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We just returned from the Latin America and Caribbean Chapter (LACC) Conference in Barbados, which took place in November 2025. Every year, we attend at least 8 immigration conferences like this one because it keeps us learning in real time—and it directly strengthens the immigration business plans, proposed endeavor plans, and other custom-made documentation we prepare to support attorneys with their clients’ visa petitions.
One topic that stood out to us in Barbados, because it feels both timely and unusual, was the rising demand for personal worker visas, including roles people don’t typically connect with immigration, like dog walkers and dog sitters. We are not attorneys, so this is not our area of expertise, but the discussion was so eye-opening that we wanted to share the takeaway with our attorney clients.
What we heard at the conference
At the AILA conference in Barbados, Susan Brill discussed the growing demand for personal worker visas, including roles like dog walkers. The reason this matters is simple: high-net-worth individuals and globally mobile families often rely on trusted staff, and when travel shifts to the United States, the support needs don’t disappear.
Susan noted that, in certain situations, a B-1 visa may be an option for domestic workers such as nannies, housekeepers, or gardeners who accompany an employer to the United States temporarily.
The key point she emphasized
Susan was clear that this is not a blanket solution. The concept only comes into play in specific circumstances, including when the employer is:
a U.S. citizen who maintains a permanent home abroad, or
only temporarily in the United States.
She also emphasized that eligibility depends on meeting specific criteria, including:
a formal employment contract, and
credible evidence of the worker’s prior experience.
Why “trusted staff” is suddenly part of the conversation
Susan shared an example involving high-net-worth individuals who rely on trusted staff to care for their pets while in the U.S. She referenced the incident in which Lady Gaga’s dogs were abducted as an illustration of why security and trust can be central concerns.
That example landed because it captures what people mean when they say “trusted.” In these situations, the worker isn’t just filling a role. The worker is part of a routine that includes safety, consistency, and peace of mind, especially when the employer is traveling.
What we take from this as business plan writers
From our side, the bigger takeaway is that immigration narratives are expanding into more personal, real-life scenarios, and the documentation needs to keep up. When a case involves personal staff, the story still has to be clear and credible. Titles alone aren’t enough. The facts have to make sense, the role has to be described realistically, and the supporting documentation has to feel consistent and grounded.
This is also where we stay careful: we’re not practicing law, but we are deeply aware that language and structure matter. When a case involves personal staff, it can raise questions quickly if the narrative feels casual, inconsistent, or too thin on detail.
The takeaway
The rise in conversations about B-1 visas for domestic workers, including pet care staff, reflects a broader shift in how global mobility is showing up in immigration filings. As Susan Brill emphasized in Barbados, these situations can hinge on specific criteria like the employer’s circumstances, a formal contract, and credible proof of prior experience.
And from our perspective, the theme remains the same: when every piece of the filing supports the same clear story, the overall case reads stronger.
Contact us today to get started
The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
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