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B1/WB Short Term (Visitor) Visas

Please note OISS no longer reviews B-1/ WB requests.

Steps for B-1/WB Short Term (Visitor) Visas

1.Department determines if the visit qualifies for B-1/WB status. 

  • B-1/WB Visitors (codified at  9 FAM 402.2-2(B) through (F)):
    • Are limited to a stay of 90 days or less without extension for the purpose of consultation and/or observation – not research.
    • Cannot displace US workers and will not have a research appointment through Northwestern University.
    • Cannot participate in or volunteer services/expertise toward any exercise essential to departmental operations.
    • Must be in the presence of a supervisor when observing the use of lab equipment.
    • May not be involved in any patient contact or interact with any research subjects, either directly or indirectly.
    • Cannot be paid for services but may be reimbursed for travel expenses and/or given assistance with
      accommodations.
    • Cannot intend to obtain employment within the U.S., including a change of status to J-1 or H-1B.
    • Must have an institutional affiliation in their home country or country of residence.
    • Must have adequate finances to support themselves for the duration of stay.
  • Differences between B-1 and J1 visitors are further outlined here .
  • If you have any questions reach out to oiss-scholars@northwestern.edu. 

2. If the visit qualifies, write a letter of invitation and send it to the visitor.  

3. The visitor obtains the B-1 Visa or WB/ ESTA Visa Waiver and enters the U.S.  

  • The United States does not provide universal health care unlike some countries.  While some visitors are not legally required to carry health insurance, we strongly recommend that all visitors obtain adequate coverage to protect against unexpected medical costs before arriving in the U.S.  Home-country plans and international “travel” health plans may provide limited or no coverage in the U.S.  Without insurance, individuals are personally responsible for any medical costs, which can be substantial even for short-term treatment or emergencies. If they do not have personal insurance, they can procure health insurance through Northwestern's Visiting Scholar Plan.

B-1 Payment and Honorarium

  • B-1 Visitors CANNOT be paid for their services (consultations, lectures, etc.). 
  • B-1 Visitors CAN receive reimbursement for all travel and incidental expenses. 
  • B-1 Visitors can receive an honorarium provided they are in compliance with 9 FAM402.2-2(F)(2). 
    • The activity must last 9 days or less at a single institution, and the visitor cannot accept payment from more than five institutions in a 6-month period. Please reach out to your department's HR Business Partner to determine if they qualify.

Visa Bond Pilot Program

On August 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) published a temporary final rule that established a one-year pilot program to test a $5K, $10K, or $15K bond system for select B‑1/B‑2 visitor visa applicants. The DOS web page Countries Subject to Visa Bonds lists the countries whose nationals may be subject to the B-1/B-2 visa bond pilot.