B-1
The B-1 category is appropriate for engaging in temporary commercial, business or professional activities related to employment or business abroad provided it does not constitute employment in the United States.
Standard business uses of B-1 category for academic activity include:
- Consulting with business associates
- Participating in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences or seminars
- Undertaking independent research
- Observing professional activity
While employment is not permitted, an honorarium, reimbursement for incidental expenses and/or a per diem related to the B-1 activity lasting not more than 9 days, has been allowed (the total amount of payments not to exceed what is reasonable as a business expense.)
Documents needed to obtain a visa include:
- A letter from the U.S. institution indicating:
- Purpose of the trip
- Intended length of stay
- Arrangements to cover the costs of the trip
- Documentation from the home institution should complement any documentation coming from the U.S. institution
Medical Clerkship
Medical clerkship
is only for medical students pursuing their normal third or fourth year internship in a U.S. medical school as part of a foreign medical school degree and does not cover those seeking training as physiotherapists, dentists, nurses or vets. (An elective clerkship affords practical experience and instructions in the various disciplines of medicine under the supervision and direction of faculty physicians at a U.S. medical school’s hospital as an approved part of the alien’s foreign medical school education. It does not apply to graduate medical training, which normally requires a J-visa.) A letter from the University of Kentucky’s medical school outlining the nature and duration of the elective clerkship should accompany the application.