NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS
(A Visas) GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
Ambassadors, public ministers, diplomats, or consular officers assigned to represent a country in the United States. Also includes immediate relatives, servants or attendants as well as their immediate relatives.
(B-1) BUSINESS VISITORS & (B-2) TOURISTS
Those who have a home in a foreign country where they will return after a short stay in the United State, and their stay is for one of the following:
(1) BUSINESS- To attend meetings, buy goods, negotiate contracts, act as a representative of a foreign employer;
(2) PLEASURE- To tour, visit friends or relatives, or sightsee.
Note that nationals of certain countries, which participate in the Visa
Waiver Pilot Program may enter the U.S. without a visa and stay for
a period of up to 90 days, but cannot then change of status to other non-immigrant or immigrant categories is not permitted.
(C Visas) TRANSIT
Those who must pass through this country on their way to a third country and will not need to stay in the United States more than a few days.
(D Visas) CREW
Those who are working as crew on vessels or aircraft, and those whose work is required for the normal operation of a ship or plane. ( This does not apply to U.S. fishing boats )
(E-1/E2 Visas) TREATY TRADER OR INVESTOR
Nationals from a country which has a trade treaty with the United States and :
(1) The person represents a company which will carry on trade with the United States. The U.S. Office must do a substantial amount of its business (trade) with the person's country;
Or
(2) The person is directing and developing a business in which they have invested a substantial amount of capital.
Both E-1 and E-2 visas can include a spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21.
(G Visas)REPRESENTATIVES OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Those who are accredited by their government to represent it at an international organization such as the United Nations, World Bank, Red Cross. This classification can include staff, a spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21, as well as servants and attendants.
(H-1B) TEMPORARY WORKERS
This type of work visa is valid for a period of 3 years with an extension of up to a maximum of 3 years. . A foreign national must have at least a U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent, and have a sponsoring employer
(I Visas) FOREIGN INFORMATION MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES
Those who will represent a foreign newspaper, radio station, television station, news service, etc. in the United States. This classification can include a spouse and unmarried children under 21.
(J Visas) EXCHANGE ALIENS
Those who will participate in program approved by the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). Program participation can be as a student, scholar, trainee, teacher, professor, research assistant, specialist, or leader in a field of specialized knowledge. This classification can include a spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21.
(K Visas) FIANCEE OR FIANCE VISAS
U.S. citizens who plan to marry a foreign national who is outside the U.S. can use this type of visa to secure a their fiance(e)’s entry into the U.S. to get married. This visa is issued for a maximum of 90 days. Once married the foreign national can apply for permanent residency.
(L-1 Visas) INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFER VISAS
Managers, executives or individuals with "highly-specialized knowledge" who have worked for a company outside of the U.S. for at least one year in the preceding 3 years may be transferred to that company's U.S. branch or affiliate. The maximum period for those with "specialized knowledge" is 5 years and for executives and managers is 7 years.
(M Visas) NON-ACADEMIC STUDENTS
Those who will be studying at a vocational or other non-academic school and who have a home in a foreign country to which they will return after they complete their studies. This classification can include a spouse or unmarried children under 21.
(N Visas) PARENT, CHILD SIBLING OF ALIEN GRANTED SPECIAL IMMIGRANT STATUS
When an alien is granted status as a SPECIAL IMMIGRANT under section 101(a)(27)(I) his or her spouse, parent or child can be granted this status. This category generally relates to officers or employees of international organizations.
(O Visas) ALIENS OF EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY
Those who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business and athletics as demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim, whose entry the Attorney General believes to substantially benefit the United States.This status can include a spouse and unmarried children under 21.
(P Visas) ATHLETES AND ENTERTAINERS
Those recognized at the international level, entering under a reciprocal exchange program or entering in a culturally unique program. This category can include the spouse and unmarred children under 21.
(Q Visas) CULTURAL EXCHANGE
An exchange visa permitting 15 months addmission to participate in a designated international cultural exchange program.
(R Visas) RELIGIOUS WORKER VISAS
Foreign nationals who have worked in a religious capacity for at least two years immediately prior to the application in a religious capacity for a bona fide religious organization may apply for this visa type.
(TN Visas) TRADE NAFTA VISAS
only available to Canadian & Mexican Nationals
Much like an H1B visa, the beneficiaries of this type of visa must be professionals from Canada and Mexico, working for a U.S. company in a listed category. This type of visa is available only for a period of one year but is renewable indefinitely.
