In our increasingly digital world, many businesses offer remote learning options for job training. However, new positions and new business developments often require on-site training to attend meetings with team members, learn new techniques or get hands-on experience with new machinery. If their job requires on-site training in the United States, employees with citizenship in other countries may have a new concern: will they be allowed to travel to the United States?
The visa waiver program and B-1 visas offer the opportunity to come to the U.S.
Depending on the citizenship of the worker, the visa waiver program may allow them to come to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa. This program is only available to citizens of participating countries, however, so many employees may not be eligible for this program.
Workers who are not eligible for the visa waiver program will probably have to apply for a B-1 visa. This visa allows citizens of other countries to come to the United States for up to six months to conduct certain types of business activities including short-term training.
What is the application process for a B-1 visa?
The B-1 visa allows people to be in the United States on a temporary basis for business pursuits like training, meetings, conferences and contract negotiations. In order to qualify, applicants must qualify for admission into the United States, intend to return to their home country at the end of a limited period of time and plan to enter the United States for specific business reasons.
In order to apply for a visitor visa requires applicants to file specific forms, pay a visa application fee and schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Wait times, processing times and other requirements can vary depending on the Embassy or Consulate holding the interview, so the U.S. Department of State recommends applying as early as possible. Once applicants have completed an interview about the purpose of their visit, the Department of State will approve or deny their application.
With careful planning and the right documentation, employees can get the training they need to support their future career success.
