supercat68

Following my other thread I have now changed my application for a B2 to a B1 which was a very simple procedure although I had to fill out a new DS-160.

I have a copy of my rental lease, bank statements, mobile phone bills, employers brochures, press releases, company records, letter saying they want to send me to the US for 6 months to look into opening a us branch and gain a good business client base there and that I will resume my position in the london office on Oct 29th 2012. I have a business card (with a US mobile number on it - PAYG so clients can contact a local number) and every other piece of paper that can help my case!

Should I show that I have booked a return flight? I don't want to appear too cocky by booking a flight ahead of time but on the other hand would a return flight from the US to the UK help my case?

materialcontroller

Don't book the flight until you know what the outcome of the interview is. And be prepared for the fact that you may not even get a chance to show all that documentary evidence.

supercat68

god - what is the point of having these visas if they wont give them to anyone??

Noorah101

I thought you said you called the embassy and your appointment was already set for a B1 / B2? So you called again, after that, and they actually did change it?

If you want to make a refundable reservation (or buy a refundable ticket), you can do that. I don't think it will help nor hurt your case, though. Personally I wouldn't buy a ticket until I had the visa in hand.

Rene

Noorah101

They do give them out. They are just very hard to get. All you can do is try.

Rene

materialcontroller

They do give B visas to people. I have one. But for most British people the VWP is considered sufficient.

supercat68

I said I had applied for a B2 interview but actually needed a B1 and they said no problem as all the interviews are for B1/B2. I just had to change the DS-160.

supercat68

can you give me any advice based on your experience?

Noorah101

Thanks for clarifying.

materialcontroller

B visas are usually granted as dual class B1/B2 and the final determination of status happens at the POE, dependent on what you tell the CBP officer. They will endorse the entry stamp in the passport with either B1 or B2.

Jerseygirl

They will and do...to those who qualify.

supercat68

i don't know why I wouldn't. I have been in and out of the us a lot recently but 1 was a business trip with a previous company, 2 were holidays and this one has been a business and holiday trip. now my company want me to do 5-6 months here to establish their client base in LA.

:f ingerscrossed:

materialcontroller

My experience is different to yours inasmuch as I needed a B visa because I'm not allowed to use the VWP. You are allowed to use the VWP however, and that is the major hurdle you will need to overcome.

As far as the interview goes, my advice is just to stay calm and answer all the questions honestly. If you don't understand something, ask the officer to explain more fully. I would say first and foremost that you should avoid seeming pushy, over-confident or cocky. It might be better to appear fairly humble. You are expecting them to do you a favour after all.

supercat68

the reason work wanted me to apply for the B1 was so i could spend longer than 90 days where which is needed to establish a brand new company.

i will be absolutely humble, polite and try not to appear desperate!

materialcontroller

I have no idea exactly what questions you will be asked. But a big part of it is going to involve you giving a sound and convincing justification for requiring more than the 90 days allowed on the VWP in order to accomplish the tasks you/the company have in mind.

You may also be asked about your previous US trips as well. Remember only to answer the specific questions with specific answers. Do not evade the questions, but certainly do not elaborate or offer up extraneous details in order to appear "more helpful". Just answer the questions as straightforwardly as you can.