A B-1 visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa for an individual whose intention to enter the United States is based on a temporary visit for business. A B-1 visa holder may seek admission for legitimate activities of a commercial or professional nature such as meetings, conferences, or consultations in the United States in connection with the conduct of international business and commerce. A B-1 Visa Holder may receive admittance for up to 1 year with
extension of 6 months.

Elements of B-1 Visas:

• Doing Business vs. Being Employed: Although
  normally excluded from entering the U.S. to
  perform skilled or unskilled labor, applicants
  seeking to engage in employment may be
  issued B-1 visas if they fall into one of the
  following categories.
• Present specific and realistic plans for the entire
  period of the visit;
• Timely Departure From the U.S. is Essential:
  Establish with reasonable certainty that departure
  from the U.S will occur upon completion of the
  temporary visit. The period of time projected for
  the visit must be consistent with its slated purpose;
• Maintenance of a Foreign Residence is Essential:
  Because the B-1 visa is strictly a visitor’s visa, the
  applicant must intend to maintain a foreign residence;
• Demonstrate Sufficient Ties to the Home Country:
  Just as a foreign residence maintenance can indicate a
  strong intention on the part of the B-1 visa holder to
  return to his/her home country, permanent employment,
  meaningful business or financial connections, close family
  ties, or other commitments can also indicate a strong
  incentive to return.

Important B-1 Concepts

Strategic B-1 concepts are key ideas that can govern a foreign
corporation’s or national’s use of the B-1 Business Visitor visa.
These ideas are also important considerations that may serve
to guide when a B-1 visa might be utilized and whether a
foreign business and/or prospective foreign employee
might consider another nonimmigrant visa category.

• Ability to Seek US Education: B-1 visa holders are eligible
  to study in the U.S. IF THE STUDY IS INCIDENTAL TO
  THE PURPOSE OF TRIP. Moreover, there are limitations
  to such studies in that the studies must be of short
  duration (under 18 hours a week). If the primary reason
  for visiting the U.S. is to engage in studies, such persons
  might consider applying for an F-1 or B-2 visa.
• Source of Salary or Financial Compensation: Because the
  B-1 visa is not a visa intended for employment in the U.S,
  the B-1 visa holder must generally be paid abroad. However,
  salary remuneration, so long as the source is outside the
  U.S., may be arranged through U.S. banking or other
  financial institution.

The above list is not exhaustive, and we would be more than happy to consult with you regarding other activities that may be classifiable as B-1.