What type of U.S. visa will you need?
If you are planning business-related travel to the United States on a temporary basis, it is important to have
information about the type of nonimmigrant visa you will need for travel. The purpose of your intended travel and
other facts regarding your plans will determine what type of visa is required under immigration law. This flier is a
resource that will help you learn about the visa process in general, so that you will better understand the different
steps involved.
Business Visitor Visa (B-1) - For business-specific purposes
The chart below is an overview of key groupings of temporary business related travel permitted on business visitor
visas (Note: This is not comprehensive. For other travel permitted under a business visitor visa (B-1), reference 9
FAM 41.31.)
Purpose of Your Travel About Your Temporary Visit
Athlete, professional a. Receives no salary or income from a U.S. based company/entity,
other than prize money for participation in a tournament or sporting
event.
b. Athletes or team members who seek to enter the United States as
members of a foreign based team in order to compete with another
sports team shall be admitted provided:
(1) The foreign athlete and the foreign sports team have their
principal place of business or activity in a foreign country;
(2) The income of the foreign based team and the salary of its
players are principally accrued in a foreign country; and
(3) The foreign-based sports team is a member of an
international sports league or the sporting activities involved
have an international dimension.
c. Try-outs for a professional team, but cannot remain in the U.S.
playing on a U.S. team in this visa category.
Business venture, investor seeking
investment
Survey potential sites for a business and/or to lease premises in the
United States. Cannot remain in the United States to manage business
in this visa category.