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 posses. 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; 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 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-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 trainess, 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 office, branch or affiliation in the United States.
L-1A	L-1A Visa- This is for an intracompany transferee who is an executive or managerial positon.
L-1B	L-1B Visa - Available for intracompany 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.