B-1/B-2 Frequently Asked Questions
While academic institutions may pay honoraria and/or to provide reimbursement of expenses to foreign nationals who enter the U.S. as tourists (B-2) or visitors for business (B-1), there are specific certain conditions for payment and not everyone in B-1/B-2 or WB/ VWB/VWT is eligible. Please read the information below for details.
Who is allowed to receive reimbursements and honorarium payments?
What is "B" Visa Classification? How will I recognize it? What does the "B" stand for?
What do departments need to be careful of?
What documentation is needed so that payment can be authorized?
What about Canadian citizens?
I'm confused. Who is going to collect this information?
So, do I still need to request J-1 visas for my international visitors?
What is meant by "usual academic activities?"
What if the "B" visitor does not meet the eligibility criteria for an honorarium?
Where can I get additional information?
Q. Who is allowed to receive reimbursements and honorarium payments?
A. A foreign national in the U.S. in valid "B" status visa classification, coming to an academic Academic institution or nonprofit research institute to engage in a "usual academic activity” lasting no longer than nine days. The visitor is prohibited from receiving more than six such payments within a six-month period.
Q. What is the "B" status? visa classification? How do I recognize it? What does the "B" stand for?
A. The U.S. government uses letters to denote the various classes of nonimmigrant visas available to foreign nationals. The "B" visa covers those individuals coming to the U.S. as tourists (B-2) or for short-term business purposes (B-1). In general, a foreign national who wishes to enter the U.S. for one of these purposes obtains the visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. When the foreign national enters the U.S. , s/he is given Form I-94, Record of Arrival/Departure , which indicates legal entry into the country. Form I-94 is stamped either "B-1 ” or “B-2" by immigration officers at the port-of-entry.
A number of countries have agreements with the U.S. which permit their citizens to enter the U.S. as visitors for business or tourism without an actual visa in the passport. This is known as the Visa Waiver Program. Individuals eligible for the visa waiver program are issued a green Form I-94 containing the notation “WB” notations VWB (Visa Waiver for Business) or “WT” VWT (Visa Waiver for Tourism). These notations correspond to either the B-1 or B-2 status. visa classification. Therefore, foreign nationals with “WB” VWB or “WT” VWT notations on Form I-94 are also eligible to receive honoraria or expense reimbursement under the law which governs the "B" status visa classification.
Q. What do departments need to look out for?
A. Here are where problems may occur : .
- This law pertains only to the "B" status. visa classification. Don't assume that the international visitor holds "B" status visa classification, especially if s/he is already in the U.S. You must look at the individual's passport , visa , and I-94 card to determine status. visa classification. Those who hold H-1B, J-1, F-1, O-1 , or TN status at another college or university are not eligible for this type of honorarium honoraria payment.
- You must obtain a copy of Form I-94 as evidence that the foreign national holds valid “B ” status. visa classification. If you do not obtain a copy of Form I-94, we have no evidence that the individual was in eligible visa status and, therefore, we will not be able to issue payment. (The only exception to this is for Canadian citizens - see section for Canadians.)
- Nine days is the absolute visit limit -- there are no exceptions! Any activity lasting more than nine days does not qualify.
- There are academic butterflies that flit from school to school. These individuals can easily exceed the limit of six schools in six months. If UNH is school number seven, the visit does not qualify and no payment will be issued.
Q. What documentation does the Business Office need so that payment can be authorized?
A. When an international visitor in "B" status visa classification arrives at UNH, the department must:
- Make copies a copy of:
- The identification page of the passport ;
- The expiration date of the passport (may not always be on the ID page) ;
- Form I-94 front Front and back Back (usually a small white card stapled in the passport, or a small green card - if the visitor arrives without an actual visa as “WB” or “WT”);
- If the visitor has an actual "B -1/2" visa in the passport, make a copy of that visa.
- Assist the visitor in completing the declaration form to confirm that s/he is they are eligible to receive payment.
- In order to receive an honorarium honoraria, the visitor must have either a Social Security Number (SSN ) ), or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Individuals in "B" status visa classification are not eligible to apply for an SSN. They However, they may , however, have one from a previous visit to the U.S. Be sure to document that you have asked for the SSN (as required under by IRS regulations .
- No SSN or ITIN is necessary for reimbursement of expenses only.
For more information on procedures for these types of payments, contact Carol Sendak in the Controllers Controller’s Office at 862-1721.
Q. What about Canadian citizens? They often don't even carry passports , and often arrive with absolutely no documentation.
A. It is true that Canadian citizens do not need visas or passports to enter the U.S. They However, they are required , however, to carry some form of identification confirming their Canadian citizenship. Often this will be a credit-card size d version of their birth certificate. The law permits acceptance of documentation other than a passport as proof of Canadian citizenship. Immigration regulations state that any Canadian citizen admitted to the U.S. without Form I-94, is "presumed" to be in "B" status. Be aware, however, that in the absence of a passport or Form I-94, you must obtain some kind of proof of Canadian citizenship.
In order to make the process smoother for all concerned, we recommend that you instruct your Canadian visitor to stop at the border crossing and request Form I-94 from the immigration official. Immigration Official. There is a minimal charge for this document.
If the Canadian visitor does not obtain From I-94, you will have to submit proof of Canadian citizenship with the check request in order for payments to be made.
Q. This sounds very confusing to me. How am I supposed to know all of this? How will the visitor know all of this? Who is going to collect all of this information?
A. The OISS is aware that not everyone is familiar with immigration documents. Our web site contains a section on immigration documents to help you. In addition, to make this as easy as possible for departments and our international visitors, we have created a one-page declaration form along with a sample letter of invitation.
Visitors are responsible for completing the declaration form. Departments should send the completed, signed declaration form along with the back-up documentation (copy of passport, visa, I-94, etc.) with the request for payment to your Business Service Center representative. No payment will be issued unless the declaration form is completed properly and submitted with appropriate backup documentation.
Q. So, when is it appropriate to request a J-1 visa?
A. Any academic activity lasting more than nine days (or any prior activity within the past six months which would preclude the visitor from receiving payment from UNH) will still require that the visitor obtain a J-1 visa. In order to receive payment, these scholars will need to be issued Form DS-2019 from UNH , and obtain J-1 status.
Q. What is meant by "usual academic activities"? Is anything other than giving lectures included? What about demonstrating techniques, master classes, collaborative research, attending a meeting, sitting on a dissertation committee?
A. At this time, any type of academic activity which could be considered "usual and customary" will be acceptable.
Q. What if the "B" visitor does not meet the eligibility criteria for an honorarium?
A. Foreign nationals in B-1/WB status who are no longer eligible for honoraria may still be reimbursed for expenses. Note that this is not the case for individuals in B-2/WT status. They may not be reimbursed for expenses or paid honoraria once the permissible length of activity and number of payments have been reached. Consult the OISS for guidance.
Q. If I have additional questions, who can help me?
A. For payment procedures, contact Carol Sendak in the Controllers Office. For information on visas contact the OISS.
