B-1 and B-2 visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows certain individuals to stay temporarily in the United States. B-1 visas are typically for people conducting business in the U.S., while B-2 visas are typically for tourists.
On this page, our Las Vegas NV immigration attorneys answer frequently asked questions about B-1 and B-2 visas.
- What are B-1 visas in Las Vegas, NV?
- Am I eligible for a B-1 visa in Las Vegas, NV?
- How long can I stay in the US on a B-1 visa in Las Vegas, NV?
- Do B-1 visas extend to my family in Las Vegas, NV?
- Can I work in the US on a B-1 visa in Las Vegas, NV?
- What are B-2 visas in Las Vegas, NV?
- Do I need an interview for a B-2 visa in Las Vegas, NV?
1) What are “B-1 visas” in Las Vegas, Nevada?
A foreign national may enter the United States after obtaining the appropriate visa from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) . The type of visa best for the individual depends on the purpose of the visit. 1 An individual will likely be qualified for a B-1 visa if he or she will be engaged in business or professional activities in the U.S. Some examples include:
- Consult with business partners;
- Travel to a scientific, educational, professional or trade convention, or conference on specific dates;
- Liquidate an inheritance;
- Negotiate a contract;
- Participate in short-term training;
- Transit through the U.S.; or
- Deadheading: Certain flight attendants may enter the U.S. as deadheaded flight attendants on a B-1 visa.
To travel to the US without a visa, please see our article on the Nevada Visa Waiver Program .
2) Am I eligible for a “B-1 visa” in Las Vegas, Nevada?
As with other immigration matters, the foreign national must meet several criteria to qualify for a B-1 visa:
- The reason for the alien’s travel must be to enter the United States on business of a legitimate nature;
- The person must intend to stay for a specific and limited period of time;
- The person must have the money to pay for the expenses of his or her trip and stay in the United States;
- The person must maintain a residence in another country and must not intend to abandon that residence; and
- The person is otherwise admissible to the United States.
Application procedures vary depending on the country from which the individual is applying.
3) How long does a “B-1 visa” last in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Typically, the initial period of stay is one to six (1-6) months. The individual may apply for an extension of stay that would last up to another six (6) months. Therefore, the maximum time allowed in B-1 status on any one trip is one (1) year. Please note that the foreign national must meet certain guidelines depending on their initial period of stay as well as an extension of stay.
Once the visa applicant arrives at the port of entry, an immigration officer is required to authorize the applicant’s admission. If deemed qualified for admission, the individual will likely be admitted for the amount of time needed to conduct business activities. If the individual needs more time than the maximum allowed with a B-1 visa, he or she may file USCIS Form I-539 to request more time.
Note: No one should attempt to complete immigration forms on their own without a qualified immigration attorney. Everyone’s situation is unique, and non-citizens who attempt to obtain visas or green cards without legal advice risk being rejected due to an avoidable mistake.
4) Do “B-1 visas” extend to my family in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Spouses and children are not eligible for a dependent visa in this situation. Instead , each dependent who will accompany or follow the B-1 visa holder must apply for a separate B-2 visa.
5) Do “B-1 visas” allow me to work in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Generally yes, although there are some situations that require a separate work authorization. These include:
- A personal or domestic servant who accompanies or follows an employer seeking to enter or already in the U.S. and has a nonimmigrant classification of B, E, F, H, I, J, L, or TN;
- A domestic servant of a U.S. citizen who accompanies or follows his or her U.S. employer who has a permanent residence or is stationed in a foreign country, and who is temporarily visiting the U.S.;
- An employee of a foreign airline engaged in the international transportation of passengers and cargo, whose position with the foreign airline would otherwise entitle him or her to nonimmigrant treaty trader (E-1) classification and who is precluded from such status solely because the employee is not a national of the country of the airline’s nationality or because there is no treaty of commerce and navigation in force between the U.S. and the country of the airline’s nationality.
There are several requirements to obtain a B-1 visa. Please note that applicants for a B-1 visa to enter as a B-1 business visitor as a personal or domestic servant must demonstrate the following:
- The person has a home abroad that he has no intention of leaving;
- The person has at least one (1) year of work experience as a personal or domestic servant; and
- The individual must have been employed abroad by the employer for at least one (1) year prior to the employer’s admission to the U.S., or if the individual has been employed abroad by the employer for less than one (1) year, the employer must show that while abroad, the individual regularly employed a personal servant in the same capacity as that in which the individual’s employment was intended. 5
6) What are “B-2 visas” in Las Vegas, Nevada?
B-2 visas are intended for foreign nationals who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. for tourism, pleasure, or visit. Specifically, the following are included as reasons for obtaining a B-2 visa:
- Tourism;
- Vacation;
- Visit friends or family;
- Medical treatment;
- Participation in social events organized by fraternal, social or service organizations;
- Unpaid participation of amateurs in musical, sporting or other similar events or competitions; and
- Enrollment in a short recreational course that is not used for credit toward a degree.
There are also specific examples of what is not included in the B-2 visa category:
- Study;
- Employment;
- Paid presentations or any professional performance in front of an audience;
- Arrival as a member of the crew of a ship or aircraft;
- I work as foreign press, radio, film, journalism and other media; and
- Permanent Residence in the U.S. 6
7) Do I need an interview for a “B-2” visa in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Eligible B-2 applicants are generally expected to participate in an interview. The interview is scheduled and conducted by a consular officer . The applicant must show the officer relevant documentation, which usually includes a passport, photographs, and receipts showing that all fees have been paid.
During the interview, the consular officer gathers information to decide whether the applicant is eligible to enter the U.S. and to ensure that the applicant is applying for the correct visa. Once the interview is conducted, the officer may request additional information from the applicant .
You may need a lawyer…
How to apply for a “B-1 or B-2” visa in Las Vegas, Nevada?
If you or a loved one have immigration needs, be sure to call our Las Vegas immigration attorneys for a consultation.
Legal references:
1 B-1 Temporary Business Visitor , USCIS .
2 Id. ; Visitor Visa, U.S. Department of State