US consulate claims I should apply for a J-1 visa, but I think I only need a B-1/B-2 visa. How should I proceed?

Upvote:0

Actually you are correct that a B1 visa is all you need. Observations and attending one-time seminars (i.e. not recurring ones) qualifies as business, and not study.

However, in this case, what is correct by definition doesn't matter, because the consulate issues the visa; as such you have to go by their instructions.

So, if you want to get into the US, you have to apply for a J1 visa

Upvote:9

tl;dr: If you want the chance to be allowed in, apply for a J-1

The distinction between business activities (as allowed under a B-1 visa) and "work" (as requiring other types of visa) is blurred in everyday speech. For visas the differences are subtle and it is understandable that the visa type you believe is required is not the same as the visa type the US Consulate believe is required.

However, they are the ones that count because they have the authority to issue visas and they 'make' the rules. So you can either remain convinced a B-1 is all that is necessary - and have to manage without a visa - or you can do as the Consulate has suggested and apply for a J-1, assuming you wish to be allowed entry and be legal while in USA.

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