The B-1 classification for visitors on business has many applications. It can be used for an employee of a foreign company to work in the U.S. (for the foreign company) for limited periods of time (widely used by multinational companies transferring employees to the U.S. for short projects or assignments).

It can also be used by foreign athletes competing in the U.S., by domestic workers (nannies, maids) accompanying foreign families visiting or staying in the U.S. temporarily on business or for work-related reasons, or even by foreign domestic workers of U.S. citizen families living abroad, on vacation in the U.S.

Visitors classified under the B-2 classification will generally receive a 6-month authorized stay. Under both classifications, it is possible to request an extension of time or request change to a new type of stay, like an employment or student stay, before expiration of the time originally authorized.

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