There are two types of business visas available to foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States for business purposes: the B-1 visa and the B-2 visa.

- The B-1 visa is for foreign nationals who are coming to the United States for business activities such as attending business meetings, negotiating contracts, or consulting with clients. 

- The B-2 visa is for foreign nationals who are coming to the United States for pleasure activities such as sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or attending cultural events.

Both the B-1 and B-2 visas allow foreign nationals to enter the United States for a temporary stay. The length of stay allowed on a B-1 or B-2 visa depends on the purpose of the trip, but is typically up to six months. Extensions of stay may be granted in some cases.

Foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States for business purposes must obtain a B-1 visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy before traveling. Foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States for pleasure purposes must obtain a B-2 visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy before traveling.

Applying process

The process for applying for a B-1 or B-2 visa is the same as for other U.S. visas. Foreign nationals must submit a completed visa application, along with required supporting documents, to a U.S. consulate or embassy. Applicants may be required to attend an interview, although this is not always the case.

Once the visa is issued, the foreign national may enter the United States. Upon arrival, the foreign national will be required to present the visa to a Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry. The officer will then determine whether the foreign national is admissible to the United States and how long he or she may stay.

The B-1 and B-2 visas are nonimmigrant visas, which means that they allow foreign nationals to enter the United States for a temporary stay. Foreign nationals who hold these visas are not permitted to permanently live or work in the United States. If you are a foreign national who is interested in entering the United States for business or pleasure, you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney to determine whether a B-1 or B-2 visa is right for you.