A foreign national travelling to the United States to conduct temporary business, including attending a business convention or conference, must hold a visitor visa (B-1 or B-1/B-2) unless they qualify for entry under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Nonimmigrant visa applicants follow the same application process and should schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence or nationality.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Business travel guidance from the U.S. Department of State lists attending business meetings, consultations, conventions and conferences, and negotiating contracts as examples of permitted temporary business activity under a B visitor visa. Visa application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Check the official pages before booking travel: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/business.html and https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html
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