Changing Status from B2 to B1?

[sardaarji]

Hello,


I am already in US on my vacation on B2 Visa. My employer asked me to attend few business meetings and present a demo, as I am already in US, so they can close a contract. I entered into USA to travel around and see places and meet relatives on B2 visa.

Could some one advice, how to convert my B2 visa into B1 while I am in US. I could see the details of "No need to change status from B1 to B2 if the purpose change after entering into US" on USCIS website. But I didn't find information related to changing status from B2 to B1. Does the same rule apply for vice versa as well?

Is it legal to attend business meetings while I am on B2 without changing my status to B1.

Let me make it clear, its certainly not WORKING and I traveled earlier on B1 for attending business meetings and convention. And its similar job and not of H1B worker.

Thanks for your time in reading my query and helping me understand the right solution.

Regards,
Sardaar

[kabkaba]

I don't think you need to do anything if you are still planning to depart within your I-94 date.

[sardaarji]

Thanks for quick reply Kabkaba,


Of course, I will be leaving within my I 94 date. As this meetings are only for 2 weeks within my stay in US.

Well do you know any resource, that I can call within US (Govt Resource) and confirm this for me.


Regards,
Sardaar.

[peace999]

Technically you are wrong in doing business stuff while on B2.
Strictly legally you must get it changed to B1.
If you ask any USCIS person or any lawyer they will tell you that.

But in reality you could take a chance with it.
because if you
file a change of status form, it will take very long to get approved.

If you really want to go by the book, leave the US and re-enter on a B1.

[Ahmad82]

Sardar Pa G

&

Seniors Members normally how much time (a 31 years old person on B2 Visa) can get for I94 ?

is it always 6 Months ?

[sardaarji]

Technically you are wrong in doing business stuff while on B2.
Strictly legally you must get it changed to B1.
If you ask any USCIS person or any lawyer they will tell you that.

But in reality you could take a chance with it.
because if you
file a change of status form, it will take very long to get approved.

If you really want to go by the book, leave the US and re-enter on a B1.

Hello Peace999,


Thanks for your update. I would prefer to do things ONLY in right way than taking chances.

Appreciate your suggestion and taking time in replying query.


Regards,
Sardaar.

[adali]

Hello,

I came to US for business and pleasure but mostly business, which I mentioned to the CBP officer at POE. I realized that it's written B2 on I-94 and now I need to extend my stay for business purposes which I haven't started doing anything related with business yet and I'm told that I need to change my status to B1. So if I go to CBP office and tell the situation will it help or should I leave US and come back with a B1 stamp.

Regards,
Adali

[peace999]

1.How much stay were you given on B2 status and how much time have you spent in US on that status?

2.What is the nature of your business work that you wish to do?
And how long will it take?

[adali]

1.How much stay were you given on B2 status and how much time have you spent in US on that status?

2.What is the nature of your business work that you wish to do?
And how long will it take?

Peace999,

we have given 6 months and it's been 2 months since we arrived. We are planing to make trade between my homeland and US , so we need time to find clients, go to exhibitions and make some contracts. I don't know how long will it take but I don't think that it will be very quick and easy.

Regards,

.

[peace999]

Ok. When you entered, if you mentioned business as purpose along with pleasure, they should have given you B1 .
One can do pleasure on B1 but not vice versa( business on B2 is not allowed).

Since your activities are going to be extensive business like, it would be best to get it changed to B1. You have to file
I-539 ( COS- change of status). The only problem here is , it may take long to get processed ( 1-2 months).

Leaving US and re-entering a few days later for a B1 may cause problems at entry; they will question you why you
returned so quickly.

I think best is to file I-539 ( Change of status ) now. As you have plenty of time ( 4 months) left on your stay.
You will likely get a response in 4 -6 weeks and then you can pursue what you wish to do.

[adali]

I think the officer get me wrong or I couldn't be clear enough while entering. So I will apply for COS and I hope they will change it.
Thank you very much for your help and time,

Regards,

[adali]

So can I apply both COS and extension at the same time with the same form? Because I don't think I will have enough time if I apply separately.

Regards,

[peace999]

You do not need to apply for an extension , you still have 4 months.

[gok]

changing b2 to b1 in a short time

Hi,
I came to US and stayed about 5 months time between April and Sept, 4 weeks later I flew back with my friend whom I stay in, also he is already a US resident.
When we going in the airport they gave limited stay for 2 week which will expire on Oct.18 and also they admitted I could not re-visit for another 6 months. Because of Hurricane Matthew, we could not get in touch with a lawyer, when we get in touch he suggested me to change my visa from B2 to B1 with the form of I539, but on the form instructions it says to change they suggest 45 days before the expiration date.
The lawyer already has billed us for some amount, should I avoid to pay more to the lawyer go back my country or should I wait for process and pay some more money to lawyer.
Also I wonder has anyone faced this kind of situation and what happened.
Thanks in advance for your helps and comments.