Waiver Business Visa

The Visa Waiver Program enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Such nationals who travel to the United States under this program are granted the WB status. WB stands for Waiver-Business.

WB Visa Quotas by country

There is no cap on the number of visas issued under this category each year or the number of nationals of a country admitted to the United States under this category.

WB Visa Requirements

WB requirements are very specific.

• Nationality -You must be a national of a country under the Visa Waiver Program
• Business - You must be traveling to the United States for business
• Period – Your stay must not exceed 90 days

WB Visa Fees and Costs

There is no fee payable.

WB Visa Documents needed

WB visa is not issued at any US Embassy/Consulate. WB visa is issued at the port of entry. The WB requirements are specific. Besides being a national of a country under the Visa Waiver Program, the applicant must possess a machine readable passport and must demonstrate financial solvency and nonimmigrant intent. The applicant must obtain an approved authorization via ESTA must be obtained before traveling to the United States. The application must be made at least 72 hours prior to departure. The approval is valid for two years. At the port of entry the following WB documents must be produced and submitted along with Form I94W:

• ESTA approval
• Return ticket

The Applicant may be required to demonstrate financial solvency and non-immigrant intent.

WB Visa Visa Limitations

The 90 day period of stay cannot be extended under any circumstances. If you remain in the United States after the expiry of 90 days without any change in your status, you will be considered out of status.

• No change of status – You cannot change your status without leaving the United States. There is no grace period for change of status. You must leave the United States to change your status.
• Employment – You can engage in a business activity but cannot take up employment in the United States.

WB Visa Visa extension rules

The 90 day period of stay cannot be extended under any circumstances.

WB Visa Grace Period

There is no grace period. If you remain in the United States after the expiry of 90 days without any change in your status, you will be considered out of status.

WB Visa Conversion To Permanent Immigration Possibility

You can apply for adjustment of status and lawfully seek to become a legal permanent resident. However you may be required to leave and re-enter the United States.

WB Visa Family visa considerations

Your family members must qualify on their own. You cannot sponsor them.

Help from a US Immigration Lawyer

US immigration laws are becoming stricter by the day. Even if you are a national of a Visa Waiver Program country, your application for a WB status can be denied. An experienced US immigration attorney will ensure that you have all necessary documentation in place before you apply for a WB status thereby saving you the trouble of being denied a WB status at the port of entry.