B-1 Visitor Visa & Visa Waiver

The B-1 Visa is most often used for individuals who come to campus to participate in a conference, seminar or colloquium or for those who come to have informal meetings with colleagues.  And while most short-term academic appointments use J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, which is relatively quick and easy to obtain, on occasion it may be possible for an individual to use the Visitor Visa (either the B-1 Visa obtained from a U.S. consulate or the Visa Waiver for Business.)

These visitor visas are not “American Clinical Clerkship sponsored” and their success and ease of use are less predictable.  If the visitor does not qualify for the Visa Waiver program and does not already have a B visa stamp from a U.S. consulate in their passport, we will work with you to find an alternative.  If the activity meets the basic regulatory criteria (listed below), a visitor to American Clinical Clerkships may choose to use the B-1 visa or Visa Waiver for Business, unless the IST has informed the inviting department otherwise. The U.S. State Department guidance states that employment and study are prohibited on B visas and Visa Waiver.

B-1 Visitor Visa & Visa Waiver Usage Criteria:

• The visit must be very short-term in nature
• The visitor must have a profession or studies outside the U.S. to which he or she will return
• There is evidence that the visitor has finances to fund the visit including transportation and health insurance
• For those individuals with a medical degree; there are no patient care responsibilities
• Will not be paid a salary from a U.S. source
• Will not be in a job that would normally be filled by a U.S. worker
• The activity will primarily benefit the visitor.

B-1/Visa Waiver Status

Although not required by regulations, it is very important that these short-term visitors have adequate health insurance for their stay in the United States.

Letter of Invitation

The “B-1 Visitors Visa” and the “Visa Waiver Program” may be used when the following statements are applicable:

• The nature of the visit is temporary, and the individual can claim permanent residency outside the U.S.
• The individual will not be a salaried employee
• The individual has adequate funding from outside the U.S.
• The individual holds a position in ( _____ country), to which he/she will return
• The individual will have a return ticket

Visiting Medical Students

Individuals who have been admitted to the American Clinical Clerkships Clinical Education Program will receive admission and confirmation of acceptance from the International Services Team. The IST does not grant admission to this program.

If admitted, the IST heeds the advice of the U. S. Department of State and the Foreign Affairs Manual followed by U.S. consulates/embassies (FAM) in recommending that visiting medical students enter the United States on a B-1/B/2 visa or under the Visa Waiver Program.

The B-1/B-2 or Visa Waiver is appropriate for a clinical or research elective because individuals will receive no US dollars during the course of the elective, and will be responsible for their own travel and room and board.  Individuals who are accepted to participate in the program are expected to resume their university studies after the elective period at American Clinical Clerkships.

The IST provides this letter to be used to assist in procuring a visa. The letter is only valid if accompanied by written confirmation of acceptance and admission to the clinical education program. [Confirmation is in the form of e-mail.]