What are the visa rules for UK conference speakers, at US conferences, who may be getting paid?
I'm a British Citizen. I've spoken at business conferences in the past in the US, but haven't been paid for speaking. This is acceptable under the Visa Waiver Program.
Let's say that one day I am offered the opportunity to be paid a fee for speaking, over and above the incidental costs of travel/hotel.
A B-1 business visa doesn't cover it, it appears. So what is actually required?
On reading up about this, it's fine to be paid US$8,000 for speaking if you're a childrens' book writer from a VWP country; I'm a bit confused by the outcome of this story.
Best Answer
Your confusion arises because Mem Fox's honorarium was paid by a nonprofit organization. Such payments are allowed for B-1 visitors only if they are paid by nonprofit organizations, government organizations, or institutions of higher education, which I presume the organizers of your "business" conferences are not. This is specified at 8 USC 1182(q):
(q) Academic honoraria
Any alien admitted under section 1101(a)(15)(B) of this title may accept an honorarium payment and associated incidental expenses for a usual academic activity or activities (lasting not longer than 9 days at any single institution), as defined by the Attorney General in consultation with the Secretary of Education, if such payment is offered by an institution or organization described in subsection (p)(1) and is made for services conducted for the benefit of that institution or entity and if the alien has not accepted such payment or expenses from more than 5 institutions or organizations in the previous 6-month period.
(p)(1) has to do with computing wage levels so it doesn't make sense to quote it in full here, but the organizations and institutions it describes are
(A) an institution of higher education (as defined in section 1001(a) of title 20), or a related or affiliated nonprofit entity; or
(B) a nonprofit research organization or a Governmental research organization,
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Which visa category is for conference?
The type of visa you will need to attend a conference in the United States is B-1, which is a business visitor visa. The B class of visa is a type of non-immigrant visa provided by the US government to foreign people seeking temporary access into the country.Do I need a visa for a conference in the US?
A foreign national traveling to the United States to conduct temporary business needs a visitor visa (B-1) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Examples of temporary business include: Attending business meetings or consultations. Attending a business convention or conference.What type of visa is required to attend a conference in UK?
If they're just coming to attend your conference, it's likely they'll need a Standard Visitor Visa (Business route). NOTE: The full guidance doesn't specify the business route, but that's the correct route to take. A normal route Standard Visitor Visa (ie a tourist visa) shouldn't be used.What is a conference visa?
A conference visa can be issued to a foreigner if he/she wants to attend any International/National conferences, seminars, or Academic events in any country other than his/her own. The sole purpose of this visa is to attain any conference/seminar or workshop/meetings being organized other than in your country.Five Mistakes NOT to Make at your Immigration Interview
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Answer 2
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer
With relevant restrictions on who is paying an honorarium and how long is the engagement, among others, I found some sources that indicate B1 status may be enough.
https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/BusinessVisa%20Purpose%20Listings%20March%202014%20flier.pdf (https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/BusinessVisa%20Purpose%20Listings%20March%202014%20flier.pdf)
B-1 Honoraria for Academic Activities 67 FR 37727 (May 30, 2002) (https://www.ilw.com/articles/2002,0703-Liao.shtm)
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