A business trip or business visa is usually referred to as a B-visa, because it is typically categorized under the Business Visas category in immigration offices. A business traveler with a B-visa can spend up to six months outside of your country studying, conducting business, or just having fun while on tour.
Understand what kind of business authorization you will need before traveling so that you do not have to scramble upon arrival. Some examples of this are an educational certificate, proof of employment, or even just their employee badge. Make sure to check and confirm these things prior to departing!
Business visas come in two main types: B1 and B2. The difference between them is simply how long you are allowed to stay within the United States. A B1 visa allows one to enter and leave the country immediately, whereas a B2 requires additional paperwork and validation processes. We will go over more information about each type of business visa here!
Now that you know what kinds of business visas exist, let’s talk about how to apply for one.
The second step in applying for a B visa is to pay an application or filing fee. This can range anywhere from $100 to well over $1,000, depending on where you apply and when. Fees are typically paid through your financial institution, so make sure to check there first!
Most applications include both document fees and interview fees. Document fees tend to be lower than interview fees, but it depends on what kind of documents you need to present.
It’s important to know that some employers require you to have proof of sufficient money to support yourself while on H-2B status, as well as medical coverage. As such, it’s best to have at least six months of guaranteed income before submitting your application.
In order to prove you are an eligible non-immigrant, you will need to show proof of sufficient income to support yourself while in America, as well as confirmation that you have enough money left over to return home at the end of your stay here.
It is very common to be asked to provide copies of bills or receipts when trying to prove this, so make sure to do this ahead of time!
Keep in mind that it’s not illegal to keep your finances private, but some countries don’t recognize public records as legitimate proofs of income.
After you have gathered all of your documents, it’s time to actually apply for the visa! Most people are able to find professional help through work or community organizations. However, if you would like some more guidance, there are many websites that can walk you through every step.
There is an online system where you create an account, add your personal information, and then you are ready to begin applying. Some systems will even connect you with a company that can handle the rest of the process, which can save you money.
We recommend using VISA as they are one of the most trusted name in credit card products. There are several types of B visas, so make sure to check out the different options before picking your style.
After you have gathered all of your documents and proof, it is time to apply for a B visa. To do this, you will need an appointment at an embassy or consulate in your destination country.
Some countries require you to visit them within a certain period of time after applying, so make sure to check with the embassy’s website how long you should wait before checking out.
The process for visiting an embassy varies from one country to another. Some ask you to call first, while others send a form via mail or email that needs to be filled out and then sent back. Make sure to check with the individual embassies about their application procedures.
Most places accept faxed applications, but some may not. You can also use online tools to create your application quickly and easily.
If you have enough money to comfortably fund your trip for two years, you can apply now! And if you already own a plane ticket, you are all set.
You will still need to prove that you have adequate funds to return home after your stay, but this is not an urgent matter. You can hold off applying until later since there’s no hard deadline to do so.
And even if you don’t have ample savings at this moment, don’t worry about that just yet. Because there’s another option!
You can always purchase a one-year tourist visa from anywhere in the world. This way you won’t have to worry about proving adequate financial resources either. Simply wait one year, and then reapply.
After you have gathered all of your documents and proof, it is time to contact the appropriate visa office in your country! You can do this by visiting their website or through their direct phone number.
Many countries offer an application form where you can describe yourself, ask questions about the business, and determine if they will approve the visa. Make sure to follow all rules and regulations set up for international students!
The process may be longer than what we have discussed here, but don’t worry! You are not alone. There are many people out there who were once in your position and now they enjoy living and traveling around the world.
An important part of obtaining a B visa is understanding your legal rights as an immigrant in America. You have several federal laws that protect you from being deported if you are granted a B-2 visitor visa.
These include:
The right to contest whether you meet the requirements for admission into the United States as a nonimmigrant (B-1 or B-2) traveler. This includes having proof of sufficient funds to stay in this country while you’re here.
The right to appeal the decision to deny entry into the U.S. As mentioned before, meeting the requirement for a tourist visa does not guarantee entrance into the U.S.
The right to request a review of your case by an immigration officer at a later time. If you feel like you no longer need a B visa, you can always ask for it to be extended or revoked!
Your best bet is to be well prepared with all required documents and know your legal rights.
A non-immigrant visa is only given to individuals who are seeking to live in the United States for an extended period of time. As such, it does not permit you to work while here.
If you’re applying for a business or employment-based visa, then staying positive can help ensure that your application is approved. You will need proof of sufficient income to support yourself and your family while in the country, as well as evidence that you have enough savings to return home if needed.
It’s also important to be honest about any past financial issues you may have been experiencing. An immigration officer cannot assume that things will run smoothly once they review your applications.
Given how much money is involved, there are many opportunities to be ripped off when looking to come to America. If you're ever suspicious, do not hesitate to get professional assistance.
