Specialized workers seeking to travel to the United States for the installation, servicing, or repair of commercial or industrial equipment purchased from outside the country may be eligible for a B-1 visa. This visa category is also available to those who will train U.S. workers in such services.
To qualify, applicants must show that their visit is connected to fulfilling contractual obligations specified in a contract of sale between a foreign seller and a U.S. company. The contract must clearly state that installation, servicing, or repair services are required as part of the purchase agreement. Additionally, applicants must possess specialized knowledge necessary for these tasks and cannot receive payment from any U.S. source.
Applicants are required to submit several documents as part of their application process:
- A purchase order or invoice demonstrating that the equipment was bought from outside the United States. Only physical goods are covered under this provision; contracts for services do not qualify.
- A copy of the contract between the seller and buyer with relevant sections highlighted or underlined to indicate service requirements.
- A letter from the selling company requesting a B-1 visa on behalf of the worker, which should include personal data, job duties, and details about the intended stay.
Those who have already attended an interview but were refused under Section 221(g) can continue their application by submitting these documents to the Embassy. If refused under another section of law and wishing to reapply, individuals must start a new application.
Submission instructions require sending all documentation in PDF format via email with “V11” included in the subject line. Applicants should address emails to ConsulBratislava@state.gov and provide personal details along with attached documents as requested during their interview.
“Please find attached documents requested during the interview. [You may include any additional information in the body of your email.]”