Specialized workers seeking to travel to the United States for the purpose of installing, servicing, or repairing commercial or industrial equipment purchased from companies outside the U.S. may be eligible for a B-1 visa. This visa category also applies to those who will train U.S. workers in such services.
Eligibility for this visa requires that the contract of sale for the equipment or machinery specifically states that the seller must provide installation, service, repair, or training. The applicant must have specialized knowledge essential to fulfilling these contractual obligations and cannot receive payment from any U.S. source.
Applicants must prepare several documents before their visa interview. These include a printed copy of the contract between the foreign seller and the U.S.-based company receiving services, with highlighted sections indicating service requirements; a letter from the selling company requesting a B-1 visa and outlining contract details, applicant duties, personal data, and intended stay; purchase documents proving that physical equipment was bought from outside the United States; and an English-language resume detailing relevant experience.
The embassy notes: "A B-1 visa may be granted to specialized workers going to the United States to install, service, or repair commercial or industrial equipment or machinery purchased from a company outside of the United States, or to train U.S. workers to perform such services."
Further instructions are available for applicants once all required documents are prepared.