A B visa is for people coming temporarily to visit the US. As we discussed last week, a person on a B visa is not allowed to work here. And, usually, before you are allowed to get a B visa, or to enter in B status, you need to prove that you have enough savings or support to allow you to be here without working. Some people think that they can come here and do odd jobs to support themselves, but they are not allowed to do that. Others, such as m-ssionaries, think that they can come here and raise support. That is also not allowed. But, there are options that can be considered.
There is one thing I want to say about this at the beginning. My purpose in writing today is not to give you a list of ways you can get around US immigration law. Rather, in my opinion, immigration law can be ambiguous in a lot of ways. These are options that, in some cases, are clearly legitimate, and in others, not as clearly legitimate, but, as far as I can see, are allowable. Or to put it another way — some of these things I think are allowable under the law and regulations, but if you told them at the border that you were doing it, they would not let you in. With some of the other options, one person at the border would let you in, and the next would not. So, be wise how you implement these suggestions.
The other thing I want to say is that these suggestions are more directed toward people who are here in B-1 status as a business visitor. As I stated last week, the regulations and Department of State and USCIS/CBP (Customs and Border Protection) practice specifically recognize some of these options for people here on B-1 visas. There is nothing like this for people who are here as a B-2 visitor for pleasure. However, all the same, some of these options may work for people who are here on a B-2 as well.
If a person wants to come as a B visitor (B-1 or B-2), among other things, you need to establish that you have the resources to enable you to stay here for the requested period of time without needing to work or access welfare. If you are coming as a B-2 visitor for pleasure, usually they want to see that you have a reasonable amount of money in the bank. They will also look at letters or Affidavits of Support from friends or relatives in the US who will promise to provide you with housing and food and spending money while you are here.
If you are coming as a B-1 for business or as a m-ssionary, they may want to see the same things if you are self-employed or self-supported. If you are employed outside of the US and are coming on behalf of your business for a business trip, they should be satisfied with proof that you are being paid by your foreign company while you are here.
Check back next week for the first set of options for support while you are here in the US in B status.
I hope this is interesting and helpful. Remember that this is not legal advice. It is just a summary of certain aspects of immigration law which may or may not apply to your situation. I encourage you to consulate an attorney if you think any of this may apply to your situation.
Gunnar Armstrong