Each year, people come into Pennsylvania from other countries as immigrants. Some of those individuals obtain commercial visas so that they can conduct business while in the country. It’s important to understand what a commercial visa is and how it works.
What is a commercial visa?
One of the many visas is the commercial or business visa. Also known as a B-1 visa, this visa allows people to enter the United States on a temporary basis when they have to travel for business-related reasons. A variety of professionals from other countries, including scientists, investors, athletes, and lecturers, often obtain these types of visas so they can conduct their work.
How can a person qualify for a commercial visa?
Commercial visas aren’t given out to just anyone. There are certain criteria a person must meet to qualify for a visa. They should state the purpose of their trip to the U.S. and what kind of business they intend to conduct. They must intend on staying in the country for a limited amount of time and show evidence that they have funds to pay for their expenses while in the U.S. The individual must also show evidence of having ties abroad and that they have a home outside of the US and loved ones to return to once they conclude their visit on the B-1 visa.
How long can someone stay in the U.S. on a commercial visa?
Commercial visas can allow an immigrant to stay in the U.S. for up to 10 years for multiple entries. However, a person can stay in the country for only a few days if their business is very short-lived. Regardless of how long they stay with each visit on the visa, they cannot stay for longer than six months at any given time.
Commercial visas are legally available to immigrants only for the purpose of conducting business. Any other purpose requires a different type of visa.