US Visa Types
US Immigration Visa Types
US Immigration Visas for Aliens
Non-immigrant visas permit foreigners to remain in the United States for a specific duration with different limitations, depending on the type of visa they possess. An immigrant visa (green card), on the other hand, permits a foreigner to reside permanently and work in the United States so long as he meets certain conditions. Here are the most common types of non-immigrant visas:
TYPE |
DESCRIPTION |
B-1 |
The B-1 Visa is for temporary visitors for business. U.S. employment not authorized. |
B-2 |
The B-2 Visa is for temporary visitors for pleasure. U.S. employment not authorized. |
E-1 and E-2 |
The E-1/E-2 visas are for treaty traders and treaty investors, their spouses and children. (Applies only to citizens of certain countries with a treaty of trade and commerce with the U.S.) |
E-3 |
The E-3 visa status is offered to Australian citizens who have an offer of employment in the United States in a specialty occupation. Applies to those who hold a bachelors degree relevant to the job duties. |
E-3D |
The E-3D visa is for a wife or spouse of an E-3 visa holder. Spouse may apply for work authorization. |
F-1 |
The F-1 visa is for students who intend to complete their coursework in the United States. Optional practical training (work permit) issued upon graduation. |
F-2 |
The F-2 visa is for a spouse or child of student. |
H Classification |
The H visa classification includes various visa categories. The H-1B visa is for professionals in a specialty occupation; the H-1C visa is for nurses working in medically under served areas; H-2A is for temporary or seasonal agricultural workers in short supply; the H-2B classification is for temporary or seasonal non-agricultural workers in short supply; H-3 is for trainees. Spouses and dependents of H visa holders qualify for the H-4 status. |
H-1B |
In order to qualify for an H-1B visa, the intended employment must be in a specialty occupation. To establish that a job qualifies as a specialty occupation, the position must meet the following standards; (a) requires a bachelors degree or higher for entry into the profession; (b) the degree requirement is common to the industry or the position is so complex or unique that it can be performed only by an individual with a degree; (c) the employer normally requires a degree or its equivalent for the position; or (d) that the nature of the specific duties is so specialized and complex that the knowledge required to perform the duties is usually associated with the attainment of a bachelors degree or higher. |
H-1C |
H-1C visa status is for registered nurses who will work for up to three years in health professional shortage areas (HPSA). |
H-2 |
Temporary non-professional wokers temporarily performing services for which no qualified U.S. candidates may be found. Labor certification is required. |
H-2A |
The H-2A visa status is for temporary agricultural workers. |
H-2B |
The H-2B visa status is for temporary non-agricultural workers: skilled and unskilled. |
H-3 |
H-3 Trainee visa. Available for up to two years for individuals who wish to come to the United States for training by the petitioning organization. |
H-4 |
The H-4 visa is for the spouse or child of alien classified as H-1, H-2, or H-3. |
J-1 |
J-1 Exchange visitor visa: May be available to students, medical interns, medical residents, company trainees, scholars and others. Sometimes, a J-1 visa holder is required to return to his home country for two years before a different visa can be issued to him or her. |
J-2 |
The J-2 visa status is for the spouse or child of exchange (J-1) visitor holder. |
K-1 |
K-1 Fiance visa is for fiances of U.S. citizen. Marriage must occur within 90 days of entry. |
K-2 |
K-2 visa status is for dependents of a K-1 visa holder. |
K-3 |
Temporary visa for spouse of a U.S. citizen (LIFE Act). |
K-4 |
Child of K-3 visa holder (LIFE Act). |
L-1 |
L-1 Visa - Intra-company transferee. Executive, managerial, and specialized personnel continuing employment with an international firm or corporation with an office, branch or affiliation in the United States. |
L-1A |
L-1A Visa- This is for an intra-company transferee who is an executive or managerial positon. |
L-1B |
L-1B Visa - Available for intra-company transferees with specialized knowledge. |
L-2 |
Spouse or minor child of an alien classifed L-1. |
M-1 |
Vocational student or other non-academic student. |
M-2 |
Spouse or child of M-1. |
O-1 |
O-1 Visa - Aliens of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, who must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim. |
O-2 |
O-2 Visa- Aliens accompanying O-1 holders. |
O-3 |
O-3 Visa: Spouse or child of O-1 or O-2 visa holder. |
P Status |
P Visa - Performing artists and athletes. Available for athletes performing at an internationally recognized level of performance; entertainers in an international group recognized as outstanding. |
Q Status |
Cultural exchange visitors. Available for individuals who will participate in a cultural exchange program. |
R Status |
R Visa status: Available for ministers, professional workers in religious vocations and occupations, and other religious personnel working for non-profit religious organizations. |
TN |
TN Visa - Trade visas for Canadians and Mexicans under the NAFTA agreement. |
TD |
Spouse or child accompanying TN visa holder. |
TPS |
Temporary protected status. |
U Visa |
Victims of certain qualifying criminal activity. |
V-1 |
Spouse of an LPR who is the principal beneficiary of a familly-based petition (Form I-130) which was filed prior to December 21, 2000, and has been pending for at least three years. |
V-2 |
Child of an LPR who is the principal beneficiary of a familly-based petition (Form I-130) which was filed prior to December 21, 2000, and has been pending for at least three years. |
V-3 |
The derivative child of a V-1 or V-2. |