Many people want to know: what can I do on a B1 B2 visa? If your visa says R-Type B1 B2, we’ve covered how long you can stay here. But other common question are, what can I do on a b1 b2 visa? Can I work? Study? Consult? Read on to learn what sort of activities you can partake in – and which you can’t – on a b1 or b2 visitor visa.
Is it possible to work on short-term consulting projects in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
If you come to the U.S. to perform productive labor, you will need a work visa such as the TN or H-1B visa. However, if you come merely to meet with clients, obtain information, or engage in similar activities and will return home to actually perform the work, you can use the B-1 visa. When applying for the B-1 visa, you must demonstrate ties to your home country and ensure you receive payment in your home country.
If you need to come for short-term employment, consider applying for the “B-1 in lieu of H-1B” visa. This visa allows you to stay in the U.S. for a few months, provided you meet the requirements of both the B-1 and H-1B visas. The “B-1 in lieu of H-1B” visa serves as an alternative to the TN or H-1B visas.
Can a person on a B-1/B-2 visa to enroll in school in the US?
B-1/B-2 visa holders cannot attend school in the United States. To attend school, they must apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa.
Some exceptions apply. B-1/B-2 visa holders can engage in recreational, casual, short-term, or avocational study. Minor-aged children may attend school if they accompany a parent. The child can only attend while the parent pursues their primary reason for visiting.
If I’m in the U.S. on the B-1 or B-2 visitor visa, can I change status to another visa category or do I have to leave the U.S. to apply?
If you hold a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa and want to change your visa category, you don’t need to leave the U.S. However, it’s best to wait at least 61 days after entering on the B-1 or B-2 visa. This is due to the 30/60 day rule.
USCIS evaluates applications based on when you apply. If you apply to change from a B-1 or B-2 visa to another visa within 30 days of entering, USCIS will assume bad faith. This means USCIS believes you planned to change visas before arriving. This can negatively impact your application.
If you apply between 31 and 60 days after entry, USCIS will not assume bad faith but will scrutinize the case closely. It’s best to wait at least 60 days to apply for a status change. This way, USCIS will assume good faith and is more likely to approve your application.
If you have any further questions about B1/B2 visas, please feel free to contact us and we can help you out.
