Visas to the U.S.

BUSINESS VISAS

The business visa (B1 visa) is available for anyone wishing to go to the United States temporarily to engage in commercial transactions, negotiate contracts, conduct litigation, consult with business associates, participate in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences, or seminars, etc. It is U.S. government policy to facilitate and promote international travel and the free movement of people of all nationalities to the United States, as well as to promote trade and commerce between nations. In most cases, a qualified applicant for a business visa will receive a combination B1/B2 (business and tourism) visa.

REQUIREMENTS

Business visa applicants must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they will depart the United States at the end of their visit. It is impossible to specify the exact form the evidence should take since applicants' circumstances vary greatly. However, generally consular officers like to see a letter from the Moldovan company stating the purpose of the applicant's trip to the United States and, if appropriate, a letter of invitation from an American company, contact, or counterpart.

At the visa interview, consular officers try to determine that an applicant has adequate funds to avoid unlawful employment while in the United States, a credible support arrangement for himself while in the United States, specific and realistic travel plans, strong ties abroad, and credible support arrangements for his family living in Moldova.

IN THE UNITED STATES

Foreign Nationals in the United States on B-1 status are allowed to negotiate contracts, conduct business, meet with business partners, etc. They may not, however, engage in any skilled or unskilled labor or on-the-job training. This means that they may not perform any sort of activity for which an American resident would be paid. A foreign national on B-1 classification who engages in any of these activities may have a difficult time qualifying for a business (or any other type of visa) in the future.