Non-Immigrant Visas Business and Entrepreneurs

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers several options for pathways to obtaining a visa for non-immigrant business people and entrepreneurs who would like to visit the United States. The B-1 visa allows those who would like to enter the U.S. to engage in business activities such as business meetings, conferences, contract negotiations consultations and other business-related activities or educational activities.

The U.S. Department of State has developed a Business Visa Center within the Visa office in Washington, D.C. in order to help businesses throughout the United States by providing information about the B-1 visitor visa application process. They have created a frequently asked questions page that provides more information about business-related (B-1) travel, and to answer common questions about the process. The resources of the Business Visa Center are also accessible online through the center’s website.

Limitations of the Business Visa Center

The business visa center is unable to expedite new appointments or process visa applications or guarantee that a visa will be issued. They are unable to guarantee the merits of an application, as the consular office at the U.S. Embassy or consulate overseas makes final decisions about visa applications.

• B-1 Business visitor — Initial period of stay in the U.S. generally up to six months with possible extensions
• F-1/OPT Optional Practical Training — 12 month authorization with possible 17-month extension
• H-1B Specialty Occupation — Initial stay in the U.S. is up to 3 years with extensions possible in 3-year increments with a maximum period of six years (although an extension beyond six years may be possible).
• 0-1A Extraordinary Ability and achievement — The initial period of stay in the United States is up to two years. May be extended in two-year increments.
• L-1 Intracompany Transferee — the initial period of stay in the U.S. is up to three years. The maximum period of stay is 7 years for managers and 5 years for specialized knowledge workers.

There are many reasons for coming to the United States to conduct business that will benefit a non-U.S. business. Working with an immigration attorney will ensure that the visa application process goes as smoothly as possible, and that you receive the guidance and representation that you need to make your visit a success.

An experienced, Knoxville immigration attorney from the law firm of LaFevor & Slaughter is here to help you apply for your non-immigrant visitor visa, answer your questions about the process of filing for an extension or any other questions about your visit to Tennessee for business purposes.

If you have questions about your options for business visas to the United States, or about the process for becoming a permanent resident in Tennessee, we encourage you to contact Knoxville immigration attorney Patrick Slaughter at LaFevor & Slaughter, or call 865-637-6258, to schedule a consultation to discuss your case today.