WB Visa Waiver for Business:
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to enter the U.S. for a maximum of 90 days without applying for a visa. To qualify for entrance in this manner, you must meet ALL of the following requirements:

• Must be a citizen of a VWP designated country;
• Must possess an e-passport (enhanced security passport) that is valid for six months beyond your intended date of departure from the U.S.
• Must register on-line through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before traveling to the U.S.
• Must NOT intend for your visit to exceed 90 days.

Individuals who have travelled to and/or are dual nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen may be restricted from entering the U.S. in this classification. Refer to the U.S. Department of State website for more specific information on the  Visa Waiver Program

B-1 Visitor for Business:  If you do not meet the WB Visa Waiver Program requirements, you may be eligible to enter the U.S. as a B-1 Visitor for Business.  Citizens of most countries are required to obtain a B-1 visa to enter the U.S. in this classification. If you already have a valid B-1 visa in your passport, it is not necessary for you to obtain a new visa for your visit to BU.

To apply for a B1 visa, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to schedule an appointment.  In addition to paying any related visa fees and providing two photographs that meet the required standards, you should also provide the following items at your scheduled appointment:

• A valid passport for at least six months after your date of entry to the U.S.
• Your BU invitation letter (to document the purpose of your visit)
• Original financial documentation (to document that you have adequate funds for your visit)
• Documents which demonstrate that you intend to return home after your trip (i.e. a return plane ticket or proof of employment)

Visa processing times can vary so please plan accordingly.  Canadian citizens do not require a B1/B2 visa stamp to enter the U.S. in the B-1 Visitor for Business classification. Citizens of China must enroll in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) before traveling to the U.S.

Once you obtain either your ESTA authorization or B-1 visa (and EVUS enrollment for Chinese citizens), you can travel to the U.S. Upon arrival, you will be inspected by a U.S. customs and border official. Since the purpose of your visit is to participate in a training program or seminar at BU, please request admission as a B-1 Visitor for Business or a WB Visa Waiver for Business.

For admission to the U.S. you will need to present the following documents:

• Passport
• ESTA clearances (for Visa Waiver Program) OR B-1 visa (and valid notification of enrollment in EVUS for Chinese citizens)
• Letter of invitation from Boston University (this will be provided by the ISSO at the request of the host department)

We also recommend that you have the following documents ready to present, should the inspector ask for them:

• Return trip ticket showing your dates of travel
• Documents showing funding for your time in the U.S.

Since your participation in activities at BU does not constitute employment or full-time study, it is important that you do not describe yourself as a “student” coming to “study at Boston University”, or as an “employee” coming to “work at Boston University”. These are inaccurate and may cause confusion at a consulate and at the port of entry.

All international visitors who will participate in a professional-level activity at BU are required to check in with the ISSO.  Please bring your passport BU and invitation letter with you to expedite the check-in. If you prefer to check-in with us remotely, please contact your International Scholar Advisor for instructions on this process.