Yeah, but it's getting better now even if informally. See this link http://www.uscis.gov/eir/visa-guide/b-1-business-visitor/understanding-b-1-requirements http

Yeah, but it's getting better now even if informally. See this link http://www.uscis.gov/eir/visa-guide/b-1-business-visitor/understanding-b-1-requirements http://www.uscis.gov/eir/visa-guide/b-1-business-visitor/und... under "How do I show that I intend to remain for a limited time?" It explicitly mentions accelerators. As long as you are not "employed" by the company, or more specifically the US incorporated entity, it's okay. The problem is that there's no "directive" as such, so a lot depends on the interviewer one has, because it's so subjective. Mine was new and had never heard of what an accelerator was. He thought it was an MBA! But there's no scope for an appeal, one has to reapply and pay the hefty application fee again!