B visas are a wonderful way to visit the United States (US). Many activities and events are allowed under a B visa, but how can you know if they will align with your specific travel purpose? And with all that flexibility, how can you avoid accidentally misusing B visas? This article will provide a brief overview about what activities are or are not permitted with B visas.

What types of activity are allowed on B visas?

There are two types of B visas which allow for different activities during your visit to the US. First, the B-1 is a temporary business visa. It allows for certain work-related visits including business negotiations, professional conventions, international athletic competitions, academic seminars, etc. Second, the B-2 is for temporary, pleasure-related visits. With a B-2 you can visit friends and family, go vacationing, participate in amateur athletic events, or receive medical treatment. The combined B-1/B-2 is the most common non-immigrant visa, allowing for both business and pleasure visits.

In plain language, what activities are prohibited when travelling on a B visa?

Although the B-1 visa allows for certain business activities, it is illegal to work for wages while in the US. While some exceptions exist, the principal place of business and accrual of profits must be here in Jamaica for B-1 business activities. Volunteering to sell articles or services or accept donations, even for a charity, is considered work and is prohibited when travelling on a B visa. As always, follow the law when in the US. Participating in any illegal activity constitutes misuse of a visa.

What are some circumstances that get B visa recipients into trouble?

Always be honest and forthcoming in the visa application process. Travellers who attempt to conceal their true purpose of travel and misrepresent their applications by providing fraudulent information or documents may be found permanently ineligible for visas of any kind. Remember to make realistic travel plans and prepare for unforeseen events. In some cases, visitors with B visas encounter unplanned expenses and consider working illegally to make up the difference. This is prohibited. A history of prolonged and frequent four-to-six months stays, even within the “authorised until date”, may raise questions about how a visitor financially supports themselves away from their home. This may result in additional scrutiny during the visa renewal process. Finally, beware of opportunities which are too good to be true. Exercise caution if conferences, seminars, or events require excessive registration fees from sponsors in the US or in Jamaica.

What is “lottery scamming”? Is it a crime?

Also known as advance-fee fraud, lottery scamming is the illegal practice of tricking victims into sending money in the hopes of receiving lottery winnings (or other false promises). This type of scamming is a federal crime in the US and carries severe financial penalties and even time in prison. Even indirect participation in this type of activity is both a crime and a misuse of a visa. Examples of indirect participation are collecting a victim’s bank account information, using private information to make fraudulent financial transactions, or transporting proceeds from lottery scamming. You should not hesitate to report this activity to authorities while travelling on any type of US visa. Reporting crimes that you are not involved in will not endanger your visa.

What are the consequences of using your B visa incorrectly?

B visa holders who are suspected of working illegally may have their visas revoked or be found ineligible for future visas. This can cause severe inconveniences if travel plans are already arranged.

In conclusion, use resources such as the visa wizard on travel.state.gov to select the correct type of visa to meet your travel plans. Always be truthful throughout the visa application process. Plan ahead to support yourself while you travel. Avoid illegal or questionable activities and remember, if an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It is the mission of the Consular Section of the US Embassy to facilitate legitimate travel, and we thank you for your interest in visiting the US.

You can find more information about American citizen services on our website https://jm.usembassy.gov/. Keep on top of US Embassy news on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/USEmbassyJamaica/ and by following @USEmbassyJA on Twitter. We also answer general questions on our Facebook and Twitter pages.