The B-1 visa is for a visitor coming to the United States for a short-term visit for business purposes and the B-2 is for short-term visits for pleasure or tourism. Citizens of a limited number of countries are permitted to visit the United States for up to 90 days without a B-1/B-2 visa stamp under the Visa Waiver Program. Neither is appropriate for students and scholars coming to Harvard University.

Those entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program cannot change to another non-immigrant visa status and may remain in the United States for a maximum of three months. There are no exceptions to this regulation. There is no paid employment permitted on the B-1/B-2 visa or Visa Waiver Program, although it may be possible to receive reimbursement for expenses or an honorarium.

Since June 26 2005 individuals visiting the US using the “Visa Waiver Program” have been required to possess machine readable passports (biometric passports will be required by October 2006.) Individuals who do not have passports that meet the current requirements may not enter the US using the Visa Waiver Program. These individuals must apply to a US embassy or consulate for a B Visitors Visa.

Read about the Visa Waiver Program here:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html#2

Read about passport requirements here:

http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/vwp_travelerguide.pdf