B-1/WB Visa Status

International Services Office

In general, international researchers or students should not use a visitor status (B-1 or visa waiver for business - VWB) to come to Scripps Research.  This is because the visitor status (B-1 or VWB) cannot be used to conduct research in the US that is of benefit to the host institution.  It is only allowed for those who are conducting independent research, which would be a rare circumstance at Scripps Research.

In addition, there are many restrictions and challenges with a B-1 or VWB status, which include:

  1. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials (those who view your passport) often make a mistake and grant a B-2 or VWT (visa statuses for tourism), instead of the less common B-1/VWB (visa statuses for business). If this happens, international scholars cannot come to Scripps Research until they have corrected the error by interacting with Deferred Inspections.  This can sometimes be a cumbersome process.
  2. Visitors with a B-1 visa or VWB cannot request a Social Security number, request a driver’s license, enroll in classes, or accept payment, other than a per diem or one-time honorarium. In addition, the VWB is limited to 90 days and cannot be changed or extended, so there is no flexibility if plans change.
  3. Dependents must request and qualify for their own tourist visitor status, with the same restrictions as above. In general, children and spouses with tourist status will not be allowed to enroll in most schools or certain other programs.
  4. Renting an apartment can be even more difficult without a social security number.
  5. A visitor status is considered a “self-sponsored status” and any immigration issues that arise during the stay would require the use of an immigration attorney.

 

When might it be appropriate to use B-1 or VWB?

There are only a few circumstances where a visitor for business status may be appropriate.  Use of a visitor for business status for a visit to Scripps Research (instead of the usual J-1 visa status for visiting researchers) must first be approved by the International Services Office (ISO).  In rare cases, the ISO may approve the use of a visitor for business status in certain circumstances.  Bear in mind that each situation is unique and approval of the use of the status is never guaranteed.  Examples of situations that might be appropriate include:

  1. A visit of one month or less that is primarily for the purpose of
    1. consulting with colleagues;
    2. attending a scientific, educational or professional conference;
    3. a visit that is completely paid for by personal funds;
    4. a visit in which Scripps Research is just one of several places where consulting will take place.

 

Please note:  international scholars who use a B-1/VWB must be certain that there will be no offer of any salary or stipend; no possibility that a change of visa status will be requested; and no possibility that an extension of stay will be needed.

Rules governing the B-1 and VWB statuses are essentially the same, except for the requirement to make a visa application at a US Embassy or Consulate (this is waived in the case of the VWB) and the allowed length of stay (a maximum of 90 days for the VWB and 6 months for the B-1). For more information on the use of the visitor status, visit the B-1 visa page.

For further information or permission to use this status at Scripps Research, please contact the International Services Office.