Oregon State University

B-1 Business Visa

Who is eligible for B-1 Business Visa?
  • Visitors who are either a professor, scientist, university president, business executive, etc.
  • The purpose of the visit is to observe, attend a conference or engage in independent research (not collaborative with OSU in any way--this requires a J-1 visa)
  • The visitor will not be employed by OSU

It is very important to realize that the B-2 visa category (Visitor for Pleasure), is not suitable for official visits to the university. OSU cannot pay visitors on a B-2 visa.

How do I…

invite a visitor to OSU?

Prepare a letter of invitation which includes the pertinent information your visitor will need to apply for a visa. View a sample letter

help a visitor get a B-1 Business Visa?

Provide a clear letter of invitation for your visitor. The visitor will then take that letter, along with a valid passport to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that serves closest to the visitor's place of residence.

pay a visitor?

The United States government permits academic institutions to provide honoraria and stipends to foreign nationals who enter the U.S. in B-1 (short-term business) status. However, there are several restrictions within the law. Federal law requires that:

  • the visitor is present in the U.S. in B-1 visa status
  • the academic activities at OSU must not exceed nine days;
  • the visitor has not accepted similar payments from more than five other U.S. institutions during the six-month period immediately preceding his/her visit to OSU.
For assistance with

get library access for my visitor?

Complete and submit the Visiting Scholar OSU Libraries Account Application to the Valley Library Reference Desk to sponsor library privileges for your visitor

get an OSU ID for my visitor?

Visitors in B-1 status are not eligible for OSU ID numbers or cards.

For more information regarding the B1 Visa visit the US Department of State’s Business Visa Center and its Visitor Visas - Business and Pleasure page.