B-1 and B-2 Visitors

• A visitor coming to the University of Rochester to conduct collaborative research, or who will conduct research activities that will benefit the University, may not do so under a B-1 or B-2 visa. Such activities require a J-1 visa. For example, if a University faculty member and colleague at a foreign institution are in the process of collaborating on an existing research project, and the colleague at the foreign institution desires to come to the University to utilize the University’s research facilities to investigate a portion of the project while collaborating with University faculty member, the individual should not visit the United States utilizing a B-1 or B-2 visa.
• On the other hand, if the colleague at the foreign institution wishes to travel to the University of Rochester to speak at a conference hosted by the University, or to discuss potential future research projects or collaborations with the University faculty member, the individual may visit the United States utilizing a B-1 or B-2 visa.
• In cases where it is not certain whether a visitor should visit the University of Rochester utilizing a J-1 or B-1 or B-2 visa, the International Services Office will generally recommend that the visitor seek a J-1 visa, as J-1 status provides numerous benefits that are not realized with a B-1 or B-2 visa.

The business visitor (B-1 visa) can consult with colleagues, present a lecture, attend conferences, attend a job interview, perform independent research (with no benefit to the University of Rochester), participate in a medical clerkship (see below for more information) or engage in an observer program (with no “hands on” training). Visitors for business must be self-supported and may not receive payments for any business conducted, though honoraria may be permitted in certain circumstances. B-1 visitors are restricted to a maximum visit period of six months.

Under specific circumstances, individuals who are studying at a foreign medical school may enter the United States using a B-1 visa. Such individuals may take an “elective clerkship” at the School of Medicine and Dentistry; provided that the individual may not receive remuneration as part of the clerkship. The 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. 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 applicant’s foreign medical school education. It does not apply to graduate medical training.

The tourist visitor (B-2 visa) can go sightseeing, on vacation, attend sporting or musical events, visit family and friends, or get medical treatment. B-2 visitors are also restricted to a maximum of six months. Visitors should not engage in University activities using a B-2 visa.