The validity of a visa relates only to the length of time the holder may travel to the United States and apply for admission. It does not determine the length of time you can stay in the United States. The length of time a visitor is permitted to remain in the United States is determined by the United States Customs and Border Protection Officer at the port of entry. Each traveler will be permitted to stay in the U.S. for a period that is fair and reasonable for the completion of the purpose of the visit.

The holder of a B-1 visa, or a person travelling for business without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, may undertake any one of the following activities:

• Attend business or professional conferences or conventions
• Consult with business associates
• Negotiate contracts
• Purchase goods or materials
• Appear as a witness in court trials
• Undertake independent research

Travelers entering the U.S. under the B-1 classification may not perform productive work or accept paid or unpaid employment

The holder of a B-2 visa or a person travelling for pleasure without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, may undertake any one of the following activities:

• Visit friend/relatives
• Undergo medical treatment
• Participate in conventions, conferences, or convocations of fraternal or social organizations

The U.S. Embassy does not transfer a valid visa in an expired passport to a new passport. A visa is valid until the date of expiration printed on it, even if the passport it is in has expired. You should, therefore, carry both the old passport containing the visa along with your new passport when you enter the U.S. If you wish to have your visa in your new passport, you will need to apply for a new visa by paying a new visa application fee and having an interview at the Embassy or Consulate.

There is no limit as such on how many visits a person may make to the U.S. in any given period. However, a visitor who spends prolonged periods in the United States may have difficulty convincing the immigration inspector that he/she is not an intending immigrant. It is important that you carry with you, evidence of a residence abroad to which you intend to return at the end of your stay. Individuals who are unable to convince immigration officials that they are bona fide visitors may be denied entry into the U.S.

A dual intent visa is one of the few non-immigrant visa categories in which a foreign national may apply for and obtain with the intent of later applying for US permanent residency. With a dual intent visa, the individual can apply for a green card. Since H1B visa is a dual intent visa, H1B holders may apply for green card if eligible.

No. The USCIS' approval of your H1B petition does not automatically grant you admission to the US on H1B status. You will have to attend an interview at a US Consulate near you to get your H1B visa stamped. The Consular Officer will verify your educational background, work experience, details of your US employment, and other relevant information, and will issue your H1B visa only when he finds all of the information you provide to be genuine and as stated in your petition.

Yes, your spouse and dependents may accompany you to the US on an H4 dependent visa. H4 dependents may study and apply for employment authorization document (EAD) to work in the US.

Unlike H1B visas, L1A visas are not subject to any cap.

Not directly. However, if a business has been running for over one year, the executive or manager can petition for a green card/permanent residence without having to make an application for labor certification. Such applicants should meet similar qualifications as those under the EB-1C green card category.

However, there is a catch. The EB-1C requires you to work for one year in the company’s foreign branch in the three years leading up to your green card petition. If you have spent the last three years in the U.S. under the L-1A, you would not qualify. However, if you have been working in the foreign branch for at least a year and you transfer directly to the U.S. branch under the L-1A, you will be eligible to apply for the EB-1C for the next two years afterwards.