Business Travel and Visas: Key Insights for HR on Technician Assignments in the U.S.

Business travel can serve many purposes—from attending meetings and negotiating contracts to conducting hands-on technical work. One common scenario we encounter at WorkFlex is technicians traveling to the U.S. for assembly, repair, or installation tasks. While these assignments are essential for business operations, navigating U.S. visa requirements can be challenging. Different visa types come with specific conditions, and failing to comply can lead to delays, fines, or even denied entry.

In this article, we explore a typical case of technicians working in the U.S., explain which visas are required based on different situations, and outline key compliance factors that companies should consider to ensure a smooth and legally compliant process.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Short-Term Assignments Under Specific Conditions

Technicians from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), such as Germany, can travel to the U.S. without a visa for up to 90 days. They only need to apply for an ESTA. However, strict conditions apply:

✅ Work related to machinery purchased outside the U.S.
The work must be directly related to machines or equipment that were purchased outside the U.S. This must be stated in the purchase contract.

✅ No income from U.S. sources
The technician must not receive any salary from a U.S. company during their stay.

✅ Still under German employer supervision
The technician remains employed by their German company, ensuring that they do not engage in freelance work in the U.S.

Technicians who meet these requirements can apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). For further questions, feel free to contact the WorkFlex Visa Service.

B-1 Business Visa: When VWP Is Not Enough

If the Visa Waiver Program does not apply—such as for longer stays or if the technician is from a non-participating country—the B-1 Business Visa is usually required. It is suitable for assembly, repair, or installation work if the following criteria are met:

🔹 Maximum stay of 180 days
The B-1 visa allows a longer stay than ESTA.

🔹 Work must align with the purchase contract
As with ESTA, the work must be related to machines purchased outside the U.S.

🔹 Appointment at the U.S. embassy required
Applying for a B-1 visa requires an in-person appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

H-2B Visa: Temporary or Seasonal Assignments

The H-2B Temporary Worker Visa is suitable for technicians whose work is time-limited, seasonal, or necessary due to demand spikes. Employers must prove that the need falls into one of the following categories:

✔ One-time need (e.g., a specific project)
✔ Seasonal demand (regular, recurring shortages, e.g., in agriculture or tourism)
✔ Temporary workload peaks (when a company temporarily needs more workers)
✔ Occasional need (external support when no full-time employees are available)

Additionally, a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is required to prove that there are not enough qualified U.S. workers available and that hiring foreign workers will not negatively impact wages or working conditions in the U.S.

The H-2B visa is initially valid for up to one year and can be extended to a maximum of three years. After that, the technician must leave the U.S. for at least 60 days before reapplying.

Conclusion: Check the Right Visa Early

Choosing the right visa for technicians depends on many factors, including the length of stay, type of work, and contractual conditions. Companies should familiarize themselves with the requirements early to avoid delays or complications when entering the U.S.

For a detailed overview of all visa types and the latest information, we recommend visiting the official websites of the U.S. Embassy and the Temporary Worker Visas page.

Visa Application Complexity: How WorkFlex Can Help

As you can see, the visa application process for technicians traveling to the U.S. is anything but simple. Different visa categories, specific documentation requirements, and in-person appointments at the U.S. embassy can quickly become overwhelming.

This is where WorkFlex comes in. We provide a solution that handles the entire visa application process and compliance checks for international workers. Whether you're sending a technician on a business trip or managing a global team, we simplify the process and ensure all requirements are met—so you can focus on what really matters: growing your business.

Let us take care of the bureaucratic workload so you can concentrate on your international projects. WorkFlex ensures your team is legally compliant and ready for action!

‍