B1 / B2 Visa - changing purpose of visit from tourism to business - is it ok?

dapups

Registered Users (C)
I used to live in the US - I first had an F1 visa while I was studying there and then an H1 when I was working there. I left the US and moved to India in Jan 2005.

In Nov 2006 I was granted a B1 / B2 visa - during my interview I explicitly stated that I want a tourist visa since I plan to be on a holiday in the US in Dec 2006. However because of various reasons I did not go on that holiday. I then left my job in Feb 2007 and have started my own business. I now plan to visit the US in Jun 2007 primarily for business meetings for my new business. My business still does not have any revenues since the viability of this business venture depends on the outcome of my meetings in the US. Ofcourse since I will be in the US I will also visit some friends.

My concern - The visa was originally granted to me because of my intent to go on a holiday. The holiday never happened. And now instead of a holiday I am visiting on business. Will the immigration officer at the New York airport find my case fishy for any reason? Am I even allowed to change the purpose of my visit?

Ofcourse a B1 / B2 visa allow both tourism and business so tehnically the scope of my visit according to the visa granted to me should allow both tourism and business. However I am concerned since during the interview I only spoke about the tourism angle.
 
Your visa only allows you to approach a POE and seek admission. There you state the purpose of your visit. The officer then decides whether to grant you entry or not. You should be to request a B-1 entry on a B-1/B-2 visa.
 
Top