B1/B2 VISAS
1. Definition
Business travelers may enter the United States using a B1, or 'Visitor for Business' Visa. In practice these visas are invariably issued as jointly with B2, or 'Visitor for Pleasure' (i.e. Tourist) visa.
While in the US as a business visitor, an individual may:
 Conduct Negotiations
Solicit sales or investment
Discuss planned investment or purchases.
Make investments or purchases
Attend Meetings, and participate in them fully.
Interview and hire staff.
Conduct research.
The following activities require a working visa, and may not be carried out by business visitors:
Running a business.
"Gainful employment".
Payment by an organization within the US.
Participating as a professional in entertainment or sporting events.
The B2 visa applies to all tourist related travel to the US not involving professional activities, including visiting friends and relatives.
Those entering on visitor visas will generally be granted 6 months admission (the maximum allowable is one year) on entry. It may be possible to obtain a six-month extension to the visit visa as long as the candidate will be maintaining visitor status. It is sometimes possible to change status to another longer - term visa whilst in the US as a visitor.
2. Requirements
1. Completed Application Form OF-156;
2. One colored photograph 1-1/2 inches square (37 x 37 mm) showing full face, without head covering, against a light background;
3. Evidence substantiating the purpose of the trip for a temporary visit and return to your home country after visit;
4. For business travelers (B-1 Visa), such evidence may consist of a letter from their employer indicating the purpose and length of the trip as well as the firm's intent to defray the costs of the trip, or an explanation of other sources of funds;
5. For tourists and others traveling to the United States for pleasure(B-2 Visa), such evidence may consist of a statement by the applicants outlining their plans in the United States and explaining the reasons they will return to your home country such as property, family, and a permanent job. Other evidence may include letters of invitation from relatives or friends in the United States whom the applicant plans to visit, confirmation of participation in group tours, etc;
6. Applicants who do not have sufficient funds of their own to support themselves during their proposed stay in the United States must present credible evidence to show that they will be supported there by some interested person; such evidence should reflect the ties between applicant and sponsor which form the basis for the latter's assurances of extending support. Form I-34, Affidavit of support may be used for this purpose.
3. B-1 / B-2 Visa extension
The extension application should be filed before the authorized stay expires. USCIS suggests filing at least 45 days prior to the expiration. An applicant for extension of stay may have to wait 3-6 months to learn the outcome of the application.
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