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BUSINESS VISITORS: B-1, B-2, AND ESTA (VISA WAIVER PROGRAM)
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B-1 VERSUS ESTA: Different Purposes, Allowances, Risks
Business Visitors: B-1 vs. ESTA
B-1 visas and ESTA travel authorizations both allow short-term business visits to the United States. But they are not interchangeable. Using the wrong entry route—or failing to document activities properly—can trigger costly enforcement, delays, and reputational damage.
The B-1 Business Visitor Visa
The B-1 visa is issued at a U.S. consulate and can cover limited, temporary business activities. Under 9 FAM 402.2-5(E), visitors may install, service, or train others on equipment purchased abroad, or provide after-sales support tied to a foreign purchase.
Advantages of B-1:
- Consular review creates a record of the approved purpose.
- Some visas may be annotated to reference the specific activity.
- Extensions or changes of status are possible in the U.S
- Provides stronger due process protections if enforcement questions arise.
Examples:
- A German engineer installs robotics purchased by a U.S. auto manufacturer.
- A Japanese technician trains American staff on a semiconductor machine shipped from abroad.
Application process and fees:
- File DS-160, pay fee, schedule consular interview.
- Fee: $185 (standard nonimmigrant visa application fee). Effective September 30, 2025, an additional $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” applies to most nonimmigrant visa categories, including B-1.
- Must prove ties to home country and temporary intent.
THE B-2 TOURIST / MEDICAL VISITOR VISA
The B-2 visa is for tourism, visiting family, or receiving medical treatment in the U.S. It is also issued at a U.S. consulate.
Advantages of B-2:
- Permits stays of up to 6 months, with possibility of extension.
- Can be combined with B-1 in a single B-1/B-2 visa.
- Provides stronger protections than ESTA/VWP.
Examples of permitted uses:
- Vacation or sightseeing.
- Visiting relatives.
- Receiving medical treatment.
- Enrolling in a short, recreational course (not for credit).
Activities not permitted:
- Employment for a U.S. company
- Paid performances or engagements.
- Academic study for credit.
Application process and fees:
- Same as B-1.
- Fee: $185. Effective September 30, 2025, an additional $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” applies to most nonimmigrant visa categories, including B-2.
- Must prove ties to home country and temporary intent.
B-2 vs. ESTA (Visa Waiver Program):
- B-2 visas allow longer stays (up to 6 months) with possible extension or change of status, while ESTA/VWP is limited to 90 days with no extension.
- B-2 provides stronger protections and flexibility, while ESTA has very limited due process rights if challenged.
- Both can be used for tourism and family visits, but B-2 is safer for travelers who need flexibility or anticipate multiple purposes (tourism + family + medical).
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
ESTA is not a visa. It is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible nationals of participating countries to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If admitted, the traveler is placed in VWP status—not B status—for a maximum stay of 90 days per trip. ESTA authorization itself is valid for 2 years (or until passport expiration), allowing multiple entries. Some activities may overlap with B-1 allowances, but VWP admission lacks the documentation, flexibility, and protections of a B-1 visa stamp.
Limitations of ESTA/VWP Admission::
- No visa annotation to confirm the permitted business purpose.
- No extension or change of status is possible.
- Very limited due process rights if challenged. Travelers have no right to a removal hearing; CBP can summarily refuse admission or remove them.
- Higher risk on complex or high-value projects.
- Prior visa denials or certain criminal histories generally make you ineligible for ESTA.
Validity Period of ESTA authorization:
- ESTA approval is valid for 2 years (or until passport expiration, whichever comes first).
- Each entry is limited to 90 days. Multiple entries are permitted during the 2-year validity.
Application Process & Fees:
- Fee: $40 as of September 30, 2025 (previously $21).
- Apply online at least 72 hours before travel (approvals often near-instant).
- Apply only through the official DHS ESTA website—avoid third-party scam sites.
Acceptable Use:
- Brief business meetings or site inspections.
- Short follow-up visits connected to a foreign purchase.
Not Permitted on ESTA:
- Employment for a U.S. company.
- Paid performances or professional engagements.
- Credit-bearing study programs.
- Long-term assignments disguised as “short business.”
I-94 Fee (Land Border Crossings, Not Sea/Air):
- Effective September 30, 2025, the I-94 fee increases to $30. ESTA applies only for air and sea travel. At land borders (from Canada or Mexico), ESTA cannot be used—travelers must either present a valid B-1/B-2 visa or complete Form I-94W (paper or electronic) under the VWP, with the I-94 fee required.
Why the distinction matters - Enforcement Update
U.S. authorities are now coordinating across DHS, DOJ, and DOL to scrutinize ESTA and B-1 use in large or politically sensitive projects. Even when an activity is technically permissible under 9 FAM 402.2-5(E), unclear documentation or perceived U.S. worker displacement can trigger site visits, audits, or raids.
Even seemingly lawful activities—such as installation or training tied to foreign-purchased equipment—can cause problems if:
- The purpose of entry is not clearly documented.
- Travelers enter under VWP with no consular vetting or without a visa annotation confirming business purpose.
- The project is large, high-profile, or politically sensitive.
Example: One highly publicized incident involved the government raid of the Hyundai electric battery plant project in Georgia, where foreign technicians reportedly entered under ESTA to install proprietary machinery. While such work may fall within B-1/ESTA allowances, the lack of a visa record and unclear documentation triggered a full-scale government raid, project delays, and global publicity.
THE LESSON: Even when the law allows certain activities, choosing VWP/ESTA instead of a B-1 visa—or failing to document the purpose—can cause major disruption.
Strategic Alternatives for Larger Projects
For projects that go beyond narrow B-1 allowances, other visas may be more appropriate:
- L-1B for specialized knowledge transfers.
- E-2 for treaty investors and staff.
- H-1B or O-1 for professional or extraordinary-ability roles.
Kennedy Law advises companies on choosing the right visa, preparing documentation, and avoiding costly mistakes.
Why not just use ESTA?
Because ESTA/VWP admission creates no visa record of your business purpose, cannot be extended or changed, and provides no protection if CBP or ICE disagrees. For complex projects, a properly annotated B-1 visa is the safer route.
Business Travel Compliance With Kennedy Law
At Kennedy Law, we help companies:
- Visa Category Determination – evaluate whether B-1, ESTA/VWP, or another visa is the safest and most compliant option.
- Documentation Preparation – prepare filings, invitation letters, and supporting evidence to demonstrate compliance with 9 FAM 402.2-5(E).
- Risk Management – identify red flags such as U.S. worker displacement, high-profile projects, or inconsistent records that may trigger scrutiny.
- Project Guidance – align business activities with permissible visa uses to avoid site visits, audits, or enforcement actions.
With the right strategy, businesses can keep projects moving while staying compliant with U.S. immigration law.
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DISCLAIMER: This website provides general information about immigration rules and eligibility. It is not legal advice, tax advice, or a substitute for individualized consultation. Immigration outcomes depend on your specific circumstances. For advice tailored to your case, schedule a consultation with Kennedy Law.
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