The US has a Visa Waiver Program that allows foreign nationals from certain countries to visit the US for legitimate business purposes without a B-1 visa. To use the Visa Waiver Program, qualifying foreign nationals must have an e-Passport containing the following symbol:  . Qualifying foreign nationals must also apply for an electronic travel authorization from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website before traveling to the US. The ESTA authorization is valid for two years or until the foreign national's passport expires, whichever is first. An entry under the ESTA program is valid for up to 90 days.

If ESTA authorization is not granted, the foreign national must obtain a nonimmigrant visa from a US Embassy or Consulate before traveling to the US. ESTA authorization will not be granted to foreign nationals from Visa Waiver Program countries who meet the following criteria:

• They have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011 (with limited exceptions).
• They are also dual nationals of Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria.
• They have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021.

The permitted scope of activity is the same as under the B-1 visa. The length of stay is up to 90 days only, without the possibility of an extension or status change. Foreign nationals who overstay the 90-day period will be permanently barred from using the Visa Waiver Program. In limited circumstances, the US government may permit a 30-day satisfactory departure period if requested upon completion of the 90-day period.

The following countries are presently qualified under this program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

Foreign nationals coming to the US on short-term business trips may use the B-1 business visitor visa. The B-1 authorizes a broad range of commercial and professional activity, including consultations, negotiations, business meetings, conferences and taking orders for goods made abroad. Employment is not authorized. This means the following:

• The services provided while in the US must be on behalf of a non-US employer.
• Any profits resulting from those services must accrue to the non-US employer.
• Any compensation received for those services must also be paid directly or indirectly by the non-US employer.

B-1 visa applications are processed at US consular posts abroad. When applying for a B-1 visa, the foreign national must establish that they have a residence in a foreign country that they do not intend to abandon, and that they intend to enter the US for a specific and limited period of time.

The foreign national must also have a letter from the non-US employer confirming the following:

• The activities to be performed in the US
• The direct benefit of those activities to the non-US employer

The continuation of the individual's direct and indirect compensation by the non-US employer is also typically required.

B-1 visas are valid for a fixed amount of time (generally 10 years) and may be valid for multiple or a specified number of entries. The CBP officer at the port of entry determines whether to admit the foreign national and for how long.

B-1 visa holders are normally admitted for up to six months and may be able to extend their stay for an additional six months or change to another visa status. An accompanying spouse and unmarried, minor children under 21 can be admitted under the B-2 tourist visa.