B-1/B-2

Related Links

• Letter of Invitation to a Foreign Visitor
• US Embassies and Consulates
• Visa Waiver Program

B-1/B-2 Nonimmigrant Visa for Temporary Visitors for Business and Pleasure

Many international visitors come to UT Dallas for short-term visits. They might give lectures, consult on the University’s activities, or attend (or speak at) workshops or conferences.

Short-term visitors may enter the United States in business or tourist status. This visa does not allow for employment or study.

• B-1 is for temporary business visitors (e.g., attending meetings/conferences, or negotiating contracts).
• B-2 is for temporary visitors for pleasure (e.g., tourism, visiting family, or receiving medical treatment).
• The B-1/B-2 combination visa allows for both purposes under a single visa classification.

Restrictions for B-1/B-2 Visa Holders

Individuals in the United States on a B-1/B-2 visa are strictly prohibited from engaging in employment or academic study. This includes:

• Paid or unpaid work of any kind
• Activities considered “labor for hire”
• Enrollment in any course of study, including at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)

Engaging in these activities is a violation of U.S. immigration law and may result in serious consequences, including removal from the country and ineligibility for future U.S. visas.

Permissible Payments for B-1/B-2 Visa Holders

Visitors in the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 visa may receive an honorarium and reimbursement for incidental expenses only under the following conditions:

• The academic activity (e.g., lecture, seminar, or workshop) lasts no more than nine days at a single institution.
• The visitor has not accepted honoraria or reimbursements from more than five institutions in the previous six months.

If the activity is expected to last more than nine days, the host department should contact Tax Compliance and the HR Employment Immigration Team in Human Resources to determine which visa is best for them.

Visitors in B-1 or B-2 status may be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses and per diem (e.g., lodging, meals, and incidentals) incurred during the course of their visit, provided the reimbursement is for expenses only and not compensation for services rendered. This type of reimbursement is permitted under U.S. immigration regulations as long as the visitor is participating in legitimate academic activities (such as attending a conference or giving a lecture) and the reimbursement does not constitute payment for employment.

Engaging in activities outside these parameters may violate U.S. immigration law and could result in penalties for both the institution and the visitor.

Application

Short-term visitors may apply for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Upon entry to the United States, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will determine the length of stay and issue an I-94 record, which documents the visitor’s authorized period of stay. The expiration date of the visa itself does not determine how long the visitor may remain in the U.S.—only the date on the I-94 does.

Visa Waiver Program

Visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries may enter the U.S. without a visa under WB (Waiver Business) or WT (Waiver Tourist) status for up to 90 days. They must have an approved ESTA and will receive an entry stamp and I-94 record upon arrival. They are not permitted to extend their stay or change to another visa status while in the U.S., and must engage only in activities allowed under B-1/B-2 classifications.