Visitor Visas (B-1/B-2 and WB/WT)

Inviting Foreign Nationals on non-Drexel Sponsored Visas 

International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) lacks the authority to provide advice or assistance for visas and immigration statuses that are not sponsored by Drexel University. Hosting departments are advised to work with the Office of Human Resources prior to inviting such individuals to participate in any activities on campus to determine whether they hold the appropriate immigration status for any activities at the University, as well as work authorization if they will engage in employment and/or receive any wages. Below is a basic overview of visa categories that are not formally sponsored by Drexel. Note that the following overview does not include visas sponsored by other institutions such as F-1, J-1, H-1B or O-1. For questions about permissions about appropriate activities at Drexel in these categories when sponsored by another party, the individual will first need to consult with appropriate immigration contact person at their sponsoring institution.

Please note, if you wish to invite an individual to be employed or do research at Drexel, you are advised to reach out to HR and ISSS as soon as possible, as the below categories will not be applicable or appropriate and the individual will most likely require another visa category and/or formal sponsorship. The U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security have discretion on whether to grant visitor visas and entry to the U.S, and these agencies have indicated that visitor-type visas/waivers are not appropriate for individuals coming to the U.S. to study, conduct research, consult, or lecture. It is critical from an immigration and liability perspective that Drexel's departments discuss appropriate visa options with ISSS for individuals engaged in these activities.     

Temporary Visitors for Business (B-1 or WB) and Temporary Visitors for Tourism (B-2 or WT)

Visitor visas and waivers are temporary visas for business, pleasure, or a combination of both. Under certain conditions, individuals wishing to visit Drexel may be eligible to do so on a B (B-1/B-2) visitor visa or the visa waiver program (WB/WT). These statuses are not sponsored by Drexel and are not processed by ISSS.

Because visitor-type visas and waivers are self-sponsored applications, it is the foreign national's responsibility to obtain a visa and to gain admission to the U.S. under these statuses. The visitor assumes any risk associated with the decision to attempt entry to the U.S. in this category and the activities that they will perform in the U.S. Additional information about these visa categories can be found on the U.S. Department of State website, including some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa.

Temporary Visitors for Business: B-1 and WB

These visas or waiver programs are used for cases such as traveling for an educational convention, a conference, or negotiating a contract. These visas are not sponsored by the university. However, the relevant department should provide a letter of invitation [PDF].

Please note the following considerations for B-1/WB:

• Activity cannot last more than nine (9) days at a single academic institution.
• Reimbursement for travel expenses and or an honorarium may be possible.
• Individual cannot accept honoraria from more than five (5) institutions/organizations within a six-month period.

For more information on honoraria payments, please refer to the guidelines provided by Drexel’s Procurement Services.

Temporary Visitors for Tourism: B-2 and WT

B-2 or WT are non-immigrant visas for individuals who want to enter the U.S. temporarily for tourism-related activities. The bearer may participate in social events at Drexel but may not be paid for services rendered. These visas are not sponsored by the university. However, the hosting or relevant department should provide a letter of invitation [PDF].

Breakdown of Categories

B1/B-2 Visas

• Not restricted to individuals from visa waiver countries.
• Visa is required.
• An immigration officer at the U.S. port of entry determines the length of stay in the country. View information on B-1/B-2 Visas.
• Review the application instructions.

WB/WT Visas

• Reserved for individuals coming from countries that are a part Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
• Visa not required for admission if the criteria is met.
• An immigration officer at the U.S. port of entry determines the length of stay in the country.
• Review the requirements.