B-1/WB Visitor

The B-1/WB category was created for visitors to enter the United States for the purpose of participating in scientific consultation and observation at NU.

B-1 is a type of nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business.

WB enables nationals of 35 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor [B] visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

HOW TO APPLY:

Before inviting a visitor, the department must verify that all compliance requirements listed below have been met and submit a B-1/WB Request Form and any supporting documents the request form may require, to the International Office (IO) for approval. All forms can be found on the “Important Forms” page.

COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:

DEPARTMENT

  • The visitor is limited to a stay of 90 days or less without extension.
  • The nature of the visit is solely for the purpose of consultation and observation. 
  • The position of the visitor cannot displace US workers.  
  • The visitor will not have a research appointment through Northwestern University.
  • Liability and legal issues prohibit the participation of the visitor in any exercise essential to departmental operations.
  • The visitor may not volunteer his or her services or expertise toward departmental operations. 
  • The visitor cannot conduct independent research requiring the use of laboratory resources and/or equipment without the supervision of the sponsor or a designee of the sponsor.
  • The visitor may not be involved in any patient contact or interact with any other research subjects, either directly or indirectly. 
  • The visitor cannot be paid for their services by Northwestern University, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses and/or provided assistance with accommodations. 
  • The visitor cannot intend to obtain employment within the US, including a change of status to J-1 or H-1B.
  • The department must report any changes to or violations of the specifications established for the visitor’s stay to the IO within five business days.

VISITOR

  • The visitor must have an institutional affiliation in his or her home country or country of residence. 
  • The visitor must have adequate finances to support himself/herself for their duration of stay in the US. 
  • The visitor must have sufficient health insurance coverage for the entire duration of stay in the US.  
  • The visitor must abide by the intent of his/her visit throughout the stay.

B-1/WB PROCESS FLOW:

  • The department submits the required documents to the IO. 
  • An IO advisor will review the request and will notify the department that: 
  • The request has been approved and the visitor may come on a B-1/WB category 
  • The request has been denied and provide other visa options
  • Once the visitor has been approved by the IO, then the department must send the visitor a letter of invitation so that he or she may apply for visa stamp.

ADDITIONAL VISA INFORMATION: 

Please take into consideration that any invitation for citizens and nationals of non-visa waiver countries will require additional time to apply for a B-1 visa at the US Embassy or Consulate. We recommend that all requests be submitted at least two months prior to the visitor’s arrival. It should also be noted that the rate of denials for the B-1 visa (for first time applicants) is very high, therefore, departments should use this category judiciously.

All B-1/WB visitors must check in with the IO once they arrive in the United States.