B1 question - kinda tricky

[Nhearn86 0]

Hi Guys,

New to the forum and hoping to get some useful info.

I have my own business the UK but have been here in the US on a B1 visa with a financial company.

While over in the US they have offered me a job and I am in the processes of applying for a H1B, i129 sent etc.

I came over to the US in Aug and stayed for 90 days, returning to the UK in November under the B1 visa. I then flew to the USA on December 4th (two weeks later) with a return flight back to the UK planned for December the 23rd, but after speaking with the immigration officer, he granted me another 6 months on the B1 visa and the date of return is June 4th.

I have already spent approx 6 months in 2010 in the USA, to date.... I traveled on a visitors visa a couple of times in Jan and March.

My question is, do I have the right to stay in the USA until June 4th? If I do, I was going to stay here until my H1B is ready (early in 2011) and simply return back to the UK then for the interview. The last thing I want to do is put my H1B in jeopardy staying here too long.

The other question is, if I do return back to the UK on Dec 23rd, if I wanted to, could I then return back to the US on the B1 (stamped Jun4th) on Dec 27th.....and then BACK to the UK for my H1B??!! (adding another round trip)

Thanks for your help!

[Nhearn86 0]

I know I keep replying to my own post, I had a friend read this and they couldn't mak sense and I know know how to edit

To summarise, I have spent just under six months here in 2010. At immigration, as they granted me accesses for a further 6 months (B1 is stamped June 4th). Can I really stay in the states until then?!

If the answer to the above question is 'yes' - can I go back to England for a few days over Christmas and get back into the states without any problems?

If the answer to the above is 'yes'! - will this put my H1B at risk?

Sorry for the tripple thread.

[coraliesolms 47]

Ok... Yes to you can stay until June 4th, if that is what they stamped in your passport.

If you leave however, that makes what they stamped in your passport useless. When you come back to the US, you can show them the stamp in your passport and explain to them why you left, but ultimately it is up to the person at that Point of Entry as to whether they will allow you back in.

Edited December 18, 2010 by coraliesolms

[Boiler 45,517]

Sounds like you have been very lucky.

Just wondering what you can be doing on a B1 for that long a time, a lot of meetings?

[Kathryn41 3,205]

post removed at the request of the poster

[Nhearn86 0]

Thanks for the quick response, good forum - everyone seems to just help each other out, really good to see.

I work as a European Options & Equities trader, first went out there on a training course (business connection sorted it out) to learn how to trade fixed income.

Showed the company how and what I trade back in London and they asked to employ me.

Am I putting the application of the H1B at risk while im in the USA on a B1?

Is it correct to say its best staying in the states over Christmas as I got lucky being issued a 6month B1 and this may not be the case next time I go through the boarder?

Thanks again

[Boiler 45,517]

Sounds like you need a B2 not B1

[Nhearn86 0]

Thanks Boiler,

Whats the logic behind obtaining a B2 at this stage when I'm already here on a B1, with a H1B pending?

I thought a B1 was for business and a B2 was more a pleasure visa?

Im here training, but its more reciprocal. "Ill share my trades if you share yours" kind of thing.

My understanding is, I do most things within the proxy of a B1, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

My worst case is I stay here in the USA and put my H1B at risk, great company and career prospect, so I dont want to screw it up!

[Boiler 45,517]

Sounds like you are pushing the activities allowed under a B1.

Whether it will bite you or not, I do not know.