Business people who are entering the U.S. for a limited time (one year or less) must prove to consular and border officials that they are entering the U.S. temporarily for approved business purposes.

B-1 visa holders are not permitted to engage in employment in the U.S. nor may the B-1 visa holder engage in work as a freelancer or independent contractor. Please note: Visitors from many countries can enter the U.S for 90 days without a visa under the “Visa Waiver” Program. Business visitors who enter the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program remain subject to the same restrictions as B-1 visa holders.

All nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are required by law to obtain a travel authorization prior to traveling to the U.S. under VWP. This authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Copyright © 2011 Pearl Law Group. All rights reserved.