NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS
Applying for a Business Visa
In general, travelers not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program
seeking admission into the United States to conduct business require valid B-1 visas.
The definition of "business" in this instance is limited, and does not generally allow for gainful
employment or productive activity such as operating a business or consultancy
work. Specifically, in the applicable U.S. law the term "business" is limited to
the negotiation of contracts, consultation with business associates, litigation,
and participation in scientific, educational, professional or business
conventions, conferences or seminars and other legitimate activities of a
commercial or professional nature. It does not include local employment or labor
for hire. Read more....
If you are not eligible to travel visa free, or are not a national of a country where B-1 visa
requirements are waived, you will be required to apply for a
visa before traveling.
It is the responsibility of the traveler to
ensure that he or she is correctly documented for travel. If you require a visa,
failure to obtain a visa before traveling may result in you being denied
boarding by the airline or admission to the U.S. at the port of entry.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED
Every B-1 visa applicant, is required to:
Complete the application form
DS-156. Filled out and signed (the visa
application form DS-156 must be completed on-line, printed with the bar code and signed.)
Forms DS-156 not completed on line will not be accepted. NOTE: The
latest Adobe Acrobat version is needed
to complete properly the form.
Complete the supplemental nonimmigrant form
DS-157. Filled out and signed.
PAY A VISA APPLICATION FEE
Every visa applicant is required to pay a visa application fee of the equivalent of
131 U.S. Dollars. Please request payment into the following account number at any branch of the
Banco Santander Central Hispano
(BSCH):
Banco Santander Central Hispano (BSCH)
0049-1803-54-2210316035
Note. BANK TRANSFERS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED
Nationals of some countries will have to pay an additional visa fee based on reciprocal fees their
governments charge Americans applying for similar visas. There is no reciprocal
issuance fee for Spanish or Andorran citizens. Read more...
present a passport or other travel document…
Valid for at least six months beyond the holder's period of stay in the United States with at least one
blank page - the six-month requirement does not apply to Spanish or Andorran passports.
Read more…
provide one passport type photograph…
Which meets State Department regulations.
present evidence of…
Sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in the United States; and evidence to show
that the applicant has a residence abroad to which he/she intends to return at
the end of the stay in the United States. Such evidence includes family,
profession, property, employment or other ties and commitments to some country
other than the United States that is sufficient enough to cause the applicant to
return there at the conclusion of his/her stay.
FURNISH EVIDENCE OF THEIR INTENDED BUSINESS ACTIVITIES IN THE UNITED STATES
Such as a letter from their employer, if attending a business meeting.
issuance fees:
Nationals of certain countries are required to pay an issuance fee in order for an approved
visa to be issued. No fee is charged for the issuance of a B visa to a Spanish
citizen passport holder.
additional processing requirements and information for:
What do I do next?
Applicants aged 14 to 79 are required to schedule an appointment for an interview. Applicants under the age
of 14 and those 80 and over may be eligible to apply for a visa by
mail.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Visa applications, in some instances, take longer to process to conclusion. We recommend that individuals
apply for visas well in advance of their proposed date of travel and do not make final travel
plans until the visa has been issued and they are in receipt of their passport
and visa.
Read more...
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