The USA Business Visa is a non-immigrant visa to the USA. Also known as a B1 visa for USA, one can access this business visa for USA from India with little to no difficulty. The USA Business Visa is available to be used by those who are travelling to the USA for a short period for business purposes with no requirement for labour or payment from a USA source.
Content:
- US Business visa application process
- Fees
- Requirements for Business visa application
- Interview tips
The B1 visa USA is for those who are travelling with relation to business associates, are attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions or conferences, settling an estate or negotiating contracts in the USA. This visa is often issued along with the B2 visa, which is issued to those travelling for recreational purposes.
Recommended read: Tourist Visa for USA from India
The US B1 visa application is not tedious, however, it involves a procedure. This article will provide interview tips, an idea of the cost and the requirements to ensure that your application is approved. An idea of these will help you go through the process with minimal difficulty.
Latest Update: The new H-1B rule makes it harder for US companies to hire foreign workers. Find out more about the new H-1B rule and how people are responding to it.
The process to apply for a USA Business visa
The USA business visa is attainable by following some simple steps:
Step 1
For Nonimmigrant Visa applicants: Determine your visa type since each visa type has various qualifications and application items. Identify your situation and see which visa type fits. If you are travelling for business or work/profession-oriented purposes, you will apply for a B1 visa.
Step 2
Following this, you will fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. Follow the guidelines properly and ensure that all the information entered is accurate.
Step 3
Pay the USA business visa cost or fees after completing the form. You will be required to convert to the US dollar.
Step 4
Now you will be required to schedule two appointments; one for the Visa Application Center (VAC) and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.
Visa Application Center: You will be required to visit a Visa Application Center near you to have your fingerprints and photo taken. Ensure that this appointment is at least a day before your Embassy or Consulate visit.
Embassy or Consulate: This is the second step to secure your interview and visa. There are three pieces of information which you will be required to submit:
- Your passport number
- The date you paid your fee
- The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page
Step 5
For your Visa Application Centre appointment, you will need to bring:
- A passport which will remain valid for at least six months following your visit and stay in the United States.
- Your DS-160 confirmation page.
- Your appointment confirmation page.
- One photograph following visa specifications.
Suggested read: Guide To Visa Photo Size Requirements
US Business visa cost and Validity
A $160 fee is the cost for the application. This needs to be paid to commence the procedure regardless of the type of visa you are applying for. This fee needs to be accompanied by:
- A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form.
- A passport which will remain valid for at least six months following your visit and stay in the United States.
- A recently taken (in the last six months) 2×2 inches photograph.
Us Business visa validity: The visa is valid for a period of 1 month to 10 years. It permits multiple entries to the US A and allows a period of stay of 6 months. This period is determined by the Immigrant Officer on arrival, and you need to ensure that your period of stay with the USA business visa does not extend the determined period.
Read: A Complete Guide to Business Visa
Requirements for a US Business Visa
The USA business visa application like all the other visa applications comes with a set of requirements. You need to ensure that your qualifications are in alignment with the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). By Section 241 (b), it is commonly thought that all applicants are applying intending to immigrate. You need to prove otherwise by providing evidence that:
- The purpose of your visit to the United States is temporary; medical treatment, business, etc.
- Your stay is limited to a short time and you intend to leave as soon as it is completed.
- You will be able to financially sustain your stay in USA.
- That you reside outside the United States and have economic or social commitments to return to.
Read: How to write a convincing Invitation letter for visa
You must provide an interview letter along with these. This will confirm your booking of the appointment through the services provided by the government. Additional documents you must carry with you, preferably in original are:
- Evidence of income, property and business ownership.
- An itinerary or explanation about your trip.
- A letter from your employer with information about your position, salary and credibility.
- Any criminal records even if you were pardoned.
Do consider carrying the following documents with you depending on your circumstances and purpose for travel to make the passing of your USA Business Visa application easier:
1. Students
Your latest school results, transcripts and degrees/diplomas need to be provided along with evidence of financial support such as monthly bank statements, fixed deposit slips, or other evidence.
2. Working Employees
Carry an employment letter from your employer and payslips from the last or previous three months.
3. Business visitors and company directors
Evidence of your position in the company and remuneration must be provided.
Also read: UK business visa – A Complete guide
4. Visiting a relative
Submit evidence of your relative’s residence and citizenship. It can be either a green card or valid visa.
5. Dependents
There is no category for dependent travellers when applying for the B1 USA Business Visa. This is natural since they are not required to attend your meetings with you. However, if you intend to bring them along with you, you can apply for a B2 visa which is specifically for tourists with no business purpose to travel. Ensure that you read about the specificities so you can enjoy your travel.
TO BE NOTED
Those who urgently require the visa can apply for the Expedited Appointment. Also referred to as urgent or emergency appointment, this is discretionary and depends on factors such as the cause for travel. You just need to provide the dates and justify the cause for urgency.
Interview tips
There is not much to offer as USA business visa interview tips. However, a word of advice would be:
- To ensure that you have looked over all the documents and are confident.
- Being calm helps during the interview as the consulate will consider body language for the first impression.
- Be prepared with originals of all the documents and answer all the questions asked. Do not hesitate.
When applying for the visa, ensure that it is 60 days or two months before you are due to travel. This is to avoid a delay as the timings depend on the consulate and the rush there. If you are travelling for a mandatory conference which cannot be pushed, ensure that your application does not extend beyond 90 days or three months before travel. This is a good way of ensuring that you receive your application with time to spare before your travel.
Read: Visa Interview – Questions, Answers, Tips
Therefore, the process for applying for a USA business visa is not as challenging as it sounds. Being confident, alert and cautious about the documents you are submitting is helpful and will make the procedure easier for you as well.
