such as the H-1B or H-2B.

 Who can accompany a business visa holder?

Some household or personal employees may obtain B-1 status to accompany or join their employers in the US. This applies to:

• Domestic workers of persons with a B, E, F, H, I, J, L or TN visa.
• Domestic employees of US citizens who live abroad but are temporarily traveling to the US.
• Some employees of foreign airlines.

As long as their duties remain connected with their employment abroad, they are not considered local workers or contract workers within the US.

What are the requirements for a B-1 visa?

To be eligible for a B-1 visa you must meet the following requirements:

• The purpose of your trip must be to conduct legitimate business activities;
• You must intend to remain in the United States for a limited period;
• You must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your trip and stay in the US;
• You must demonstrate that you have a residence outside the US and ties that will ensure your return abroad at the end of your visit; and
• Must be admissible to the United States.

Contract Requirements for a Domestic Employee with a B-1 Visa

Domestic employees applying for a B-1 visa must meet certain specific requirements. For example:

• An employment relationship must exist prior to travel to the US; and 
• That the employee has a residence outside the country. 

In addition, the employers must comply with their own requirements, such as providing a wage above the legal minimum, accommodation, food and so on. 

Note: The contract must specify these details and be written in a language the worker understands, complying with labor laws. More information can be found on the US Department of Labor (DoL) website or from our immigration attorneys.

What is the application process for a B-1 visa?

The application process for a B-1 visa includes:

1. Complete Form DS-160 online; 
2. Pay the corresponding fee; 
3. Schedule an appointment with the US embassy or consulate;
4. You will then need to gather the required documents and attend your interview.

What documents do I need to apply for a B-1 visa?

To apply for a B-1 visa to travel to the US you need:

• DS-160 Confirmation page.
• Valid passport (minimum six months validity).
• Previous passports and visas, if applicable.
• 5×5 cm color photograph with white background.
• Evidence of the employer’s solvency, if applicable (for domestic or personal employees). In addition, a signed employment contract.

These are the general documents to apply for a B-1 visa, so depending on your case, other additional documents may be required. Contact us to evaluate your scenario and provide you with personalized advice.

What is the difference between the B-1 and B-2 visa?

The main difference is that the B-1 visa is for business travel only, while the B-2 tourist visa is used for short stays in the US, such as tourism, visiting relatives, or certain medical treatments.

Sometimes both visas can be combined into a B-1/B-2 visa, allowing immigrants to travel to the US for business and tourism purposes at the same time.

What can you do with a B-1/B-2 visa?

With a combination B-1/B-2 visa, you can do the following:

With the B-1 visa:

• Attend meetings, conferences or conventions.
• Negotiate contracts or make commercial inquiries.
• Manage the liquidation of an estate.
• Take professional exams or process licenses.
• Consult with business partners.
• Attend scientific, educational, professional or business conventions on specific dates.
• Participate in short-term training.
• Transit through the US (in certain cases).
• Enter as part of an air crew in certain cases.

Note: In some cases, international competitors may be eligible for a business visa if they participate in an event in the US. They do not have to receive a salary, but they can receive prizes and even reimbursement for reasonable travel and lodging expenses.

With the B-2 visa:

• Go sightseeing and visit family or friends.
• Receive medical treatment.
• Attend social events, festivals or non-professional competitions.
• Take short study courses (less than 18 hours per week).

Please note that with these visas you cannot study full-time or work in the US. Likewise, you cannot directly obtain a Green Card.

How long can I stay in the United States with a B-1 visa?

Typically, the stay on a B-1 visa ranges from 1 to 6 months, as authorized by the immigration officer at the port of entry. 

In some cases it is possible to request an extension of up to 6 additional months, but the total time in the US usually does not exceed 1 year.

Citizens of certain countries can travel to the US for business or tourism without a visa by applying for an ESTA authorization under the Visa Waiver Program. However, they can only remain in the country for up to 90 days.

How many times can I enter the United States with a B-1 visa?

With the B-1 visa you can visit the US multiple times, as it is a multiple-entry visa. Therefore, there is no set limit on annual visits, but each entry is subject to approval by CBP officers.

Can the immigration status of a B-1 visa be changed?

If you entered the US on this visa, you may be able to apply for an adjustment of status to another type of visa while you are in the country.

To do so, you must meet USCIS requirements and file your application before your authorized stay ends. That said, some key things to keep in mind are:

• The purpose of your stay should align with the type of visa you wish to obtain. For example, if you plan to study, you may apply to change to an F-1 student visa .
• The application must be submitted while your current status is active. USCIS recommends filing at least 45 days before it expires.
• Not everyone is eligible to change status. For example, if you entered under ESTA you will not be able to change your status.
• If you have violated the terms of your current visa (such as working without authorization), you generally will not be able to change your status.
• Even if you meet the requirements and submit the application, final approval depends on USCIS.

Can I get married in the US with a business visa?

The B-1 visa is not intended for marriage, but it is still not illegal to do so. However, if you marry a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, you can apply for a marriage-based Green Card through adjustment of status.

You can find more information on this topic in our blog: Can you marry in the US on a tourist visa.

Frequently Asked Questions about the B-1 Visa

Can I bring my family members with me to the United States on a business visa?

This visa does not allow you to bring dependents to the United States. Therefore, your spouse and children must apply for a separate B-2 visa.

How much does it cost to apply for a B-1 visa?

The business visa costs $185. However, there may be additional costs, such as attorney fees, document translation, and other expenses related to obtaining application documents.

How many times can I enter the United States?

This visa generally allows you to enter the US multiple times without a specific limit, as long as each visit is temporary and for business purposes. 

However, entry authorization depends on the evaluation of the CBP officer on each occasion.

How long does it take to process a business visa?

Processing time generally depends on the availability of appointments at the US embassy or consulate. For example, processing time can take anywhere from 7 days to over 2 years.

Lawyers in Los Angeles for your B-1 visa

Now that you know what this visa is and you’ve seen that the application process can be complex. 

That’s why at Lluis Law we have over 50 years of combined experience helping foreigners navigate the US immigration system.

Before submitting your application, it is key that you check whether this visa is the most suitable option for your goals. 

Our experienced attorneys will assess your eligibility, advice you with the best options, and guide you through the entire process.