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. This practice means that, if a candidate has an old tourist visa, it may be valid for a planned business trip. For those who come under the visa-waiver scheme, details of which are provided below, there is usually no need to apply for a visit visa at all if the candidate wishes to visit the US for three months or less.

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.

• Running a business.
• Gainful employment.
• Payment by an organization within the US.
• Participating as a professional in entertainment or sporting events.