What is a B-1 Domestic Visa: Complete Guide
B-1 for Domestic Workers is one of the infrequently used visa category that can be very helpful for foreign nationals in the U.S. in non-immigrant status (B, E, F, H, I, J, L or TN visa holders) or U.S. citizens residing abroad and temporarily staying in the U.S.
A domestic worker can be employed by a foreign national as long as the foreign national is in non-immigrant status or by a U.S. citizen who is returning to the U.S. for no more than four years. A domestic worker may be admitted initially for up to six months but can receive extension of stay in increments of six months to a year.
B-1 for Domestic Workers Procedure & Requirements
- Domestic worker applicant must demonstrate that s/he has a residence abroad which s/he has no intention of abandoning;
- Domestic worker must have worked for the employer for at least one year or in the alternate must have at least one year of prior experience working as a domestic worker;
- If the domestic worker has been employed abroad by the employer for less than one year, the employer must document that while abroad, s/he has regularly employed a domestic worker in same capacity as that for which the B-1 domestic worker visa is being sought;
- Employer and the domestic worker must sign employment contract which should list the duties, work hours, vacation time, sick days, etc.;
- Employer must pay greater of either the minimum wage or the prevailing wage;
- Employer must document his ability to pay the employee’s wages while in the U.S.;
- Upon arrival in the U.S., the domestic worker must file and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before beginning work.
Related Issues
- A domestic worker cannot begin work while the EAD application is pending;
- The EAD is issued for the duration of B-1 status so it is highly recommended to concurrently file B-1 and EAD extension to avoid possible gaps in employment eligibility;
- As part of the employment contract, the employer has to provide free room and board.
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