Navigating the B-1 visa process can be complex, especially for professionals traveling internationally for the first time. At Remitly, we support professionals and entrepreneurs moving across borders every day. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive B-1 visa guide to help you navigate the system with ease.
What is the B-1 visa?
A B-1 visa allows foreign nationals to travel to the United States for business purposes. In many cases, it can be valid for up to 10 years, depending on your country of citizenship. Stays of up to 180 days at a time are permitted (this is determined upon entry by the customs officer), with the option to return as needed for business reasons while the visa is valid.
The B-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, meaning that it can’t be used to live in the United States permanently. You can apply for and attend job interviews on the visa, but you must not start working if you receive an offer. You can apply for a US green card while on B-1 status, but only under very strict conditions that don’t compromise the validity of your B-1 status.
Business purposes are usually related to business-related travel, such as attending conferences, meeting with suppliers or associates, or negotiating contracts. However, a B-1 visa holder can’t work or study in the US.
Your immediate family members do not automatically get to come with you if you’re approved for a B-1 visa. They would have to apply for their own B-1 or B-2 visas, depending on their situation.
The B-1 visa has several benefits for holders:
- Lets you easily re-enter the US in the future without having to apply for another visa
- No re-entry limit while the visa is valid (although frequent re-entry may be a red flag for US border officers)
- Long validity period
- Relatively easy and streamlined application process
- Under certain circumstances, you can extend your stay in the US for up to six months.
Processing time can vary widely by country and consulate. The visa filing fee costs $185 USD, plus any fees for gathering necessary paperwork and photos.
Eligibility requirements
You must meet the following criteria to be approved for a B-1 visa.
- You have a legitimate business trip or purpose, such as:
- Consultations or meetings
- Conferences or conventions
- Managing an inherited estate
- Professional exams or licensing
- Contract negotiation
- Lecture presentations
- Fundraising (in specific, limited contexts)
- Exploring the establishment of a new office
- Your travel is temporary. You have a specific, limited period you’ll be in the US.
- You have no intention of immigrating to the US. You have binding ties to your home country, whether it’s property there that you don’t want to abandon, a family, or future business commitments.
- You have enough funds to properly finance your trip expenses and stay in the US. This can come from your personal funds or a company abroad paying for your business travel.
- You must not be inadmissible to the US—for example, due to prior visa violations or criminal factors
Be prepared to prove all of these points in your visa application. In the next section, we’ll talk more about specific documents that will help facilitate approval.
Documents required for application
When applying for the B-1 visa, you need to submit both standard documents needed for visa applications and documents that prove you’re eligible based on the above criteria. Below, we’ll break down everything you need for a smooth visa process.
Standard visa documents
- Unless you’re from a country in the Six-Month Club, your passport must be valid for six months after the end of your trip
- Documentation of your last five trips to the US, if applicable and requested. This may include expired passports.
- Intended travel itinerary for your next business trip to the US
- Your national ID number issued by your home country, if requested
- A recent digital photograph that meets government guidelines, and a printed copy if requested
- Confirmation code from your completed DS-160 (nonimmigrant visa application) form
- Receipt of fee payment
Documents that can prove a legitimate business trip
- Detailed tentative travel itinerary
- A letter of invitation from the host of your trip, providing dates and contact information
- If you own your business—documents include:
- Articles of incorporation
- Revenue statements
- Business registration permits
Documents that can prove your ties to your country of residence
- Certificate of residence
- Residence permit, if you’re not a citizen by birth in your country of residence
- Employment contract and/or pay stubs
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificates of children or dependents
- Property lease or mortgage documents
- Tax returns
- Investment or retirement account statements
- Volunteer or civic activity records
Documents that can prove financial solvency
- Bank statements for the last 3–6 months
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- A letter from your employer confirming their sponsorship
- Personal or company-sponsored travel budget
- Credit card statements
- Proof of other assets, like property, vehicles, and investments
Gather the originals and make copies of every document you include in your application. This can help ensure you have a backup, no matter what happens.
Aside from the documents in the first section above, you don’t need to include every single thing listed here. However, the more proof you provide confirming your adherence to the eligibility requirements, the more likely you are to get approved.
Step-by-step application process
The B-1 Visa application process can be rigorous. Take these steps as a guideline that can ease the application process. Completing the process as soon as possible and well in advance of when you plan to travel to the US can help avoid arrival delays due to extended processing times.
Step 1: Complete the DS-160 form
Complete the DS-160 form online with personal, travel, and employment details. You’ll also upload a passport photo. Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and consistent with your documents.
When you receive your confirmation barcode, save and print a copy of that page. You’ll need it for the next steps. You may also need to create an account with the local US embassy or consulate to book an appointment.
Step 2: Pay the visa application fee
As previously mentioned, all B visas currently cost $185 USD to process. Payment methods depend on your country of residence. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Residents of some countries may need to pay additional reciprocity fees, depending on current agreements between your home country and the US.
