B-1/B-2 Visitor for Business/Pleasure

The B-1 (Business) and B-2 (Tourist) statuses allow Scholars to enter the U.S. for up to six months, with the possibility of requesting an extension for an additional six months.  

Scholars in B-1/B-2 status are not permitted to engage in employment or enroll in academic degree programs while in the U.S. The U.S. Department of State specifically notes that the B-1 may be used for independent research, which makes it a potential option for short-term academic visits. However, we generally recommend using the J-1 Exchange Visitor status instead of the B-1, as it better aligns with academic activities and reduces the risk of visa denials or denied admittance into the U.S. at a port of entry. We have seen cases where individuals were turned away at the port of entry and advised to return under a J-1 status instead. 

The U.S. Department of State has detailed B-1/B-2 guidance.

B-1 Scholars do not require processing or support from ISEO, and as such, there are no associated ISEO fees. Departments are responsible for providing the Scholar with a letter of invitation (see template below). If the Scholar does not already have a B-1 visa, they will use this letter to apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate abroad and make their travel arrangements accordingly. 

The B-1 status is designed for individuals who are engaging in short business activities and will not receive compensation from UC San Diego. An international visitor entering in B-1 status holds a permanent residence in a foreign country that they have no intention of abandoning, and is visiting the U.S. temporarily for business, such as: 

• Partaking in independent research 
• Consulting with business associates 
• Participating in scientific, educational, or professional conventions, conferences, or seminars 
• Giving an unpaid guest lecture or academic talk 
• Attending a UC San Diego-sponsored conference or workshop 
• Observing or collaborating on research without payment 
• Participating in unpaid academic meetings or consultations 

The B-1 is a good option for unpaid, independent research, particularly when the Scholar will be operating with minimal supervision for a short duration. All activities under B-1 status must be short-term, unpaid, and not intended to fulfill an employment need at UC San Diego. 

The B-1 is not appropriate for: 

• Any form of UC San Diego employment or to fulfill an employment need at UC San Diego 
• Enrolling in a course or degree program 
• A way to arrive “faster” in the U.S. to switch to another status 
• Long-term supervised academic work 
• Activities that require close supervision  
• Individuals coming to conduct research in a lab who have not completed their undergraduate degree, as they would likely require supervision 

If UC San Diego is benefiting from the visit—such as when the visit or research activity may lead to published work, a patent, a discovery, or if the Scholar is involved in a formally structured program—using the B-1 status would contradict U.S. Department of State guidelines. In such cases, the J-1 visa would be the most appropriate option. The Department of State has explicitly stated that any visitor to a U.S. academic institution who engages in collaborative activities or research, and whose work will benefit the hosting institution, should be sponsored for a J-1 visa. The U.S. Dept. of State indicates the following about student training and B-1 status in notes to its Foreign Affairs Manual: "aliens, often students, who seek to gain practical experience through on-the-job training or clerkships must qualify under INA 101(a)(15)(H) or (L), or when an appropriate exchange visitors program exists (J)."    

Not sure if this status is appropriate? See the U.S. Dept. of State fact sheet or contact us at ischolars@ucsd.edu. 

These activities must be non-salaried; they cannot be paid for services/work.  

Scholars in B-1 status may be reimbursed for reasonable business costs such as travel. If their activity on campus lasts no longer than nine days from beginning to end of their activity, they can be granted an honorarium. 

Honorarium Rule (The 9-5-6 Rule): 

• The visit at UC San Diego is 9 days or fewer; and 
• The activity occurs at UC San Diego only; and 
• The Scholar has not accepted similar payments from more than 5 U.S. institutions in the past 6 months 

Inviting a B-1 visitor does not require ISEO processing and support. We are, however, available to answer general questions regarding the B-1 status. 

Key considerations for departments: 

• Does the Scholar have a valid appointment or invitation to engage in business-related activities at UC San Diego? 
• Does the Scholar have a valid (unexpired) B-1 visa in their passport? 
  • If not, they will need to apply for one at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country. The scholar should review the B-1 visa application instructions. When planning their arrival to UC San Diego, they should take into account visa processing times and the possibility of administrative processing delays. 
  • Chinese nationals must also register with the EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System) before traveling on a B visa. 
  • Scholars from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries may not need a B-1 visa at all. 
• The department should provide a letter of support for the B-1 entry. This letter can assist during the visa application process and may be helpful at the port of entry if a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer questions the purpose of the visit or whether B-1 is the appropriate status. 

The department should prepare a letter of support for the Scholar’s B-1 entry. This letter can be helpful both during the visa application process and at the U.S. port of entry, particularly if a CBP officer has questions about the purpose of the visit or whether B-1 status is appropriate. 

