Jackson & Hertogs advises and assists with applications for visas for short term business trips to other countries. The United States has agreements with many different countries allowing U.S. citizens to enter those countries without first obtaining a visa as part of the Visa Waiver Program. Please see our Visa Waiver Program FAQ for more information. If a visa is not required, we can assist in preparing any necessary documentation to support the individual’s admission to the target country as a business visitor. If a visa is required, we can assist the traveler with the required visa application.

In determining whether a business visitor visa or entry is appropriate, the common factors for all visitors are that they are entering the foreign country temporarily, they have a residence outside that country they have no intention of abandoning, and that they will not work or study in the other country. For most business visitor visas, the list of permissible activities includes engaging in commercial transactions not involving gainful employment in that country. Acceptable business visitor activities generally include taking sales orders or making purchases of inventory or supplies for a foreign employer; negotiating contracts; consulting with business associates; engaging in litigation; or participating in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions or conferences. Business visitors cannot receive a salary or payment from any source in the country they are visiting other than reimbursement for expenses accrued and should remain on their home country’s payroll. For example, an individual employed by a home country employer, entering another country to consult on specifications for a project that will be carried out in his or her home country, and receiving a salary from his or her home country employer would most likely be an acceptable business visitor. As long as the activity in the foreign country principally benefits the home employer, and the actual work is performed outside the foreign country, the employee generally would be engaged in legitimate business visitor activities.

For more information, please contact us by email at office@jackson-hertogs.com, or by telephone at 415-986-4559 during business hours (Pacific Time).