B-1/Visa Waiver
Visa Waiver with Business classification is granted initially for 90 days, but less time may be given by an Immigration officer. The U.S. government prohibits any extension or change of visa status.
Generally, B-1 Business visa status is granted initially for 6 months, but less time may be given by an Immigration officer. It is recommended you observe no more than 3 months per hospital. Extensions of B-1 visa status are often subject to additional scrutiny and not recommended. You should contact a reputable immigration attorney if you would like information to extend B-1 visa status.
If You Need More Time
Needing more time may mean that your participation is not in keeping with the parameters of Business visa status, which restrict you to observation, representing a foreign firm in business, or attending business-related meetings or conferences.
If you do not need more time at the hospital, it is most often appropriate for the hospital to sponsor you for a visa status. The hospital's designated administrative contact must act as the liaison with the Partners Office for International Professionals and Students (PIPS) to assess which visa status, if any, is appropriate for you.