A nonimmigrant in B status is described as "an alien (other than one coming for the purpose of study or of performing skilled or unskilled labor or as a representative of foreign press, radio, film, or other foreign information media coming to engage in such vocation) having a residence in a foreign country which he [or she] has no intention of abandoning and who is visiting the United States temporarily for business or temporarily for pleasure." B visitors may be admitted to the United States for an initial period of no longer than 6 months (normally for only 30 days) and may be granted extensions of stay only for unexpected events or compelling humanitarian reasons. The B classification is divided into two types, visitors for business (
B-1 ) and visitors for pleasure (
B-2 ).Please note that a Canadian who enters the United States and is not issued a Form I-94 is considered to be in B status (visitor for business or pleasure).
In addition, individuals
from certain countries
may be admitted to the
United States without a
B visa under the
so-called Visa Waiver
Program. To find out
whether you qualify
under this program,
visit the following
link:
http://ifss.tamu.edu/Visa_Waiver_Program
B-1 visitors cannot legally accept full-time, part-time, or temporary teaching or research positions or other employment for which they are paid by a U.S. institution. B-1 visitors who accept such positions violate the terms of their status and become subject to deportation. However, it is legal for an educational institution, to reimburse expenses, or to pay an honorarium that does not exceed reasonable travel and living costs.
Effective 10/21/98, visitors who come to the University for academic activities may be reimbursed for expenses or paid an honorarium if their visit to TAMU
does not exceed 9 days,
and if they have not received similar payments from more than 5 U.S. colleges or universities in the immediately preceding 6 months. However please note that these visitors may need to apply for an
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
, and may do so in person at International Faculty & Scholars.
For sample letter of
invitation and other
required forms, visit
the following link
B-1_Visitor_for_Business
Forms
