When you have plans to visit the U.S. it is important to understand the different types of visas that you can apply for and which make the most sense for your specific situation. United States immigration law can be complex so it is crucial that you take proper steps to ensure that you can legally enter the country. If you have questions or concerns regarding your U.S. visa, contact an experienced travel documents immigration lawyer in NYC for more information and legal assistance.
What is a Visa?
A visa is a document issued to foreign nationals that allows them to legally enter a country for various purposes. In the United States, visas are issued to individuals who want to live in the U.S., get an education, work, take a vacation, visit family, and more. Regardless of the reason for wanting to come to the United States, foreign individuals must apply for a visa and be approved before they can enter the country.
Visas are issued by the Department of State (DOS). The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) contributes to this process as well by interviewing and vetting applicants to ensure they are eligible for the visa they are applying for.
What Are the Different Types of U.S. Visas?
There are two main categories of visas issued in the United States: immigrant and nonimmigrant. Nonimmigrant visas are generally issued for short-term stays in the United States, lasting from a few months to a few years.
Immigrant visas, however, are issued to foreign individuals who intend to remain in the country permanently. Taking into account both immigrant and nonimmigrant, there are about 185 different types of visas that can be issued in the United States. The DOS issues millions of visas to foreign nationals annually.
Depending on who you are, the work you do, your relationship with others, and more, you could be eligible for one or more United States visas.
Examples of Types of Visas
There is a multitude of visa types that individuals may be eligible for depending on the details of their situation. Some common nonimmigrant visas include the following.
- B-1: Business visitors
- E: Treaty investors/traders
- H-1B: Temporary workers
- H-2B: Temporary non-agricultural workers
- I: Journalists and media representatives
- J: Exchange visitors like au pairs, teachers, doctors, etc.
- K-1: Fiancés of U.S. citizens
- L-1: Employee company transfers
- P: Artists, athletes, or entertainers
- R: Religious workers
Some immigrant visas include the following.
- CR-1: Spouse of U.S. citizen
- E: Employer-sponsored workers
- F: Relative of U.S. citizen
- I: Intercountry adoption
- SB: Returning resident
If you want to come to the United States for any reason there is likely a visa category that you fall into. Given that you meet the eligibility criteria and other requirements, you can begin the process of applying for a visa. Reach out to an experienced immigration attorney for more information and legal advice today.
