What is a b 1 visa and how does one apply for one?

A b-1 visa is a non-immigrant visitor visa for individuals of foreign countries seeking to enter the United States on a temporary basis for business.  Some of the major categories of business-related travel that qualify for this type of visa are (1) professional athletes, (2) speaker or lecturer, (3) training, (4) service engineer, (5) negotiation of contracts, (6) researcher , (7) business event, trade show, meeting or conference attendee, and (8) litigation.

To apply for a b-1 visa, applicants must complete Form DS-156, present a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond their desired period of stay, furnish one photograph (2x2), and pay the application processing fee.  Males between the ages of 16 and 45  as well as applicants who are 16 years of age and over and who come from countries that are listed as state sponsors of terrorism must also submit  a supplemental non-immigrant visa application or Form DS-157.