The U.S. Department of State has published a summary document on the business (B-1) visa and its permissible uses.
Eligible activities include participating in commercial transactions, negotiations, consultations, meetings, and conferences where no paid employment in the United States is involved (such as merchants taking orders); contract negotiations; consultations with business partners; involvement in litigation (as a party, witness, or for procedural matters); attending conventions, conferences, and seminars in the academic, educational, professional, and business fields; and conducting independent research.
Incidental duties necessary for professional activities may also qualify, including members of religious organizations; participants in volunteer service programs; members of the board of directors of a U.S. corporation; professional athletes and essential personnel for individual competitors and teams; yacht crew; coasting officers; investors exploring investments in the United States; equestrian competitors; travelers transiting to or moving on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS); and participants in international sporting events.
Those performing technical work on commercial or industrial equipment purchased from a seller outside the United States—such as installation, maintenance, repair, or training U.S. employees—are classified under the B-1 visa only if the sales contract explicitly requires the provision of such services or training, the applicant possesses specialized knowledge essential to the seller’s contractual performance, and no remuneration (salary) is received from a U.S. source.
Other eligible categories include employees and clerical staff of foreign airlines, participants in programs under the Foreign Assistance Act, trainers of Peace Corps volunteers, and persons involved with international trade fairs and expositions.
While those who perform construction work themselves are not eligible, an exception applies to individuals who supervise or train other workers engaged in construction without performing the work themselves.
Under a B-1 visa, receiving a salary from a U.S. source is not permitted. Reimbursement of actual travel and living expenses is allowed but must not exceed reasonable actual costs.
Travel under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) permits activities similar to those allowed under the business visa, under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
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