B-1 Visitor for Business
This nonimmigrant visa category allows short-term visitors to come to the U.S. to engage in temporary business or professional activities. The B-1 visa is not appropriate for students or long-term scholars coming to UMass Amherst.
Individuals self-petition to enter the U.S. on the B-1 visa. This means that the IPO does not formally sponsor individuals in this immigration classification. However, as described below, the sponsoring department must provide an invitation letter to describe the individual’s visit to UMass Amherst. Examples of activities permitted under the B-1 include:
- Consult with business associates
- Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
- Settle an estate
- Negotiate a contract
If you have an international visitor who plans to come to UMass for the purpose of engaging in collaborative, hands-on research or gain on-the-job training, the J-1 Scholar Visa is more appropriate and should be used. If in doubt, contact the IPO so we can help you determine the appropriate visa category for your visitor. To learn more about the B-1 or how your visitor can apply for a B-1 visa, please visit the following U.S. government websites:
- U.S. Department of State description of the B-1 visa
- U.S. Department of State information on visas for business travel to the United States
Specific information for Chinese citizens using a B-1 visa: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) for Chinese nationals
Allowable Activity on the B-1 Visa
Departments hosting an international visitor on a B-1 must ensure their activities fall within those permitted. NOTE: B-1 visitors may NOT study or work, work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, or other information media, or gain permanent residence in the U.S. These activities include:
- Attend and participate in scientific, educational, professional, or business seminars, meetings or conferences
- Consult with faculty members
- Participate in short-term training
- Undertake independent research
- Observe
- Invited for a job interview or give a lecture
Duration
Temporary stays of six (6) months or less