Short term work visa for self employed IT Consultant

[carljohnson 0]

Hello.

I'm currently looking into the least painful way to have a US work visa granted.

I have been working as a freelancer for a UK based company for almost a year. In a few months they will be hosting an art fair in the US. I will be tasked with setting up and looking after their IT equipment over the course of a couple of weeks.

I imagine I will need a short term non-immigrant visa with an approved I-129 petition. I am however unsure which specific Visa to apply for.

I do have the option of going on temporary payroll if this would make the application any easier however I would prefer to avoid this for tax reasons.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Carl.

[gstrength 20]

Hello.

I'm currently looking into the least painful way to have a US work visa granted.

I have been working as a freelancer for a UK based company for almost a year. In a few months they will be hosting an art fair in the US. I will be tasked with setting up and looking after their IT equipment over the course of a couple of weeks.

I imagine I will need a short term non-immigrant visa with an approved I-129 petition. I am however unsure which specific Visa to apply for.

I do have the option of going on temporary payroll if this would make the application any easier however I would prefer to avoid this for tax reasons.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Carl.

a lot depends on which country you are from, but you have some possibilities.

[Boiler 45,314]

A question to ask who ever is hosting the art fair, it is up to them and their Immigration Lawyer.

From a practical perspective, none come to mind.

Unless you are Canadian, Mexican or possibly Australian.

[Teddy B 17,252]

I don't see why this wouldn't fall under a B1 business visa.

B-1 Temporary Business Visitor

You may be eligible for a B-1 visa if you will be participating in business activities of a commercial or professional nature in the United States, including, but not limited to:

Consulting with business associates

Traveling for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention, or a conference on specific datesSettling an estate

Negotiating a contract

Participating in short-term training

Transiting through the United States: certain persons may transit the United States with a B-1 visa

Deadheading: certain air crewmen may enter the United States as deadhead crew with a B-1 visa

B1

Edited December 21, 2012 by Teddy B

[travelfairy 22]

Citizens of certain countries are allowed to enter the US for short term busines purposes (meetings, training etc) under the VWP, providing you are still employed in your home country. The USCIS website or the US Embassy/Consulate website in your home country would be the best source of information for your situation.

[Owen_London 65]

I don't see why this wouldn't fall under a B1 business visa.

Agreed, or more likely the Visa Waiver Program, assuming Carl is a UK citizen.

This is a business visit entirely for and paid by a UK company, it isn't a job providing services for a US company.