Information about the B-1 and Visa Waiver Program is intended for students or scholars inviting family to visit the U.S. AND for scholars whose visas are not sponsored by WashU. The sponsoring department at WashU will provide the visitor with an invitation letter. Use this letter at the consulate and at the U.S. port of entry.
What is B status?
The B visitor category permits temporary entry to the U.S. for either business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2). A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at a port of entry approves the length of stay and indicates it on the I-94 entry record.
To enter the U.S., you must have a B-1 visa in your passport. In order to obtain a B-1 visa, you will have to apply through a U.S. consulate abroad. Start your visa application well in advance of your prospective visit as it can be a lengthy process. You do not have to apply for a new visa if you already have a valid B-1/B-2 visa in your passport.
The Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program permits nationals of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for business (WB) or tourism (WT) for stays of 90 days or fewer without obtaining a visa.
You should check with the U.S. consulate in your country of residence to determine if you are eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. If eligible, you will not need to apply for an entry visa at a U.S. consulate. Instead, you will need to obtain pre-travel authorization from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through an electronic screening system called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). You are eligible to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program if the ESTA authorization is approved. This does not guarantee admission.
A CBP officer at a U.S. port of entry approves the length of stay and indicates it on the I-94 entry record. WB visitors are not eligible for an extension of their status or for a change of status. You cannot enroll in a course of study or engage in employment in the U.S.
Inviting family
For family members who are not eligible for dependent immigration status, a B-1/B-2 visitor visa is required to visit the U.S. We recommend family members work with a local travel agent in their home country to assist in this process.
Documents Needed
Family members should reach out to the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate to verify the documents required to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. The following documents at minimum are required to apply for a visitor visa:
- Valid passport
- Photographs
- Visa application fee
- Visa application forms
Recommendations
To strengthen the B-1/B-2 visa application, additional documents may be provided to clarify that the visit is temporary and/or for a specific occasion (e.g., graduation ceremony), and that the visitor will be financially supported while visiting the U.S.
Additional documentation should also demonstrate proof of ties to the home country, indicating that the visitor intends to return home after a temporary stay in the U.S.
Examples of proof of ties to the home country include:
- Proof of employment – a letter from the employer indicating that the individual is currently employed and taking time off, but is due back at their job on a specific date.
- Proof of property ownership – house, apartment, or business.
- Proof of contact with other family members in the home country.
- Proof of finances – bank statement, stocks, property.
A letter of invitation written by the international student or scholar may also benefit the visa application. This letter should indicate the specific reason for the visit (e.g., graduation) and include information about the purpose of travel and planned itinerary or schedule.
WashU Scholars
When B-1 or WB status is appropriate
A B-1 or WB category cannot be used for someone coming to WashU to engage in temporary employment. B-1 or WB status may be appropriate for a short-term visitor coming to WashU to engage in one or more of the following activities:
- Consult with business associates
- Participate in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences or seminars
- Undertake independent research
Payment under B-1 or WB status
A B-1 or WB visitor cannot be paid wages by WashU. A B-1 or WB visitor may be reimbursed only for travel expenses incidental to the temporary stay, such as air travel and living expenses. These may not exceed the reasonable costs that the visitor will incur while visiting the university.*
If eligible, the B-1 or WB visitor may be paid an honorarium under the 9/5/6 rule*. The 9/5/6 rule allows for payment of incidental expenses and an honorarium to B-1/B-2 or WB/WT visitors provided that:
- the visitor is performing a usual academic activity
- the activity will not last more than nine (9) days
- and the visitor has not been paid under this rule by more than five (5) U.S. institutions in the last six (6) months
Usual academic activities may include lecturing, guest teaching or performing in a sponsored academic festival. The services conducted must be for the benefit of WashU.
*All reimbursements and honorariums should be discussed in advance with the Tax Office at Washington University.