Seeking Advice on the Best U.S. Visa for Business Meetings with a U.S. Client

[Amna Nadeem 0]

Hello Forum Members,

 

I work remotely as an independent contractor for a U.S. client and need to visit them for business meetings. They are willing to sponsor my trip.
I have a couple of questions:

• Is there an alternative visa or approach that would allow me to meet my U.S. client for business purposes while still being able to continue my contract work during my visit?
• If the B-1 visa is the most appropriate option, what documents or letters would be required for my U.S. client to sponsor my trip, and how can I increase my chances of approval, especially since I was previously denied a B-1/B-2 visa under section 214(b)?

[Crazy Cat 41,980]

11 minutes ago, Amna Nadeem said:

If the B-1 visa is the most appropriate option, what documents or letters would be required for my U.S. client to sponsor my trip, and how can I increase my chances of approval, especially since I was previously denied a B-1/B-2 visa under section 214(b)?

In what country do you currently reside?

When were you denied? 

Evidence of strong ties to your home country is the only solution.  Being a remote worker does not help your case.  

Why must you be physically present vs video conferencing for the meeting?  

Edited October 10, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Amna Nadeem 0]

@Crazy Cat Thanks for your response. I was denied in May. In answer to your question why: I am the sole engineer in our company, and we are working with third-party clients who entrust us with highly confidential data. To ensure the security of this data, effective communication, and technical assessments, my physical presence is essential.

[Crazy Cat 41,980]

Unless your circumstances have significantly changed since your denial, I wouldn't expect an approval.  Highly Confidential information is shared across the internet every second.  Good luck.  I hope you succeed. 

[Boiler 45,661]

You cannot work on a B1. You can attend Business Meetings.

 

An Independent Contractor cannot be sponsored.

 

Best to speak with your client, perhaps they will take you on as an employee and sponsor you for a work visa.

[Amna Nadeem 0]

@Boiler May i know the processing time? 

 

[Boiler 45,661]

For a work visa? That depends on which one and your nationality.

[Amna Nadeem 0]

@Boiler I'm not sure if they are familiar with the process, so I will take on the responsibility of investigating which type, likely one with a shorter processing time, would be best. I am from Pakistan.

 

[Boiler 45,661]

Just now, Amna Nadeem said:

@Boiler I'm not sure if they are familiar with the process, so I will take on the responsibility of investigating which type, likely one with a shorter processing time, would be best. I am from Pakistan.

 

It is certainly true that most companies are not familiar with the process, you can certainly investigate but they really need to discuss this with their Immigration Lawyer. H1b is the most common. 

[Amna Nadeem 0]

@Boiler What will be the processing time for H1-B then? 

[Boiler 45,661]

It is a lottery 

[SalishSea 17,928]

2 hours ago, Amna Nadeem said:

@Boiler I'm not sure if they are familiar with the process, so I will take on the responsibility of investigating which type, likely one with a shorter processing time, would be best. I am from Pakistan.

 

It would go through their company’s lawyer.   
 

there is no sponsorship for a B visa.

 

The argument of needing to attend business meetings in person is very weak.   Surely you have Zoom/Teams in Pakistan?   This is literally how business was conducted all during the pandemic.

2 hours ago, Amna Nadeem said:

@Boiler What will be the processing time for H1-B then? 

Years.