During the visa approval process, confident investors have decided to enter the United States as business visitors. Temporary B-1 and B-2 visas are issued for individuals traveling to the U.S. for business or tourism reasons. The B-2 visa is for tourism activities like vacations or visiting family, while the B-1 visa is for business-related tasks such as meeting with business partners and discussing contracts.

Investors from Canada who do not require a visa can enter the United States without needing a B-1 visa and spend a maximum of six months in the country. On the other hand, investors from visa-exempt nations such as the European Union, Commonwealth countries, and Japan are restricted to a 90-day stay in the U.S. Additionally, individuals from non-visa-exempt countries can apply for a B-1 visa. Still, they must schedule appointments at U.S. consulates beforehand. If the visa is approved, they can stay in the U.S. for up to six months.

After Canadian investors’ B-1 visas run out in six months, they will likely be refused entry back into the U.S. This rejection is due to an unofficial policy that bars Canadians from staying in the U.S. for over six months a year. Investors from other visa-exempt nations encounter comparable regulations. Once their B-1 visa expires in 90 days, they may have the option to re-enter the U.S. a couple of times, but there is a restriction on the duration of time they can stay in the country.

Experts in immigration law are advocating for E-2 visa candidates to be granted the ability to remain in the United States for a maximum of one year, possibly extending for an additional six months. The option of an 18-month provisional stay would benefit investors who require time to oversee their business operations in the U.S. while awaiting in-person interviews overseas. This interim measure aims to alleviate the challenges foreign investors face during the delays in E-2 visa processing times.