Business Visa Center: B-1 Visas Made Simple

Many companies across the country utilize the B-1 visitors’ program to bring business partners from around the globe to the United States for short term visits. This program enables companies, big and small, to collaborate with global partners and engage face to face with foreign based colleagues. To help the streamline the B-1 visa application process, the Department of State created the Business Visa Center, or BVC. For companies wishing to bring partners to the United States, the BVC serves as a hub for all things B-1.

How can the BVC help my company?

The BVC serves as a specialized information hub for the B-1 visa application process. Companies can contact the center for detailed application instructions for all clients, partners, foreign employees, and other foreign nationals associated with the company who wish to enter the United States through the short-term B-1 visa. The BVC helps companies understand specific requirements from different embassies and consulates and educates organizations about the ways in which partners can qualify for expedited interview appointments. By consolidating these inquires at the BVC, embassies and consulates are able to better focus on processing applications as they come in.  The BVC also makes large international sports events hosted in the U.S. easier, by posting events on the Department of State Intranet, allowing B-1 visa applicants to get approval in a timely fashion.

How does my company contact BVC?

Questions may be directed to the BVC email at: businessvisa@state.gov or by phone at 202-485-7675. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. eastern time.