B-1 Visa

Business visitors may independently apply for a B-1 visitors visa (or more typically, a combined B-1 / B-2 visitors visa, which allows visits for business or tourism) at a U.S. consulate. Upon receiving the visa, the visitor is eligible to travel to the U.S. and request B-1 status upon arrival. The period of stay is typically limited to the intended duration of the visit, although a B-1 visitor may apply for an extension of status prior to the expiration of their current stay. (Persons coming to the U.S. for tourism / pleasure would need a B-2 visa and request B-2 status.)

Visa Waiver Program

Currently 42 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows "visa-free" travel to the U.S. Business travelers from participating countries request WB status (Waiver - Business) upon arrival, for visits not to exceed a maximum of 90 days. Stays may not be extended. (Visa waiver travelers coming primarily for tourism / pleasure would request Waiver - Tourism, or WT status, instead of WB status.)

VWP visitors are required to have a valid travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding. Upon arrival, they are screened at the port of entry into the United States, and are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s OBIM program. 

Visitors who do not have ESTA clearance or who may wish to stay longer than 90 days may need to apply for a B-1 (or B-1/B-2) visa in order to visit the United States.

Departments that wish to invite a non-US person for a business visit to Brown may consider issuing an invitation letter detailing the nature of the visit. The letter should include a brief description of the intended visit, the proposed dates, and department host contact information. If offering reimbursement or other payments, it is the responsibility of the department to confirm payment eligiblity with the Controller's office.

Departments can utilize invitation letter templates available on this page to assist them in writing an invitation letter.

Invitation letters should only be issued to invite someone for a short-term visit of a business nature. Invitation letters do not constitute offers of employment, and business visitors are not permitted to engage in employment in either B-1 or WB status.