This "visitor" visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the U.S. temporarily for business (B-1) and for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).
For example, if the purpose of your planned travel is recreational in nature, including tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, and activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature, then a visitor visa (B-2) would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel. If the purpose for your planned travel is to consult with business associates, travel for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention, or conference on specific dates, settle an estate, or negotiate a contract, then a business (B-1) visitor visa would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel. For more information, please visit Department of State's website: Visitor visa.
Most B1/B2 visitors are admitted for 6 months or less.
The University of Oklahoma requires all international visitors participating in research exchange to come as J-1 Exchange Visitors. While U.S. immigration inspectors have wide discretion in granting entry to the U.S., they do not view the B1/B2 as appropriate for someone coming to a University to conduct any research. In addition, many embassies and consulates now require the J-1 visa be used for such purposes. It is recommended that prospective researchers consult with the academic department at OU in conjunction with the OIS to determine the most appropriate status for the proposed visit.
Travelers coming to the U.S. for tourism or business for 90 days or less from qualified countries may be eligible to visit the U.S. without a visa if they meet the visa waiver program requirements. See the Visa Waiver Program to learn more, and find out if you meet the visa waiver requirements.
Under certain conditions, people holding these types of status may be paid by a U.S. institution or a nonprofit or governmental organization, honoraria and associated incidental expenses for usual academic activity (see Honorarium payment below). Individuals should check with his or her host department before choosing the B or Visa Waiver Program if compensation or payment for services are eligible to be paid or reimbursed.
Travelers should be aware that the information they post online may be inspected by immigration officials that adjudication requests for immigration benefits, including admission to the U.S. as a business visitor.
The sponsoring OU department should provide the visitor with an invitation letter that defines the business activity. The visitor will provide this letter to the US consulate as evidence for visa issuance. Business visitors are not allowed to receive compensation of any kind unless they are guest lecturers who meet the honorarium rules below. The invitation letter should contain the following:
An honorarium is defined as a nominal payment to an individual given in gratitude for services rendered. This is typically a one time, non-recurring payment. While an honorarium may be interpreted as a fee, it is a payment given to a professional person for services for which fees are not legally or traditionally required. The giving of it and the amount are both discretionary. An honorarium is appropriately given to a person who has volunteered time and effort on behalf of the university and who is not otherwise being remunerated for the service provided. The individual should not stand to realize a profit or loss as a result of the service provided.
A B-1 or VWB business visitor may accept an honorarium payment and associated incidental expenses for usual academic activities if:
