Just stumbled across this thread and gonna piggyback if you don't mind:
I stopped flying a few years ago for family reasons (word of advice: don't...) and trying to get back into the game to convert my license; in order to that I first have to re-activate my FAA CPL/IR(H).
b. (U) Recurrent or refresher training (training related to an aircraft for which the applicant has already received certification) may be undertaken on a B-1 [...] This assumes that the applicant’s employer is covering the recurrent training costs, incidental costs, and that the applicant does not receive a salary or perform labor in the United States.
Now do I understand this correct in the way that for an hour's worth of BFR and an Instrument Proficency Check I'd have to obtain a B1 visa for that? Or does that rule not apply because I'm doing it on my own dime and not receive any compensation for it?