B1/B2 Visa Help

[nicolaibo]

Hey Guys

I am in a rather predicament here.
I am planning on attending a 5 month training course for my company, which will be held in their office in the US this summer. During this time i will probably take a vacation for a small amount of time, maybe two weeks, of course also in the US.

I have already applied for a B1/B2 visa, as i saw it appropriate and my company agreed with me.
The company itself is Scandinavian in origin (My nationality) with its headquarters also located there.

I will not be undertaking any gainful employment while i'm there. My stay's sole purpose is for me to learn everything about a specific product. Afterwards i will be returning home to pass on the knowledge i acquired while being there.

My question to you is:
Will it cause any problems with this visa and is it the appropriate one?
What are my odds of getting it?

Any advice will be warmly received

[peace999]

In recent times, many overseas companies have misused the B1/B2 visa by having their employees work in US on that visa. Which is illegal.
So, anyone going for a business trip of more than 2-3 wks may find himself in a tough spot with the visa officer.

A 5 month training may not come under the purview of a B1 visa. That said, I am not an attorney, so I suggest you talk to an
immigration attorney in US before appearing for the interview.

[nicolaibo]

In recent times, many overseas companies have misused the B1/B2 visa by having their employees work in US on that visa. Which is illegal.
So, anyone going for a business trip of more than 2-3 wks may find himself in a tough spot with the visa officer.

A 5 month training may not come under the purview of a B1 visa. That said, I am not an attorney, so I suggest you talk to an
immigration attorney in US before appearing for the interview.

Thanks for your reply.

But i have all the appropriate documents in order, such as the employment contract and a detailed document stating the reason for going there.
Won't this improve my chances?

My country is currently a member of the Visa Waiver program. Do you think that this will better my chances in getting a visa?

[peace999]

Visa waiver eligibility does not have any effect on a visitor visa . Your purpose must be under the B1 scope. Please make sure from a qualified source
that training is allowed . Because I have seen posts of people getting denied or being sent back from US airport for stating traning as purpose.

Why don't you just use the visa waiver program for 90 days to learn . Because if you are denied the visa, you won't be able to use ESTA ( visa waiver) either.

[nicolaibo]

Visa waiver eligibility does not have any effect on a visitor visa . Your purpose must be under the B1 scope. Please make sure from a qualified source
that training is allowed . Because I have seen posts of people getting denied or being sent back from US airport for stating traning as purpose.

Why don't you just use the visa waiver program for 90 days to learn . Because if you are denied the visa, you won't be able to use ESTA ( visa waiver) either.

Ok so what you're saying is that it would be much more beneficial for me to use the VWP and stay for the permitted 90 days. So in theory after going home i could return again shortly thereafter?

[peace999]

I am just weighing visa waiver against a B1 application.
Also, doing a turnaround may not be possible on a visa waiver after spending 3 months in US.
They will ask you why you came back so quickly.

You could split 90 days now and another 60 days after a few months.