B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa: Business, Tourism and Internship Limits
Table of Contents
Can You Use a B-1/B-2 Visa for an Internship?
A B-1/B-2 visa is for temporary business visits and tourism, not employment or participation in a J-1 exchange program.
Key Takeaways
- B-1 covers temporary business visits; B-2 covers tourism and visits.
- A visitor visa does not authorize employment or work in the US.
- J-1 Visa exchanges cannot take place on B-1/B-2 or through the Visa Waiver Program.
- B-1
- Business visits, such as meetings and conferences
- B-2
- Tourism, holidays and visiting friends or relatives
- Employment
- Not permitted on a visitor visa
- J-1 exchange
- Not permitted on B-1/B-2 or the Visa Waiver Program
What a Visitor Visa Permits
B-1 is for temporary business visits, such as consulting business associates, attending a professional conference or negotiating a contract. B-2 covers tourism, holidays and visits to friends or relatives. A combined B-1/B-2 visa covers both purposes.
Source: Visitor Visa (US Department of State)
Why an Internship Is Different
The State Department lists employment among activities that require another visa category. Its Visitor Visa page says you may not accept employment or work in the US on B-1/B-2. A placement involving such work is not authorized by a visitor visa.
For a structured work-based exchange, J-1 Intern and J-1 Trainee are separate categories. They require a sponsor, DS-2019 and a DS-7002 training plan. The State Department expressly prohibits participation in an exchange on B-1/B-2 or through the Visa Waiver Program.
Source: Visitor Visa (US Department of State) · Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State) · 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program
Eligible travelers may use the Visa Waiver Program for business or tourism visits of 90 days or less, with valid ESTA approval and all other requirements met. Employment is excluded. ESTA does not make this a route for a J-1 internship or traineeship.
Source: Visa Waiver Program (US Department of State) · Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State)
FAQs
Can I attend a business conference on B-1?
Yes. Attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions and conferences is among the permitted B-1 activities.
Source: Visitor Visa (US Department of State)
Is J-1 Visa the only category with practical training?
No. Eligible F-1 students can undertake authorized CPT or OPT related to their studies. Those are student practical-training options, not visitor activities; see F-1 vs. J-1 Visa.
Source: ICE SEVP: Practical Training · Visitor Visa (US Department of State)
The Bottom Line
A business visit is not employment authorization. B-1/B-2 and ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program cannot replace authorization for a J-1 exchange.
Related Terms
- J-1 InternA US exchange visitor category that lets students and recent graduates train at a US company for up to 12 months.more
- J-1 TraineeA US exchange visitor category for people with a degree and work experience abroad, with training at a US company for up to 18 months.more
- J-1 VisaThe US visa for exchange programs. You train, teach or do research for a set time, through a sponsor designated by the US Department of State.more
- F-1 vs. J-1 VisaF-1 is for academic study, with authorized practical training options; J-1 Visa is for exchange programs through a designated sponsor.more
- DS-7002The Training/Internship Placement Plan. You, your host company and your sponsor all sign it.more
Sources
- Visitor Visa (US Department of State)
- Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State)
- 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
- Visa Waiver Program (US Department of State)
- ICE SEVP: Practical Training