Nonimmigrant Visas

Business Visas (B1)

If going on a business trip, gather all the documents required for a nonimmigrant visa.

Then, consider the following documents that may be useful in helping you apply for a business visa (B-1):

• Invitation letter from the US counterpart / Company with which you are going to conduct business.
• Exchanges of correspondence with U.S. purchasers, suppliers or contacts.
• Recent contracts, bills of lading or other documentary evidence of recent imports and exports of purchases.
• Any evidence of arrangements for lodging and appointments already made in the U.S. in preparation for your trip.
• Incorporation documents and business license(s).
• Tax documents for the last 2 years.
• Bank transaction statements detailing all deposits and withdrawals for the last six months. Include your personal and company accounts, along with evidence that you have authority to draw on the company accounts.
• Any copies of recent advertising brochures or publications.

Please note: The above are only suggested documents. It should be noted that a visa is not assured even if you have all these documents.

Business and Tourist visa applicants are required to demonstrate their ties to India. Such evidence is necessary because American law does not allow the issuance of a nonimmigrant visa to people who may be presumed to be intending immigrants. Only those who can overcome this presumption - generally, those who can prove that they have substantial social, family and economic ties to India and the financial resources for an expensive trip or course of study abroad - are qualified to receive most categories of nonimmigrant visas.

It is important to note that in these visa categories, the burden of proof is on the applicant. Documents that show the applicant’s income and finances, the purpose of the trip, and the arrangements to cover the cost of the trip may help to convince a consular officer of an applicant’s eligibility. It is impossible to specify the documents that should be submitted, as each applicant’s circumstances vary greatly.

Please remember:

Although suggested documents may assist you in your interview, the Consular Officer relies primarily on the interview to determine your eligibility for a visa and does not depend too much on supporting documents.

Caution: Use only valid documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent ineligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.