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How the visas workBy Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times, At least 16 of the 19 suspected hijackers entered the United States with legal visas. Fifteen had business or tourist visas, while one had a visa permitting him to take vocational courses -- such as airplane flight training. Legal visas do not guarantee admission to the United States -- immigration officials can deny entry at the border. This is how each of the visas work: Business visa (B1)PURPOSE: To allow foreign nationals to conduct limited business in the United States. DURATION: About six months. It can be renewed once inside the United States for six more months. TO GET: The petitioner must show that their business purpose is permissible, that they intend to leave at the end of their stay, that they have round-trip accommodations and that they have sufficient financial resources for living expenses. PERMITTED ACTIVITIES: Conduct negotiations, solicit sales or investment, participate as athlete or entertainer or attend meetings. BANNED BUSINESS: Gainful employment. ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION: Round-trip air ticket with return date; letters of financial support; business purpose letter setting out specific itinerary; evidence of ties to home country, including family photos and proof of property and assets. Tourist visa (B-2)PURPOSE: For family and social visits, tourism and participation in conventions and conferences. DURATION: About six months. It can be renewed once inside the United States for six more months. TO GET: The petitioner must show that they plan to leave when the visa expires, that they will not conduct business and that they have sufficient financial resources for living expenses. ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION: Round-trip air ticket with return date; evidence of ties to home country, including family photos and proof of property and assets. Non-academic visa (M-1)PURPOSE: For students wishing to pursue study that is not principally academic, usually at a vocational school. DURATION: Up to one year. Students can apply for an extension of up to six months for practical training. TO GET: The petitioner must be accepted by an INS-approved school in the United States. The school sends them a "Certificate of Eligibility" (I-20), which is taken to the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country. There, the petitioner must show they meet the school's admission requirements and have financial resources to pay tuition and living costs. ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION: A completed visa application form (OF-156); financial documentation such as a bank statement declaring that the person has the assets stated on their "Certificate of Eligibility." PERMITTED ACTIVITIES: Vocational and practical training at the school in which they were accepted. BANNED BUSINESS: Gainful employment. - Source: U.S. government
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