United States of America Visa Types Explained

The United States Department of State issues visas to allow foreign nationals to enter the country for specific reasons and for defined periods of time. The individual’s purpose for coming to the U. S. establishes the category of visa required.

Knowing the appropriate category of visa that you may need for your temporary nonimmigrant visit in the United States is necessary to navigate the process correctly. There are several categories and choosing the right one will eliminate delays and confusion.

To help select the correct visa type and professionally apply for your temporary nonimmigrant entry into the United States, you should contact an experienced immigration visa lawyer who specializes in immigration law. Knowing the real purpose and providing valid proof of your intended stay while in the United States are essential to obtaining the proper temporary or work visas.

In Austin, TX, Nanthaveth and Associates, focuses strictly on immigration and visa matters. Our eliable service ensures that your case is handled professionally and accurately.

We’ve outlined everything you need to know about the United States of America visa types and how to apply.

 

Categories of Visas for the USA

There are many categories of visas for USA entry, each created for a specific purpose. Broadly, visas fall into two groups: immigrant visas for those planning to live permanently in the U.S., and nonimmigrant visas for those visiting temporarily.

Nonimmigrant visas include options like the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa for business or tourism, the F-1 Student Visa for academic studies, and the H-1B Work Visa for professionals in specialty occupations. There are also visas for cultural exchange, religious work, or individuals with extraordinary abilities.

On the other hand, immigrant visas focus on family sponsorship, employment-based residency, or humanitarian pathways. Selecting the right category is crucial. Applying for the wrong visa can cause delays or even denials, so it’s important to match your choice with your specific purpose—whether it’s study, work, family, or investment.

Consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer can help ensure you apply under the correct category.

 

United States of America Visa Types

With some exceptions, the United States Department of State requires alien individuals entering the country for any reason to have a visa issued by the U.S. State Department.

The U.S. State Department Travel and Visa website details over 30 categories of temporary travel and work visas. Determining the right classification and proving you meet all the requirements for that category are required. A qualified and experienced immigration visa lawyer located in the United States is important to securing the visa efficiently.

The principal categories of visas available to enter the United States are:

• Immigration Visas
• Visitor Visas (Business or Tourism)
• Student and Exchange Visas
• Temporary Worker Visas
• Treaty Trader & Treaty Investor Visas
• Humanitarian Visas
• Transit Visas
• Official Government Travel Visas
• Crew Worker Visas

All but the first, immigrant visas, may be considered short-term or temporary entry visas. Immigrant visas are intended to permit qualified individuals to enter the US to obtain permanent residency and even citizenship eventually.

 

Immigrant United States of America Visa Types

• Family-Based Immigrant Visas
  • Immediate Relative (IR) Visas
  • Family Preference (F) Visas
• Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
  • EB-1: Priority Workers
  • EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability
  • EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
  • EB-4: Certain Special Immigrants
  • EB-5: Immigrant Investor Program
• Diversity Visa Program (DV, Green Card Lottery)
• Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)

These immigrant visas allow eligible individuals to pursue permanent residency in the United States, with paths available based on family, employment, or other special categories.

 

Visitor United States of America Visa Types

• Business B-1:
  • Athlete, amateur or professional (competing for prize money only)
  • Consult with business associates
  • Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
  • Settle an estate
  • Negotiate a contract
  • Domestic employee or nanny – must be accompanying a foreign national employer
• Tourism B-2:
  • Tourism
  • Vacation (holiday)
  • Visit with friends or relatives
  • Medical treatment
  • Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
  • Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
  • Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

 

Student Exchange United States of America Visa Types

• Q: Participants in a Cultural Exchange Program
• J: Exchange visitor
• F: Academic student
• M: Vocational student

 

Temporary Worker United States of America Visa Types

Individuals are deemed Temporary Workers if they are intended to be in the country for a fixed, but not permanent period. The U.S. Department of State has some specific categories for Temporary Worker designations. Some of these are:

• H-1B: Specialty Occupations
• H-1B1: Free Trade Agreement Professionals
• H-2A, H-2B: Temporary Agricultural Worker
• H-3: Trainee Visitor
• L: Intracompany Transfer
• P-1, P-2, P-3: Athlete or entertainer individually or in groups
• CW: CNMI Transitional Workers
• O: Foreign national with extraordinary ability
• TN/TD: NAFTA professional worker
• R: Religious Worker
• I: Foreign Media, Press, and Radio

Many temporary work visas are related to specialized work needed to be performed in the United States. It is important that the companies requesting the visas for temporary workers collaborate with a qualified immigration visa lawyer to pave the way for a smooth transition.

 

Treaty Trader & Treaty Investor United States of America Visa Types

• E-1: Treaty Trader
• E-2: Treaty Investor
• E-3: Australian professional specialty

 

Humanitarian United States of America Visa Types

• U: Victims of Criminal Activity
• T: Victims of Human Trafficking
• S: For witnesses or informants assisting law enforcement.

 

Other United States of America Visa Types

• K-1: Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen.
• BCC: Mexico Border Crossing Card
• D: Crew Member
• G, NATO: Employees of International Organizations like NATO
• A: Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials
• V: Spouse or children of a permanent resident

This is most of the US visa types available, but not an exhaustive list. An experienced immigration attorney can let you know if there’s another option for you.

 

Petitioning for a Nonimmigrant Visa

Merely requesting a visa to enter the United States does not ensure permission will be granted. Sometimes the processes can be complicated. Petitions, documentation, sponsors, interviews, and screening make up the, sometimes, lengthy process.

In any case, working with an experienced and qualified visa attorney makes the process go smoother. The petition must be completed appropriately and follow-up must be prompt to avoid delays.

In light of the current political circumstances surrounding illegal entry and deportation, unambiguous and verifiable documentation is essential. Experienced and proven immigration attorneys understand precisely what is required to secure a visa.

 

Steps to Acquiring a Nonimmigration Visa:

1. Determine Visa Eligibility: The first step to acquiring a nonimmigrant visa is to select a visa and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
2. Submit an Application: All nonimmigrant visas require you to submit Form D-160 All applicants will need their passport, travel itinerary, dates of your previous visits to the US and a photo that meets the photo requirements. Depending on the visa you’re applying for, you may also need other information such as your résumé and other evidence for visa eligibility.
3. Schedule an Interview: Most visa applicants will be required to prepare for an interview before the visa can be awarded. The interview process involves paying the application fee and submitting of a range of documents certifying the identity of the applicant, photographs, civil documents, and financial documents. The interview invitation will designate which documents will be needed. After the interview, the U.S. Consular officer will advise whether the visa application is approved or denied.
4. Enter the United States: Once your visa application is granted, you still need to be admitted to the U.S. Take all of the documents given to you in your interview to a port-of-entry. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection official will review your documents and permit or deny your entry.

Individuals and companies requesting a visa for entry by foreign citizens should work with a qualified immigration visa attorney to help the process move smoothly and increase the chance of success.

 

Schedule a Consultation with Nanthaveth & Associates

Nanthaveth & Associates are fully certified to manage and assist with all immigration and visa matters. If you need a temporary visa, save time and money by working with an experienced, professional, and knowledgeable immigration visa lawyer to ensure your application is properly completed.

For your consultation regarding visas, immigration, residency, or citizenship issues, call Nanthaveth & Associates at 512.601.8272 or fill out the simple consultation form and an associate will contact you for a personal consultation.