Most people need a visa to visit or move to the United States. There are so many visas, and they fall under two categories: Immigrant & Non-immigrant. Each has its own rules and requirements. You must know the types of visas to determine the right one for you.
This blog discusses the categories and subcategories of U.S. visas. It also covers the application processes.
U.S. Immigration Bodies You Should Know
Before we get into the types of U.S. visas, it helps to know who is in charge:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services handles immigration and naturalization applications.
- National Visa Center processes visa applications after USCIS approval and schedules embassy interviews.
- U.S. Embassies & Consulates conduct visa interviews and make the final decision to approve or deny.
These three agencies decide your fate when it comes to U.S. immigration.
Immigrant Visas
An immigrant visa is for people who want to live and work in the U.S. long-term. Most applicants need a family member or employer to sponsor them. Others, like investors or people with extraordinary skills, can apply on their own.
Once granted, you’ll present the visa at a U.S. port of entry. After checks by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), you’ll have officially taken a step towards permanent residency.
Categories
Popular U.S. immigrant visa categories include:
Family-Based:
- IR1, CR1: Spouse of a U.S. citizen
- K-1: Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen
- IR2, CR2, IR5, F1, F3, F4: Certain family members of U.S. citizens
- F2A, F2B: Family of lawful permanent residents
- IR3, IH3, IR4, IH4: Intercountry adoption cases
Employment-Based:
- E1: Priority workers
- E2: Advanced degree holders
- E3, EW3: Skilled and other workers
- C5, T5, R5, I5: Employment creation/investors
- SD, SR: Religious workers
- SI, SQ: Iraqi and Afghan translators or workers tied to U.S. missions
Diversity Visa (DV Program): For individuals from countries with historically low immigration to the U.S.
Nonimmigrant Visas
You’ll need a non-immigrant visa if you don’t plan on staying in the country forever. This visa is for temporary visits, like tourism, study, business trips, medical treatment, or short-term work.
You must show strong ties to your country and prove you’ll return after your stay.
Types
Here are the various types of U.S. visas for temporary stay:
- B-1 Visa (Business Visitors): For business trips, meetings, or contract negotiations.
- B-1 Visa (Athletes): For professional or amateur athletes competing for prize money.
- B-2 Visa (Tourist/Medical): The classic U.S. tourist visa category—for vacations or medical care.
- J Visa (Exchange Visitors): Covers au pairs, professors, scholars, and physicians in cultural exchange programs.
- F and M Visas (Students): F is for academic study, M is for vocational training.
- H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations): Popular work visa for specialized fields like IT, engineering, and finance.
- H-1B1 Visa (Chile/Singapore): Similar to H-1B but only for professionals from these two countries.
- H-2A Visa: Seasonal agricultural workers.
- H-2B Visa: Non-agricultural seasonal workers.
- L Visa (Intra-company Transfer): For employees transferring within a multinational company.
- O Visa: For individuals with extraordinary skills in science, arts, education, or athletics.
- P Visa: For athletes, entertainers, and performing artists.
- TN/TD Visas: For Canadian and Mexican professionals under NAFTA.
- E-3 Visa: Work visa for Australian professionals in specialty jobs.
- E Visas (Treaty Traders & Investors): For individuals from countries with trade treaties with the U.S.
- I Visa: For journalists and media workers.
- Q Visa: For cultural exchange participants.
- A Visa: For diplomats or foreign officials.
- G and NATO Visas: For employees of international organizations and NATO.
- D Visa: For airline or ship crewmembers.
- C Visa: For travelers transiting through the U.S.
- BCC Visa: Border Crossing Card for Mexican citizens.
- CW-1 Visa: Transitional worker visa for the Northern Mariana Islands.
- K Visa: For fiancé(e)s and spouses of U.S. citizens.
- U and T Visas: For victims of crime or trafficking.
- V Visa: For spouses and children of lawful permanent residents.
Immigrant vs. Nonimmigrant Visas
- Length of Stay: Immigrant visas equal permanent residency, while non-immigrant visas allow a temporary stay.
- Intent: Nonimmigrant applicants must prove they’ll return home. Immigrant visa holders can stay indefinitely.
- Pathway: Immigrant visas lead to green cards. Non-immigrant visas don’t lead to green cards, unless you change status.
Applying for an Immigrant Visa
You’ll need to prepare certain documents. They include:
- Passport valid for 6 months minimum beyond the entry date
- DS-260 form – Online immigrant visa application
- Recent 2×2 passport photos
- Civil documents, like birth and marriage certificates
- Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support from sponsor
- Medical exam and vaccination records
After USCIS and NVC process your case, you’ll attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The consular officer makes the final decision.
Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa
For nonimmigrant visas, the process is a bit different:
- Complete the DS-160 form online.
- Gather required documents, like passport, travel plans, past travel history, and résumé if needed.
- Print the DS-160 confirmation page (barcode).
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Schedule and attend your visa interview.
Note: Application requirements differ for each visa category.
What to Do Next
If you’re ready to proceed with your application, research the visa type you qualify for, gather documents, and prepare for the interview.
Check out ImmigrationQuestion.com for reliable resources to guide your U.S. immigration journey. We offer free blogs and news updates that break down complex immigration subjects in plain language. You’ll also find an attorney network that connects you with licensed immigration lawyers who can answer your questions and help with your case.
FAQs
- How many types of U.S. visas are there?
There are two main categories: immigrant visas for permanent residency and nonimmigrant visas for temporary stays. Within these, there are dozens of subcategories for family, work, study, tourism, and more.
- What’s the difference between an immigrant and a non-immigrant visa?
Immigrant visas lead to permanent residency. Nonimmigrant visas only allow temporary stays, like for tourism, study, or short-term work.
- What is the most common tourist visa category?
The B-2 visa is the most common for tourism, vacations, and short medical visits.
- Can I work with a tourist visa?
Tourist visas don’t permit employment. If you want to work, you’ll need a U.S. work visa, such as an H-1B, H-2B, or L visa.
- How do I know which visa category I need?
It depends on your purpose. Are you visiting for fun? B-2. Are you coming to study? F or M. Match your intent with the right category.
- What documents do I need for my visa application?
For most visas, you’ll need a valid passport, a completed application form DS-160 or DS-260, photographs, supporting civil documents, and proof of financial support. Some visas require extra forms, like I-129 for workers or SEVIS for students.
- How long will my visa process take?
It depends on the category. Tourist visas may take a few months. Immigrant visas can take much longer, depending on the backlog.
- Can I change from a non-immigrant visa to an immigrant visa while in the U.S.?
It’s called “adjustment of status.” But not every visa allows it, and approval depends on your eligibility.
- Who decides to approve my visa?
A consular officer makes the final decision at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Where can I get legal help?
Go to ImmigrationQuestion.com. You’ll find blogs, news updates, and access to verified immigration attorneys.
