Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has information (experience) on ‘B-1 in lieu of H-1B’ visas, especially:
- how hard is it to get one (what are the criteria that might lower the chances of getting one) and how common they are?
- what the average/maximum duration over which they are generally granted?
- how long is it necessary to have worked for the company outside of the US to be able to apply for it?

Thanks a lot for your help,
Sam.

Well a B-1 visa is 6 months maximum, but this is a visitor's visa (business class) basically you cannot work in the US. This is designed for people who work for companies overseas to come into the US and conduct meeting, sign contracts, have meeting with partners in the US etc.

You have to be employed by a foreign company, have citizenship in the country you work in now and have to apply at the US consulate in your country.

This is not at all the same as H1B, you cannot work for a US company on B-1