B1 IN LIEU VISA

What You Should Know

✅ The B1 “In Lieu of H1B” visa is required to send workers to provide services under a contract between a Spanish company and a U.S. company.

✅ The worker must not receive any financial compensation from a U.S. source. The worker must also demonstrate a high qualification, either through a university degree or relevant experience.

✅ This visa ensures authorization to work for the U.S. company involved in the contract.

✅ The visa must be applied for outside the United States, before traveling.

✅ The visa must be stamped in the passport, and an interview at the U.S. Embassy is required.

Visa Duration

📅 The B1 “In Lieu of H1B” visa duration depends on the length of the work to be carried out, but it can be valid for up to 10 years.

Maximum Stay and Entries

• The maximum stay allowed with a B1 “In Lieu of H1B” visa is 6 months, though the final decision is made by the border control officer upon arrival (recorded in the I-94).
• There is no limit on the number of B1 “In Lieu of H1B” visas that can be processed per year, nor on the number of days spent in the U.S. within a year.

Can It Be Extended?

• This visa cannot be extended.
• If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new B1 “In Lieu of H1B” visa.
• There are no limits on the number of times you can apply for the visa in a year.

Processing Time

• The processing time typically takes about 5 calendar days after the interview, though this can vary depending on the time of year.
• Interviews may be scheduled months in advance, and there may be a waiting period if there are no available slots.
• If processing times are extended, it is possible to request an urgent interview.
• Due to the complexity of the documentation required, it is recommended to start the process 2 to 3 months in advance.

Processing Fees

• The official fee charged by the U.S. government for processing a B1 “In Lieu of H1B” visa is $160.
• Please note that this fee covers the visa processing and does not include additional costs for legal services or assistance in managing the application.