The letter of invitation should clearly describe the types of activities the Scholar will engage in. These activities must align with those recognized by the U.S. Department of State as appropriate for the B-1 classification (see fact sheet). If the proposed activities fall outside of those guidelines, the Department of State may require a different visa—such as a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa—in which case the department must follow the J-1 request process through ISEO. 

Important note: In our experience, using the term "internship" in any documentation is likely to be interpreted by the Department of State as an activity that requires J-1 status. 

United States Consulate 
[if known:  insert city and country] 

                      and 
 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection 

To Whom It May Concern: 

I am writing on behalf of Dr./Mr./Ms. [name of scholar as appears on passport]. 

I have invited Dr./Ms./Mr. to [purpose of the visit, such as: attend a conference, give a presentation, conduct a short-term independent research project on ____________] at the University of California, San Diego from [start date] to [end date]. 

Dr./Mr./Ms. [last name of scholar] will not receive any salary or compensation for services from the University of California, San Diego during their stay in the U.S. [or: Dr./Mr./Ms. will receive reimbursement for business expenses and/or an honorarium in the amount of $____]. During their stay at UC San Diego, they will be supported by [personal finances/employer abroad, etc.]. 

We kindly ask that Dr./Mr./Ms. [name of scholar as appears on passport] be granted a (B-1) Visitor for Business visa and entry to the United States in B-1 status. 

Thank you for your consideration. 

Sincerely, 

[PI/HR/Chair Signature] 

_______________________________ 

[Printed Name] 

[Title] 

Entry into the U.S. in B-1 status is at the discretion of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. Even if the Scholar has a valid B-1 visa, the officer has authority to assess whether B-1 status is the most appropriate status for the visit. If the officer determines that another visa category—such as the J-1—is more appropriate, they may deny entry in B-1 status. 

Make sure your Scholar is prepared: 

• Reviews the U.S. Department of State B-1 guidance
• Has the B-1 letter of support from UC San Diego
• Is ready to explain the visit as academic or professional—not for employment or study 
• Is able to demonstrate ties to their home country, such as employment or enrollment in a degree program abroad, and an intent to return. 
• Is able to communicate and prove how they will financially support themselves during their stay (e.g., personal funds, home institution support, or a government grant—must not be U.S.-based wages or salary) 
• Specifically requests B-1 status at the port of entry (not B-2, which is for tourism) 

Departments should log into iServices and complete the “Other Visa Types Scholar Registration Dept Initiated” eform.

This allows ISEO to stay informed about B-1 Scholars on campus so we can include them in events, workshops, and important communications—such as updates to immigration policies that may affect them or notifications in case of an emergency. 

Can someone on a Visiting Graduate Student (VGS) appointment visit UC San Diego in B-1 status? 

A scholar on a VGS appointment is not restricted from entering the U.S. in B-1 status. However, it's important to note that the B-1 is intended for short-term, independent activities that require little to no supervision. We recommend that the department and scholar review our “When to Use the B-1 Status” section to determine if the B-1 is the best option for this scholar. 

However, if a CBP officer at the port of entry does not see the purpose of the visit as aligning with the B-1, they could be denied entry and advised that another status, such as the J-1 is more appropriate.  

Can a scholar enter on B-1 to get here faster and change to J-1 status? 

When a scholar presents themselves at a U.S. port of entry, they are declaring the primary purpose of their visit. If the true purpose aligns with the activities intended under a J-1 Exchange Visitor status—such as collaborative research, formal academic appointments, or participation in structured programs—then the J-1 should be used from the outset. Entering in B-1 status with the intent to change to J-1 may be viewed as misrepresentation and could result in denial of entry or future immigration benefits. Scholars should always enter under the visa classification that accurately reflects the nature of their visit. 

Can we cover the B-1's travel? 
Yes, travel reimbursement is allowed.   

Do B-1 visitors need health insurance? 
While health insurance is not required for individuals in B-1 status, we strongly recommend it. Scholars are responsible for obtaining and maintaining their own coverage during their stay.  

Can B-1 visitors bring dependents? 
Yes, dependents usually enter on B-2 status. The same restrictions apply—no school or work. 

Can the B-1 be extended? 

In some cases, it is possible to extend the B-1 visa beyond the date listed on the I-94. The extension is requested with USCIS using Form I-539 and including supporting documents and USCIS fee.  

Can a B-1/B-2 change status? 

Scholars admitted in B-1/B-2 status may request a change to another non-immigrant classification, but only if they did not have the intent to change status at the time of entry, or if they fully disclosed that intent to U.S. officials during the admission process. The decision to approve or deny the change of status will be made by a USCIS officer during a future immigration benefit request. If the Scholar is found to have misrepresented the purpose of their B-1/B-2 visit, it could impact their ability to change status or receive future immigration benefits. If you are considering changing status from B-1/B-2, we strongly recommend consulting with an immigration attorney to fully understand the process and potential implications.