The main purpose of a B-1 is to allow an individual to be in the U.S. for business purposes for a short period of time. However, it is unlawful to be employed on a B-1 visitor visa in the U.S. The expense for stay in the U.S. should be paid by a foreign source such as funds from a Korean company. If the expense is fully covered by a U.S. company, visa screening may be intensified. An applicant must demonstrate the business purpose of the trip by showing supporting documents such as a letter from a foreign company detailing specific business purposes for the trip, a round trip plane ticket, and the source of the funds which will be used during the stay in the U.S. The more documents you have, the higher the chance to get a B-1 visa.

The duration of stay for the B-1 visa is generally 3 months since this period is considered to be enough time for achieving the business purpose of a trip. In special cases, 6 months may be granted. The duration of stay period is the individual admission time period that will be written on the individual’s I-94 upon entry. In general, the duration of stay period of a B-1 is shorter than that of a B-2 visa, but the extension may be allowed while in the U.S. upon certain circumstances.

If the business purpose of the trip is not achieved within the initial admission duration period, an individual with a B-1 can apply for the extension before the expiration of permitted stay. The B-1 extension may be granted up to an additional six months, but the total stay in the U.S. may not exceed one year. However, under exceptional circumstances, an individual may be granted more than a year of stay.