Inviting B-1 & Visa Waiver (VW) Visitors
The B-1 visa (including the visa waiver program) permits persons to come to the U.S.
to engage in short-term, temporary professional activities related to their employment
abroad; for example, consulting with peers, participating in conferences or seminars,
lecturing or speaking, training, and independent research that provides no benefit
to a U.S. institution.
The B-1 business category is not appropriate for visitors engaging in collaborative
research with SBU faculty or research which will benefit the University in any way.
If collaborative research is involved or the University will benefit from the research,
a J-1 visa should be requested. If you are unsure which visa would be appropriate,
please direct your questions to vis_scholar@stonybrook.edu.
Period of stay/Extension of stay
- Initial period of stay: 1 to 6 months; 6 months is the maximum
- Extension of stay: Up to 6 months; maximum total amount of time permitted in B-1 status
on any one trip is generally 1 year.
Permissable activities
- Lecturing/guest teaching
- Conducting independent research
- Attending conferences
- Medical observation
- Medical clerkship
Honorarium and reimbursement
Foreign nationals in B-1 status may be permitted to accept honorarium and/or reimbursement
of travel expenses under the following conditions:
- The individual is engaged in academic activities at an academic institution or nonprofit
research institution.
- The activities last no longer than nine days at any single institution or organization.
- The individual has has not accepted such payment or expenses from more than five institutions
or organizations (including SBU) over the last six months.
Iniviting a B-1 visitor
Notify Export Controls so they can determine if the business visitor is on a federal restricted party list,
associated with a restricted entity, or if there are other export control concerns
related to the visit. This step is required for all prospective foreign national visitors
including those who qualify under the visa waiver program.
Inviting visitors in B-1 status is handled by the department. VIS does not issue documentation
for this category. Departments should provide an invitation letter for the visitor
to apply for a B-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
Provide the visitor with an invitation letter which includes:
- The dates of the visit.
- A description of the activity.
- Where the visitor will return after their visit, and for what purpose (i.e., to continue
studies, to resume a University position).
- That there is neither salary nor benefits associated with this invitation.
- If travel expense reimbursement or an honorarium will be offered.
General Invitation Letter Template
Processing times vary based on country-specific visa wait times.
