Background

US Visa Categories

If you are seeking entry to the United States there are many different visa categories to consider depending on your purpose of travel. Each visa category has specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Applying for a US Visa

When applying for a US visa, you must go through the following application steps:

Make sure to start the application process well in advance, as visa applications can take several weeks or even months to be processed.

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Application for a Student Visa

To apply for a Student Visa you need an acceptance letter from a school or university in the US. Then you must complete the online application on the website of the US embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You must pay the application fee and schedule an interview at the embassy. During the interview, you'll need to provide documents proving your intention to leave the US after your studies and your financial stability to support yourself during your studies. If approved, you'll receive your visa and can begin preparing for your studies in the US.

Visa requirements

The requirements for obtaining a US visa may vary depending on the purpose of your visit.
Generally, applicants must fill out an application form, pay a fee, provide a valid passport, and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
You must also demonstrate a genuine intention to return to your home country after the visit which means you may need to provide additional documents such as proof of income, travel itinerary, and health insurance. Additional screening may be required for applicants from certain countries or backgrounds.

Visa Waiver Program / ESTA

The visa waiver program is a U.S. government initiative that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. It was created to promote tourism and business travel to the United States, and currently includes 39 countries, primarily in western Europe and parts of Asia.

Click here to learn more about the Visa Waiver Program / ESTA.

Non-immigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visas are temporary visas for travellers who wish to stay in the United States for a specific purpose and a limited period of time. These visas include categories such as tourist visas, student visas, business visas, and work visas. The application process for non-immigrant visas typically involves filling out an online application, scheduling an interview at a US embassy or consulate, and submitting supporting documents. The specific requirements and eligibility criteria for each type of non-immigrant visa may vary depending on the purpose of your visit.

Here is a list of the main US Visa categories for traveling to the United States:

Tourism/Visit and Temporary Business (B1 / B2 Visa)

The B1/B2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows you to enter the United States temporarily for business (B1) or pleasure/tourism (B2) purposes. With this visa, you can stay in the U.S. for up to six months, unless a shorter period is granted by the immigration officer at the port of entry.
The B1 visa can be used to attend business meetings or negotiations, participate in short-term training or to consult with business associates. The B2 visa is for travellers who want to enter the US for tourism, visiting friends or relatives, attending social events or seeking medical treatment.

  • B1 / B2 Visa
  • Who can apply
    You
  • Permitted activities
    Tourism, Business, visiting relatives, medical treatment, enrollment in a short course of study
  • Where to apply
    At a US consulate
  • How to apply
    Learn more

Student Visa (F1 / M1 Visa)

The United States is one of the primary destinations for international students. F1 and M1 are both types of student visas. The F1 visa is for academic students while the M1 visa is for vocational students. Both visas allow you to study in a US institution and work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week. The F1 visa also allows you to work off-campus under certain circumstances while holders of the M1 visa are not allowed to work off-campus unless they have an approved practical training program. The F1 visa allows you to stay in the US up to 60 days after finishing your academic program. The M1 visa allows you to stay in the USA for up to one year (plus a 30-day departure period), or for as long as you are enrolled as a full-time student.

  • F1 / M1 Visa
  • Who can apply
    You
  • Permitted activities
    Studying at universities, colleges, high schools, language schools and elementary schools
  • Where to apply
    At a US consulate
  • How to apply
    Learn more

Exchange visitor / Internships (J Visa)

The J Visa allows you to participate in cultural exchange programs in the United States. This type of visa can be used to work and study in the US for a limited period, usually up to 12 months.
To apply for a J visa, you must first be accepted into a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program by a designated sponsor organization. The sponsor organization will provide you with Form DS-2019, which you need to complete in order to obtain a J visa.
You also need to complete the online DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application, pay the application fee, schedule an interview and attend and interview at you local U.S. consulate or embassy with the required documents, including your DS-2019, passport and a proof of financial support. If approved, you will be issued a J visa and can travel to the United States.

  • J Visa
  • Who can apply
    You with the help of a sponsor organization
  • Permitted activities
    Participating in exchange visitor programs
  • Where to apply
    At a US consulate
  • How to apply
    Learn more

Employment Visas (H, L, O, P, Q Visa)

Temporary work visas provide a unique opportunity to come to the United States for temporary work or cultural exchange.

Here are the various categories of work visas in the US:

H Visa

The H visa is a visa for professionals to work in a specialty occupation. It requires a higher education degree or its equivalent.

  • H, L, O, P, Q Visa
  • Who can apply
    Your employer
  • Permitted activities
    Work in the United States for a specific length of time
  • Where to apply
    Petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  • How to apply
    Learn more

Temporary Workers (L visa)

The L Visa allows companies to transfer foreign employees to their offices in the United States. It includes two categories: L-1A for executives and managers and L-1B for professionals with specialized knowledge. To qualify, the employee must have worked for the company for at least one year before the transfer and the employer must show that the employee's skills and knowledge are needed in the US office. The visa is initially granted for up to three years and can be extended up to seven years for L-1A visa holders and five years for L-1B visa holders.

Individuals with Extraordinary Ability (O Visa)

The O Visa is a temporary work visa that is available to people who possess extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, motion picture, and television fields. This visa may also be granted to people who have achieved national or international recognition in their field. To qualify for an O visa, you must provide evidence of your outstanding achievements, such as published work, awards, or professional memberships.

Athletes/Entertainers (P visa)

The P Visa allows athletes, artists, entertainers, and their support staff to temporarily work in the United States. The P visa is divided into three categories: P-1 for athletes and entertainment groups, P-2 for artists and entertainers in reciprocal exchange programs, and P-3 for artists and entertainers who perform culturally unique performances. The duration of the visa depends on the length of the event or performance and can be extended for up to five years.

Cultural Exchange (Q Visa)

The Q Visa is intended for Participant in an International Cultural Exchange Program It allows applicants to participate in cultural exchange programs in the United States. This visa is specifically designed for international cultural exchange programs that promote the sharing of knowledge, skills, and cultural experiences. It is available to people who are invited to participate in programs that are sponsored by U.S. organizations, businesses, or educational institutions. The Q visa is valid for up to 15 months, and can be extended for an additional 15 months, for a total of 30 months.

Immigrant Visa (Green Card)

An Immigrant Visa, also known as a Green Card, allows you to legally live and work permanently in the United States. There are many different Green Card options available depending on your specific situation.

Here are the four main types of Green Cards:

  • Green Card Lottery
  • Who can apply
    Yourself
  • Where
    We submit your Application
  • Obstacles
    Very few
  • How
    Apply now
  • Family-based Green Card
  • Who can apply
    Your relative*
  • Where
    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • Obstacles
    Long wait times
  • How
    Learn more

*Your relative must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

  • Employment-based Green Card
  • Who can apply
    Your employer in the US
  • Where
    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • Obstacles
    Long wait times and significant uncertainty
  • How
    Learn more
  • Investment-based Green Card
  • Who can apply
    Yourself
  • Where
    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • Obstacles
    Minimum investment of $800,000
  • How
    Learn more

The Green Card serves as proof of your lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Without it, you may have difficulties accessing certain services and benefits, employment opportunities, healthcare, and educational resources. Therefore, it is important to keep your Green Card with you at all times to avoid any potential issues. If you lose your Green Card or it is stolen, it is essential to report the loss or theft to the proper authorities and apply for a replacement as soon as possible.

  • The US Green Card
  • Green Card description

Special Immigrant Visa

The Special Immigrant Visa provides a Green Card to immigrants who have assisted the United States in its military efforts

The purpose of the SIV program is to provide a pathway to lawful permanent resident status for those who have put their lives at risk to help the United States.