How to Open a U.S. Business with a B-1 Visa

How to Open a U.S. Business with a B-1 Visa

Business or pleasure? That is what the B visas encompass for visiting foreign nationals. The B-1 visa is known as the “visitor for business” visa and is usually issued jointly with a B-2 visa, which is “visitor for pleasure.”

The B-1 Visa for Business

The B-1 visa is issued for up to a maximum stay of six months in the U.S. During that time, a B-1 visa holder may conduct the following business activities:

• Consult with business associates
• Attend a professional, business, educational or scientific meeting or convention
• Negotiate a contract
• Participate in short-term training
• Research options for opening a business in the U.S.
• Raise funds for a new U.S. business
• Settle an estate

The B-1 visa is designed for foreign nationals to visit the U.S. for a specific period of time for a specific activity. If you plan to open a business in the U.S., you may travel here to negotiate the terms of the agreement, raise capital, negotiate a lease and conduct other business activities. However, you may not remain in the U.S. to actively manage the business unless you change your status to another classification that allows you to work in the U.S.

B-1 Visa Eligibility

The eligibility rules to obtain a B-1 visa include:

• Purpose of trip must be for a legitimate business reason
• The planned trip is for a specific, finite period of time
• You have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in the U.S.
• You have a personal residence outside the U.S. that you plan to maintain and have other binding ties that will ensure your return to your country at the conclusion of your visit
• You otherwise qualify for admission to the U.S.

A spouse or children are not eligible for a dependent visa; they must apply separately for a B-2 visa.

A Florida immigration lawyer can help you understand the process for obtaining visas to visit and conduct business in the U.S. Contact one of the experienced Florida immigration attorneys at Jurado & Farshchian, P.L., at (305) 921-0440, or email us at info@jflawfirm.com.

 

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