A visit by a foreign national may take place under the B-1 nonimmigrant visa provided the proposed visit falls within the permitted business activities. In this regard, it is paramount to understand that the B-1 classification does not allow for employment or any type of unauthorized labor. Accordingly, compensating the foreign national for services would clearly be contrary to the spirit of the classification and could amount to "local employment".
Activities that clearly apply to the visit of international scholars under a B-1 are:
- Participation in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences or seminars
- Undertaking independent research
- Attending business meetings
- Consulting with business associates
- Exclusively observe the conduct of business, provided the foreign national pays for his/her own expenses
As a general rule, the B-1 classification is not adequate for having the visitor:
- Engage in collaborative or guided research
- Gain practical experience through on-the-job training
- Provide services that primarily benefit Texas A&M Engineering
- Volunteer to provide services for which Texas A&M Engineering would need to hire an individual
Payments
Educational institutions may reimburse B-1 visitors for their expenses that do not exceed reasonable travel and living costs.
Best Practices
Before inviting a foreign national to campus, contact Engineering Human Resources to obtain appropriate guidance as to whether or not a visit under the B nonimmigrant category is advisable. Contact Engineering HR for approval and paperwork processing at engineeringhrvisitors@tamu.edu.