Visitor Visas

This information sheet describes the B-1 international visitor visa for business. For visitors from countries listed on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), the Waiver Business (WB) is used in lieu of the B-1. The B-1/WB classification is used for business visitors who will enter the U.S. for a short period of time and is appropriate where the proposed stay does not involve productive employment.

Visa Waiver Program

The VWP allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure without obtaining a B-1/B-2 visa stamp. For information on countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program,please check the U.S. Department of State website at If from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program with the U.S., the visitor will need to carry his or her passport but does not need to obtain a visa for entry to the U.S. However, the visitor will be required to go online and register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to his or her departure. Follow the instructions at Please note that ESTA is not a visa status but rather a required registration for those visitors traveling to the U.S. under the VWP. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends that travelers print out the ESTA application response to serve as evidence of their ESTA registration at the time of airline check-in.

Academic Purposes

B-1/WBmay be used for certain academic activities, including the following: attending meetings; participating in scientific, educational, professional or business conferences, seminars, or conventions; and conducting independent research. It is not appropriate for a B-1/WB visitor to engage in collaborative research, work in a lab, or receive an academic appointment. Activities normally considered as employment are not permitted under the B-1/WB categories.

Northeastern departments should confer withtheir personnel officer in the Dean’s Office to ensure that the B-1/WB is most appropriate for the visitor’s planned activity. If visitor visa status is deemed inappropriate for the proposed activity, the J-1 short-term scholar visa statusmay be an appropriate alternative. The maximum duration of the short-term scholarappointment is six months.

Export Control

Export control requirements can apply when regulated information, data or software will be shared with foreign persons or entities in the U.S. or transferred in any manner to foreign persons outside the U.S. ortangible items, such as equipment (including PCs and Macs), materials, components, etc., will be sent or carried outside of the U.S. Because violations of export control regulations can lead to significant civil and criminal penalties, it is essential that prior to the arrival of an international visitor, the sponsoring department or employee confer with the Dean’s office and/or the Compliance Department to help ensure compliance with these requirements.

Payment

Visitors who receive payments may be subject to tax reporting and/or withholding requirements. Payments include honoraria, stipends and travel expenses. If the visitor does not already have an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number (SSN), taxes will be withheld on all payments at a 30% tax rate. See the Internal Revenue Service website for information at

For honoraria and stipends, the department submits to Accounts Payable a Direct Pay (DPay) Form with an attached copy of the Letter of Invitation and a copy of the International Business Visitor Request. For reimbursements, the department submits to Accounts Payable a Travel Expense Voucher Form with attached copies of the Letter of Invitation and a copy of the International Business Visitor Form. Visitors receiving honoraria may only be engaged in the academic activity at Northeastern University for no more than nine days. Further, the visitor may not have received honorarium payments from more than five academic institutions, during the previous six months.

Study

B-1/WBvisitors are prohibited from enrolling in a “course of study” or any kind of study that would earn credit or certification.

Steps for Inviting an International Visitor

1. If the B-1/WB category is determined to be appropriate, the visitor must submit a completed International Business VisitorRequestformand the department must complete a Department Form. These two forms must be submitted to the Dean’s Office personnel contact.

2. The college will send an invitation letter to the visitor using sample language provided for business visitor letters on the Office of the General Counsel’s websiteat indicates the purpose of the visit, length of stay at Northeastern, and any financial arrangements (including travel expenses and/or honoraria). This letter will assist the visitor if applying for a visa stamp at a U.S. Consulate/Embassy and/or upon entry to the U.S.

3. If the visitor is not eligible for the VWP, the visitor must apply for a B-1 visa at the nearest U.S. Consulate/Embassy (

4. For honoraria and stipends, the department submits toAccounts Payablea Direct Pay (DPay) Form with an attached copy of the Letter of Invitation and a copy of the International Business Visitor Request. For reimbursements, the department submits to Accounts Payable a Travel Expense Voucher Form with attached copies of the Letter of Invitation and a copy of the International Business Visitor Form.Visitors receiving honoraria may only be engaged in the academic activity at Northeastern University for no more than nine days. Further, the visitor may not have received honorarium payments from more than five academic institutions, during the previous six months.

5. While the visitor is present in the U.S., the department copies the visitor’s I-94 admission record,passport ID page, entry stamp and/or visa as applicable. The department should keep copies of all forms and documents.

Visitors Already in the United States

If you are extending an invitation to an international visitor who is already in the U.S. in a particular visa status other than B-1 or WB, it is important to contact the Dean’s Office in order to determine if the proposed activity at Northeastern will be permitted by the federal government with the visitor’s current status, or if alternative arrangements should be made.

Revised September 2014Page 1 of 3