US 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 to get started on selecting your US visa type and how to apply.

Types of US Visas

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 in a timely fashion.

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.

Visitor US 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 US Visa Types

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

Temporary Worker 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 work and temporary visas are related to specialized work needed to be performed in the United States. It is important that companies that are requesting the visas for temporary workers collaborate with a qualified immigration visa lawyer to pave the way for a smooth transition. Error-free, well-documented applications can make the process go smoothly.

Treaty Trader & Treaty Investor Visas Types

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

Humanitarian Visas

• U: Victims of Criminal Activity
• T: Victims of Human Trafficking

Other US Visa Types

Here is a list of some nonimmigrant visa classifications temporary and work visas defined by their purpose:

• 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 a majority 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.

Contact the Law Offices of Vi Nanthaveth

Nanthaveth and Associates are fully certified to manage and assist with all immigration and visa matters. If you need a temporary work 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 free 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.