The US Green Card Lottery Program, known as DV (Diversity Visa) Lottery program, is a good opportunity for potential immigrants to obtain the status as a permanent legal resident of the USA. You may apply by yourself at the U.S. Department of State website, if you wish. This program runs each year and provides 50,000 "Green Cards" to applicants randomly selected in a lottery process.
Visitor Visa: Business and Tourist
If the purpose of your trip to the United States is business; including attending a scientific, education, professional or business convention, conference of seminar, you may be eligible for a B-1 "Business Visitor Visa."
If the purpose of your trip to the United States is pleasure, then you will apply for B-2 Tourist Visa.
B1 & B2: VISITOR VISA GUIDE
Business travelers may enter the United States using a B1, or 'Visitor for Business' Visa. Visitors for "pleasure" will receive different type of visa - B2. This guide provides information on both.
Instant PDF Download ($49)
The Immigration and Nationality Act is the law governing Business Visitor Visas. This law requires that you, as an applicant for a Business Visitor Visa, show that:
the purpose of your trip is a legitimate business activity;
you are not coming to the U.S. to engage in business activities that are primarily for the benefit of a U.S. employer;
you plan to stay for only a specific, limited period;
you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses in the U.S.; and
you have strong social and economic ties to your homeland and plan to return home at the end of your visit to the U.S.
Acceptable business purposes for business visitors include:
participating in scientific, educational, business, or religious conventions or seminars; negotiating contracts and consulting with business associates;
litigation;
visiting branch offices of one's company;
charity work;
speaking/lecturing;
research;
interviewing/hiring staff; and
competing in athletic tournaments.
The following activities require a working visa, and may not be carried out by business visitors:
Running a business.
"Gainful employment"
Payment by an organization within the U.S.
Participating as a professional in entertainment or sporting events
There's some 'gray area' between what is allowed and what isn't. It's a good idea to err on the side of caution when entering the U.S. on a business visitor visa.
Business visitors may not receive salaries from U.S. sources, but may be reimbursed for expenses such as travel, lodging and meals.
A B-1 Business Visitor may be eligible to change status to student, or even permanent United States resident (Green Card holder).
