Are you planning to travel to the United States for business purposes? Well, travelling to this part of the world means you have to navigate the US immigration system. That involves being conversant with all the immigration application forms and Visas that you need for your entry.
It would help if you equipped yourself with the required immigration forms for business visitors when you plan to attend meetings or participate in conferences. Here, we look at some of the most essential immigration documents for every business visitor to the US.
1 – Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)
Form I-129 is an essential immigration form for a B-1 business visitor to the US. Business visitors will need the form when they petition for specific types of work visas. The work visas the visitor is petitioning for should be related to the business, such as H-1B for a speciality occupation and L-1 for an intra-company transferee.
This form is usually mandatory for those visiting the US on a long-term basis. If you are visiting the US to perform some work on a long-term basis, your employer should file this petition before you can apply for a visa.
Remember, this immigration is mainly used when a visitor is applying for a more complex work visa and not for a short-term business visit to the US.
2 – Form I-94 (Arrival / Departure Record) for Business Visitors
Form I-94 is an immigration form that records your entry and exit to the US. When you arrive at the port of entry, Customs and Border Protection (CBS) will issue this form to you.This form is automatically generated for business visitors entering the US by sea or air. It is readily available on the CBS website; as a business visitor, you can visit the website and print your immigration form I-94.
Also, note that you should double-check your Form I-94 for accuracy as soon as you enter the US. Check for the correct entry of your authorized stay in the US and the departure date. Checking for information accuracy is important to avoid future problems with the immigration department.
3 – Form DS -160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
Form DS-160 is essential for anyone applying for a nonimmigrant visa to the US, including those visiting the US for business purposes. This form is also useful when applying for the B-1 Business Visitor Visa, which most business visitors need to attend conferences or negotiate contracts in the US.
Applying for the Business Visitor Visa using the DS-160 immigration form is relatively easy because it is available online. You can complete the DS-160 form electronically from the comfort of your desktop.
Once you fill out the form and submit it, you will download a confirmation page with a barcode.
Applicants must print this confirmation page and carry it to the visa interview.
When you fill out this form, make sure you have the following:
- Passport – upload a passport photo that meets the specs set by the US visa photo requirements
- Detailed travel itinerary or plans
- The US Taxpayer ID or Social Security Number (if you have any)
- The National Identity Card from your home country
- Your past US visa history
4 – Form I-539 (Application for Extension and Change of Nonimmigrant Status)
Form I-539 is essential for any business visitor to the US who intends to change the purpose of their visit to the country, such as extending their stay or changing their status from business visitor to student.
As a business visitor in the US, you need to fill out Form I-539 before your authorized stay date expires. When you do so, you can change your nonimmigrant status and continue your stay in the US.
Note that if you apply to extend your stay for the B-1 visa, it can only be extended for a maximum of 6 months. Therefore, be clear about how long you want to stay in the US before filling out any online immigration form.
5 – B -1 Visa (Application for Business Visit Visa)
The B-1 visa form is a nonimmigrant visa application that allows foreigners to visit the US for business purposes. This visit could be to participate in a conference, attend meetings, or negotiate contracts.
When applying for a Business Visitor Visa, you will need a letter or other document from your current employer or any US entity inviting you to the US. Other things you need to make this application successful include your travel plans or itinerary and proof of financial means to support your stay.
After filling out this form, you will book an interview with the US consulate in your home country. You have to prove or show that you have existing ties with your home country, such as family or a job, that will compel your departure after the business visit.
Final Thoughts
To ensure a smooth visa application process, you must understand all the major immigration forms for business visits and how to fill them correctly.
When planning a business visit to the US, you should complete all the necessary forms, such as DS-A160, and submit them to the relevant authorities. Filling immigration correctly is the only way to demonstrate that your visit is legitimate.
