The B-1 Visa
A visa option for business trips
What is the B-1?
Sometimes a video call doesn’t cut it. The B-1 is a visitor visa to travel to the U.S. for business trips for up to six months. The B-1 is a great option if you need to travel to the U.S. to participate in an accelerator program, fundraise, open a new office, or attend a conference or training. There are very few restrictions to the B-1 except that you can’t work or earn a salary from a company based in the U.S.
Simple Application Process
You can apply for the B-1 online and schedule a consulate interview. Wait times for B-1 interviews vary from country to country, so be sure to check wait times for your local consulate early!
Change of Status
If you are in the U.S. with B-1 status, you can apply for a different status without leaving the country. For instance, if you are in the U.S. with valid B-1 status, you can apply for the O-1 visa without leaving the U.S.
Extension Available
The initial stay of the B-1 visa is six months. If you need more time in the U.S., you can apply for an extension for an additional six months. Plan early!
The B-1 vs. ESTA
The Visa Waiver Program and ESTA takes far less planning than applying for a B-1 visa, but is it the right fit for you?
Learn about ESTAWorking with Legalpad
Legalpad's Consular Support Package covers every step of the B-1 application process so you don't miss a step.
Form DS-160
We walk you through completing the DS-160 form. The DS-160 must be completed and submitted prior to your B-1 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Schedule Visa Interview
We help you schedule an interview at the your Embassy or Consulate. Wait times for an interview vary from location to location. We'll help you navigate the process to get an appointment if there is a backlog at your Consulate.
Prepare Documentation
We help you compile the common documents you'll need to bring with you to support your interview. Get a head start and check out our B-1 documents checklist.
Interview Consultation
B-1 denials do happen and it's almost always at the interview phase. Ace the B-1 interview after your 60-minute consultation with our team. We'll coach you on how to explain the purpose of your trip and how to answer common B-1 interview questions. Get an overview of how to prepare for the B-1 interview.
Travel!
If your visa is approved, your passport will be mailed back to you, along with the new B-1 visa stamp, within a couple of days. You'll be ready to travel!
Customer Stories
"Preparing the H-1B petition is remarkably easy with Legalpad. The Legalpad team provides a wealth of knowledge about immigration in the workplace and simplifies a complex process for our legal and HR teams using a tech-driven approach." Avalara Legal Team
"Preparing the H-1B petition is remarkably easy with Legalpad. The Legalpad team provides a wealth of knowledge about immigration in the workplace and simplifies a complex process for our legal and HR teams using a tech-driven approach." "Legalpad is the only immigration service that 'gets it.' I've personally had two visa petitions approved with Legalpad which have allowed me to create tremendous value in the US. I simply wouldn't trust anyone else to handle my file." Chris Pitchford
Ally
"Legalpad is the only immigration service that 'gets it.' I've personally had two visa petitions approved with Legalpad which have allowed me to create tremendous value in the US. I simply wouldn't trust anyone else to handle my file." "Legalpad has taken the dreaded H-1B process and made it as simple as posting a new job on a job board."
Stewart FortierBanzai
