International Center

Business and tourist visas

B-1 visas are for business visitors, and B-2 visas are for tourists.

I.N.A. § 101(a)(15)(B) describes a person who qualifies for B status as: "An alien (other than one coming for the purpose of study or 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 has no intention of abandoning and who is visiting the United States temporarily for business or temporarily for pleasure."

The Code of Federal Regulations gives the following definition for business:

"The term 'business,' as used in INA 101(a)(15)(B), refers to conventions, conferences, consultations and other legitimate activities of a commercial or professional nature. It does not include local employment or labor for hire."

Students coming to the United States for a short-term stay for activity related to educational programs may be required by a U.S. consular officer to use a J visa, which is designed partly for educational exchange. Any visitor conducting activity such as research, consultation or observation that generally is appropriate for a B-1 visa may require a J visa if the applicant is a student. The consular officer makes the decision.

Students coming to the U.S. for a long-term stay related to their educational programs must apply for student (J) visas.

To apply for a visa

The visitor must go to a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad to apply for an entry visa stamp. The U.S. Department of State recommends that visa applicants apply in their home countries. If the entry visa is granted, the visa stamp is placed in the applicant's passport.

A Canadian citizen, instead of going to the U.S. embassy or consulate, can go to the U.S. border and request entry into the U.S. as a visitor for business. At the U.S. border, the Canadian citizen should present:

• A letter of invitation from the hosting University of Missouri department.
• Proof of Canadian citizenship (passport or birth certificate).

Criteria for appropriate payment to visitors with B visa status

• A "B" visitor may accept only honoraria and associated incidental expenses (not salary for employment), if ALL of the following criteria are met.
  • A "B" visitor may accept such payment only for usual academic activities (lectures, conferences, teaching, presentations, etc.) conducted at an educational or non-profit research institution.
  • A "B" visitor may accept such payment only for activities conducted for the benefit of the paying institution.
  • A "B" visitor may accept honoraria for such activities lasting no longer than nine days at a single institution.
  • A "B" visitor may accept honoraria from only six institutions during any 180-day period.

Entering the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa

Note: These steps do not apply to Canadian citizens.

Step 1. Visitor receives a letter of invitation from the MU department (sample letter). The letter of invitation must include:

• Statement of invitation.
• Exact dates of visit.
• Information about the purpose of the trip.
• Description of activities during visit.
• Funding source information.

Step 2. Visitor goes to the U.S. embassy or consulate outside the U.S. to apply for B-1 or B-2 visa. The visitor must bring:

• MU letter of invitation.
• Proof of funding and/or support.
• Passport.

Step 3. Visitor arrives at the U.S. border. The visitor needs to present to the customs official:

• MU letter of invitation.
• Proof of funding and/or support.
• Passport and B-1/B-2 entry visa.

For more information about claiming tax benefits, tax treaties, payment for B/VWP visitors, etc., consult the MU Office Cashiers.