The document outlines various U.S. visa options for business, including the visa waiver and B-1 visa, and explains eligibility criteria for business visitors. It details permitted and prohibited activities under the visa waiver/B-1 visa and emphasizes the importance of having documentation to prove eligibility. Additionally, it discusses various work visa categories such as L-1, E treaty, and H-1B visas, highlighting the need for expert advice due to complex U.S. immigration regulations.

1. obrienandassociates.com | @ USVisaExpert
US Visa
Options for
Business

2. If you want to work
in the USA
you will need a VISA

3. It’s important that you
approach working in the
US the right way

4. Visa Waiver may be
adequate initially, but…

5. Avoid being denied entry on
Visa Waiver at all costs,
because one strike and
YOU’RE OUT

6. One refusal means a
LIFETIME BAN
on ever using the Visa
Waiver program
again

7. Understanding
Visa Waiver
and the B-1 Visa

8. What business
IS
permitted?

9. Permitted business on VW/B-1
• Meetings
• Negotiating contracts
• Consulting with business associates
• Attending a convention/conference
• Short-term training
• Litigation
• After-sales service if a contract exists
• Pre-investment activities

10. What business
IS NOT
permitted?

11. • Working
• Managing a business
• Soliciting business, especially if
you’re a principal
• Engaging in work as a consultant
• After-sales service if no contract exists
Business not permitted on VW/B-1

12. It’s up to
YOU to
PROVE
ELIGIBILITY

13. Every business visitor should
have written evidence of:

14. Purpose
of travel
Invitations to meetings;
receipts for tradeshows
etc.
Every business visitor should
have written evidence of:

15. Ties
outside
the US
Proof of residence (Personal
bank statement showing salary/
mortgage/rent)
€Proof of employment
(Letter from employer)
Purpose
of travel
Invitations to meetings;
receipts for tradeshows
etc.
Every business visitor should
have written evidence of:

16. If 50% of your time, cumulatively,
is being spent in the US,
you will almost
certainly be
denied entry
on Visa
Waiver

17. Don’t take that risk!
Seek professional advice, as
you may need a B-1 visa at this
juncture

18. B-1 Visa: Advantages over Visa Waiver
• More confidence, less questioning
at US port of entry
• Each entry to the US may be up
to 6 months
• May be extended while in the US
• May change to another visa
category while in the US

19. US Immigration regulations are
tricky and not intuitive

20. US Immigration regulations are
tricky and not intuitive
Seek expert advice early!
US Immigration regulations are
tricky and not intuitive

21. US Work Visa
Categories

22. Intra-
company
transfer
(L-1)
Visas

23. L-1 intra-company transfer Visa
An important visa for foreign companies
with a physical presence in the US

24. Managers and
Executives (L-1A)
Specialized Knowledge
Workers (L-1B)
An important visa for foreign companies
with a physical presence in the US
Suitable for:
L-1 intra-company transfer Visa
An important visa for foreign companies
with a physical presence in the US

25. An important visa for foreign companies
with a physical presence in the US
Not suitable for New Hires:
Employee must have
worked with the non-
US company for at
least one year
L-1 intra-company transfer Visa
An important visa for foreign companies
with a physical presence in the US

26. L-1A Managers and Executives may also
be eligible for permanent residence
(‘green card’) under
a fast-track category
for Multinational
Managers/Executives
L-1 intra-company transfer Visa

27. E Treaty
Visas

28. A valuable option for nationals of
countries which have relevant treaties
with the US, including Ireland and the
UK
Nationals of the treaty country
must own at least 50% of the
business
E Treaty Visa

29. Eligible employees are Managers,
Executives or Essential Skills Workers
who share the nationality of the
company
Unlike the L-1, new
hires may qualify for E
Treaty Visas
E Treaty Visa

30. Available to foreign companies trading
substantially with the US
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa

31. What is substantial trade?
A significant volume of US clients.
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa

32. An option for those who have
invested substantially in a US
business
E-2 Treaty Trader Visa

33. Depends on the type of business -
Most US consulates insist on
$100k minimum
E-2 Treaty Trader Visa

34. H–1B
Professional
Visa

35. The H-1B Professional Visa is for degree
holders being sponsored by a US
employer for a professional position
(one which requires
a degree).
H-1B Professional Visa

36. This is a heavily regulated category
with an annual quota of:
65,000 visas worldwide
(and an additional
20,000 for holders
of US Master’s degrees)
H-1B Professional Visa

37. Quota opens
April 1st.
Applying early is
essential; this year’s
quota was reached
within one week.
H-1B Professional Visa

38. Chnge i
w
s on the
ay
Change
is on the
horizon

39. The current US administration is
protectionist

40. The current US administration is
protectionist
Meaning heightened scrutiny and
more questioning by officials

41. Meaning you must be
prepared and know your
stuff!

42. Take advice
early to
maximise your
options

43. And avoid falling at the first fence…

44. or the last!
And avoid falling at the first fence…

45. For over 20
years, Deirdre
and her team
have successfully
delivered US visa
solutions to top
companies and
individuals.

46. To ensure your
smooth transition to
the US, call us today

47. Click here to follow us
on Twitter
Click here to find out
more about us
IRL: 056-776 7994
US: 212-965 1148
Click here to
download our e-guide

48. O’Brien & Associates have offices in
New York City Kilkenny, Ireland

49. Taking care of your US visa needs
on both sides of the Atlantic
www.obrienandassociates.com