Visitor B-1/B-2 Status and Visa Waiver Program

Who can come in B-1/B-2 status or under the Visa Waiver Program?

Under certain circumstances, a visitor may come to the University in B-1/B-2 status or under the Visa Waiver Program.

B-1 visa for business
B-2 visa for tourism (or for a combination of both, B-1/B-2 can be issued together)
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows a traveler to come to the U.S. without a visa and stay for up to 90 days.
- Individuals coming under the VWP will need to have a valid registration in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Similar conditions apply to B status and to the VWP; visitors should carefully check the website of the U.S. consulate or embassy for information on both. Please see a more detailed overview of various immigration statuses on our website.

Visitor visa status allows a traveler to:

conduct business on behalf of a foreign company and business of a general nature
conduct independent research (university related research in B status is not allowed)
U.S. based employment is not allowed in B-status

A visitor attending a University conference or symposium or giving public lectures or presentations provided that:
- activities fall within 9 calendar days
- visitor has not undertaken such activities for more than 5 different institutions in the last 6 months
- This is the so-called "9/5/6 rule" and an individual whose visit satisfies these conditions can be reimbursed for expenses and receive an honorarium. Please note tax withholdings of 30% will apply unless the individual has a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Please see instructions on what information should be included in the Invitation Letter (link).
A visitor conducting independent research. Independent research means the use of University facilities without any affiliation or appointment. NOTE: a visitor with affiliation or appointment should come on a J-1 visa, even if no payment is made to the visitor by the University.