B1 visa for an onsite interview in US?

[gfaddy]

Hey guys,

My H1-B visa is stuck in admin processing at the moment (for the last 5 months actually) and I am here in India. However, I urgently need to apply in other US companies since my current employer, being a startup, may not last for too long. I have received a bunch of positive responses on my applications too, but these employers want me to come for an onsite interview. I read somewhere on these forums that you can visit US on a business visa (B1) for such an interview if the employer has invited you.
1. Is this a legit thing to do? Does an interview qualify as a 'business meeting'?
2. If yes, then what documents would I need to apply (successfully) for a B1 visa?

Thank you in advance!

p.s.: I graduated from UC Santa Barbara and converted over to H1-B while I was in US (in 2011)

[peace999]

B1 is tricky.
Yes, in theory an interview comes under the scope of B1 but most importantly ,
the officer has to determine that you will return after the trip ( interview in your case).
Looking at your past history of change of status inside US and the very purpose of this visit, he may not be convinced.
That said , it all depends on the officer and your luck.

Documents;
interview letters from US , your current employment and salary proof in India.
bank statements showing you have enough funds.
OTher docs listed on US embassy website > non-immigrant visas> business visas.

Remember, that your verbal answers are the decision makers. Docs are secondary.
They will ask you how long do you wish to go for;; tell them the minimum period required
( 2-3 weeks).

[gfaddy]

B1 is tricky.
Yes, in theory an interview comes under the scope of B1 but most importantly ,
the officer has to determine that you will return after the trip ( interview in your case).
Looking at your past history of change of status inside US and the very purpose of this visit, he may not be convinced.
That said , it all depends on the officer and your luck.

Documents;
interview letters from US , your current employment and salary proof in India.
bank statements showing you have enough funds.
OTher docs listed on US embassy website > non-immigrant visas> business visas.

Remember, that your verbal answers are the decision makers. Docs are secondary.
They will ask you how long do you wish to go for;; tell them the minimum period required
( 2-3 weeks).

Thanks a lot for your reply! I have heard it is tricky.. but I don't have a lot of options. Rarely are companies willing to hire without an onsite interview.
Would it make my case stronger if the company in question is a big popular one (such as microsoft, yahoo, apple, etc)? Also, do you know of examples where people have done something similar?

Thank you once again.

[ualoging]

Write the name of the company that is paying. It is not unusual for a company to bring someone in for an interview.


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[Libra_14]

Write the name of the company that is paying. It is not unusual for a company to bring someone in for an interview.

Thanks !

[nekesein]

If you have a valid Business visa , you can enter USA . During your stay you can go and meet people. As per interview yeah may be you can so long if you don’ t work for that company during your stay. To work then you need to apply for H1 visa.