Keep the receipt and make copies when you’ve paid. Like with the confirmation code, you’ll need it for your interview.
Step 3: Schedule your visa interview
Once you have your confirmation code and receipt, schedule an interview at your nearest consulate or embassy. Interviews are mandatory for most applicants aged 14-79, but there are exceptions. Depending on the time of year and location, you may be able to get one quickly or will have to wait a few weeks or months, or even over a year.
Some embassies and consulates have expedited appointment services if your business travel is urgent or you have an emergency.
Step 4: Gather your supporting documents and attend the interview
Give yourself plenty of time to gather all your necessary documents and make copies. Upload them to the CEAC portal at least 72 hours before your interview.
We have tips for visa interview success in the next section, but be prepared to get your fingerprints taken digitally during the interview. The consular officer may also follow up after the interview to request additional documents or information.
Step 5: Wait for an answer and receive your visa
After your interview, you’ll get either approved, denied, or told that your visa is in administrative processing, which means it’ll take additional time to get an answer. If your application is rejected, you’ll always be given a reason.
Processing times vary widely and are influenced by a number of factors, including seasonal demand fluctuations, whether you’re interviewing outside of your home country, and current staffing levels. Many results come in a few days.
Regardless of your result, once you receive it, your passport will be sent back to you via your chosen shipping method, or you’ll pick it up at the consulate or embassy, depending on what’s offered.
Tips for the visa interview
Visa interviews can seem challenging, but with some preparation, you’ll be confident going in. Here are some tips to make your interview process smooth and successful.
- Do your researchs. The State Department recommends you check your local consulate or embassy’s website for a list of questions they may ask in your interview. Practice your answers to those questions, either alone or with someone else.
- Study your DS-160 forms. This is the main piece of information the consular officer will be asking questions about. Ensure that all answers you give align with the information on the form.
- Arrive early. Give yourself time to find the right place and check in. Find information on your local consulate or embassy’s parking, security, waiting areas, and more, so you know what to expect.
- Dress professionally
- Bring all the documents you need
- Stay calm and confident. Avoid fidgeting and too much hesitation, and maintain eye contact with the consular officer.
- Focus on proving “nonimmigrant intent.” Most B-1 visa rejections happen because the consular officer thinks the applicant is going to overstay their visa. Talk about all the employment, education, and/or family responsibilities you have in your country.
- Keep responses brief, but detailed. Describe your current role and responsibilities in detail, for example, instead of yes or no answers. Avoid saying “I don’t know.”
- Be honest. The consular officer may know beforehand if you have a criminal record or have been denied a US visa before. If you have been refused a visa, be honest about why and explain how your situation has changed since then.
Changes or updates for 2025
There have been several changes and updates to the visa process that may affect B-1 visa applicants:
- While previously many people, particularly renewals, could get their visa interviews waived, the State Department tightened rules in February 2025, severely limiting who qualifies for interview waivers. Even if this doesn’t affect you directly, it probably means that there are a lot more people booking interviews than before.
- Previously, you could reschedule your visa appointment three or four times, particularly if you found an earlier time slot. As of January 1st, 2025, you only get two chances.
- As of April 2025, your DS-160 barcode number must exactly match the number you use to book your visa interview. Any discrepancy means forced rescheduling and an additional $185 USD fee for “another” visa application.
- Applicants are also now required to submit all of their supporting documents digitally to the CEAC portal. Prepare your documents well in advance to avoid any last-minute document mishaps.
The B-1 visa offers great flexibility for short-term business travel to the US, but the application process requires careful preparation and documentation. By following our tips and advice, you can boost your approval chances and make your business trip as smooth as possible.
FAQs
Can I attend job interviews on a B-1 visa?
Yes, US Citizenship and Immigration Services has clarified that searching and interviewing for a job is allowed on a B-1 Visa. If you’re offered a job, ensure that you and your employer have modified your B-1 visa to the appropriate work visa before beginning any duties.
Can I receive reimbursement or expense payments while on a B-1 visa?
Yes, you can be reimbursed for expenses like travel, lodging, or meals, as long as those payments aren’t considered salary or labor compensation. Your reimbursements must come from your local company, not a US-based one.
Can I switch from a B-1 visa to a work visa or green card?
Yes. If you want to change to a work visa, your prospective US-based employer must file a petition (Form I-129) on your behalf, and the change must be approved before starting work. If you’re eligible for a green card, you can file Form I-485 to modify your status. You may need to demonstrate that your initial reason for getting the B-1 visa was not to immigrate.
Do previous visa denials affect my application?
It depends on why you were denied. If a previous application was denied for misrepresentation or fraud, you may be ineligible to apply for US visas for a specific period of time, or permanently. If it was because of not meeting other eligibility requirements, it may not affect you if you can prove that you now qualify.