/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

B Visitors for Business or Pleasure

B status allows you to visit the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or tourism/medical treatment (B-2). Some travelers may also enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) provides this information as a general guide. VIS does not advise on B-1, B-2, or Visa Waiver applications or travel.

Work Authorization and Payments

You are not allowed to work in the U.S. while in B-1, B-2, WB, or WT status.

In limited cases, you may receive an honorarium or reimbursement if all of the following apply:

  • You are participating in an academic activity that benefits the university
  • The activity lasts no more than 9 days at a single institution
  • You have not received honoraria or reimbursements from more than five institutions in the past 6 months

If a department plans to host you for an academic activity, they should contact VIS in advance.

B-1 Visitors (Business)

B-1 status allows you to take part in short-term professional activities related to your employment outside the U.S.

Examples include:

  • Consulting with colleagues
  • Attending conferences or seminars
  • Giving lectures or presentations
  • Participating in short-term training
  • Conducting independent research that does not benefit a U.S. institution

You cannot:

  • Be employed by a U.S. institution
  • Receive a salary or regular wages from a U.S. source
  • Engage in ongoing or collaborative work that benefits the university

B-2 Visitors (Tourism or Medical Treatment)

B-2 status allows you to visit the U.S. for:

  • Tourism or personal travel
  • Visiting family or friends
  • Medical treatment

You may also use B-2 status if you are not eligible for dependent visa categories (such as H-4 or J-2), including extended family members or partners.

How You Obtain B Status

You may enter B status in one of the following ways:

1. Apply at a U.S. Consulate

  • Apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa at a U.S. consulate (Canadian citizens are generally visa-exempt)
  • A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will determine your admission at the port of entry
  • You are typically admitted for up to 6 months, at CBP’s discretion

2. Apply Within the U.S.

  • If you are already in the U.S. in another status, you may apply for a change or extension using Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

VIS does not advise on Form I-539 applications. You should review USCIS guidance and consider speaking with a qualified immigration attorney before applying.

Extending Your Stay

If you need more time in B status, you must apply for an extension with USCIS using Form I-539 before your current stay expires.

Approval is not guaranteed. You should not assume you can remain in the U.S. beyond your authorized stay without approval.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.

  • Business visitors are admitted in WB status (similar to B-1)
  • Tourists are admitted in WT status (similar to B-2)

If you travel under the VWP, you must:

You cannot extend or change status in the U.S. if you enter under the Visa Waiver Program.

List of VWP Designated Countries

Important Reminder

You are responsible for following the rules of your status while in the United States. If you plan to participate in any university activity, confirm in advance that your visit is appropriate for B status.

Additional Resources

U.S. Department of Status Visitor Visa Overview

USCIS B-1 Temporary Business Visitor Page

USCIS WB TEMPORARY BUSINESS VISITOR UNDER VISA WAIVER PROGRAM Page