A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship. Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States.

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A visa is the name given to the permission that the United States issues a person, under certain conditions, to enter the United States at least once. Visas can be characterized or differentiated according to the requirements that need to be met, the limitations the visa bears, the permissions the visa allows, non-immigrant visas vs immigrant visas, and the length of the visa.

 

Visas and immigration to the United States can be divided into three main categories:

1. Tourism related visas

2. Diplomatic and military service related visas

3. Work related visas 

4. Accompanying a person related visas

5. A Permanent Resident Visa (also known as a "Green Card")

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A Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa used in case of a diplomat or foreign government official and/or foreign military personnel stationed in the United States. These visas also apply to immediate family members. A visas are further divided in to A-1, A-2, and A-3 visas.

 

A-1 and A-2 visas are best for Requesting to renew (re-apply) your visa or that of an immediate family member. A-3 visa holders must re-apply for their visas outside the United States. A visa holders most commonly transition (if at all)  to G visas or Nato visas.

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Diplomats and other foreign government officials traveling to the United States must obtain A-1 or A-2 visas before entering the United States. The Visa Waiver Program does not apply. Heads of State or Heads of Government qualifies for an A visa regardless of the purpose of travel, while all the rest will receive an A-1 or A-2 visa according to their position within their country’s government and their purpose of travel.

 

Immediate family members of diplomats and government officials receive A-1 or A-2 visas, with few exceptions. Personal employees, attendants, or domestic workers for diplomats and government officials (holding a valid A-1 or A-2 visa) may be issued A-3 visas.

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The specific duties or services that will be performed must be governmental in character or nature, as determined by the U.S. Department of State, in accordance with U.S. immigration laws. Government officials traveling to the United States to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial nature, or traveling as tourists, require the appropriate visas and do not qualify for A visas. 

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Examples of people and position holders that require an A-1 visa include (yet not limited to) Head of State or Government (regardless of travel purpose); Official coming to serve at a foreign embassy or consulate in the United States (such as an ambassadors and consuls); Government minister coming for official activities; Cabinet member coming for official activities; European and/or African Union (EU; AU) delegation members; and immediate family members of an A-1 visa holder.

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Examples of people and position holders that require an A-1 visa include (yet not limited to) full-time government employees assigned to a foreign embassy or consulate in the United States (duties within the embassy only); Government official coming to perform official government related duties for to 90 days; Foreign military members stationed at a U.S. military base, foreign embassy, or foreign consulate in the United States; Staff of European and African (EU; AU) Union (delegation representatives; Immediate family members of an A-2 visa holder.

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The following reasons do not apply to A-1 and A-2 visas as reason for travel (yet not limited to): non-official or non-governmental functions; commercial reasons, tourism. In such cases, though an A-1 or A-2 visa holder, they must apply for a different visa type; (Heads of State or Heads of Government must travel on an A-1 visa for all travel reasons).

 

B Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa used as a "visitor's visa". B visas are further divided in to B-1, and

B-2 visas. B visas are for people who want to enter the United States temporarily for business, tourism, or a combination of both.  A B-1 visa is required for business purposes, while a B-2 visa is required for tourism. If visiting for temporary business and tourism reasons, both a B-1 and B-2 visa may be required. 

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Reasons to obtain a B-1 visa to the United States may include (yet not limited to) an amateur or professional athlete competing only for prize money; Domestic employee or nanny accompanying a foreign national employer; Consult with business associates; Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference; Settle an estate; and/or negotiate a contract.

 

Reasons to obtain a B-2 visa to the United States may include (yet not limited to) tourism; Holiday vacations; 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 (must not be paid for participating); Enrollment in a short recreational course of study (non-credit toward a degree). 

The following reasons do not apply to B-1 and B-2 visas as reason for travel (yet not limited to): Studies; Employment; Paid performances; Any professional performance before a paying audience; Arrival as a crew member on a ship or aircraft; Work as foreign press (including radio, film, print journalism, or other information media); Permanent residence in the United States.

 

C Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa used as a "transit visa". C visas are for people traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States on their way to another country, with few exceptions. The visa accommodates reasonably and quick leaving of the United States.  Normal course of travel, weather conditions, and a pre-arranged itinerary (excluding unreasonable layovers) influence the approval chances for a C visa.

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Any other reason for entering and/or lingering within the United States, requires either an additional visa or a different kind of visa. B visas may substitute in some cases for the C visa requirement. The Visa Waiver Program may also be a reason for receiving a C visa, if you are from a country that partakes in the program.

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Reasons to obtain a C visa to the United States may include (yet not limited to) a foreign citizen traveling to another country who will have a brief layover in the United States; A passenger on a cruise that passes through the United States yet without landing in the United States; A crew member destined to join a ship or aircraft they work work on, providing services for operation (will also need a crew member D visa, most often issued as a combination C-1/D visa); United Nations (UN) related duty that requires travel through the United States (a diplomatic transit C-2 visa; Travel is limited to the immediate New York City area). 

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The following reasons do not apply to C visas as reason for travel (yet not limited to): if travel is not in-transit; A coasting officer replacing an officer of a foreign ship on home leave (while the vessel is in U.S. ports, provided the vessel does not remain in U.S. waters for more than 29 days); A crew member on a private yacht sailing out of a foreign port which will be cruising in U.S. waters for more than 29 days. Many of these cases may be eligible for a different visa such as a B visa or G visa.

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D Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as the "crew member visa". D visas are for crew members working on board commercial sea vessels or international airlines in the United States, providing services required for normal operation and intending to depart the United States on the same vessel or any other vessel within 29 days or less. If you travel to the United States while accompanying a crew member with a D visa, a transit C-1 visa or a visa combination C-1/D visa is required.

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Reasons to obtain a D visa to the United States may include (yet not limited to) a pilot or flight attendant on a commercial airplane; captain of a sea vessel; engineer on a sea vessel; or deckhand on a sea vessel; cruise ship
lifeguard, cook, waiter, beautician, or other service staff; trainee on board a training vessel.

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The following reasons do not apply to C visas as reason for travel (yet not limited to): Dry Dock: The primary services you will perform are dry dock repairs under warranty while the boat is docked at a U.S. port; Fishing Vessel: You are a crew member on a temporary basis on a fishing vessel that has a home port or operating base in the United States; Coasting Officer: You are a replacement coasting officer employed when an officer of a foreign vessel is granted home leave, and the vessel does not remain in U.S. waters for more than 29 days; Private yacht: You are a crew member on a private yacht sailing out of a foreign port which will be cruising in U.S. waters for more than 29 days; Outer Continental Shelf: You are a crew member going to the Outer Continental Shelf. In some cases the person may be eligible for a B visa or H visa instead.

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E Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as the "treaty trader visa" or "treaty investor visa". E visas to the United States are further divided into E-1, E-2, and E-3 visas. E-1 visas are known as treat trader visas, while E-2 visas are known as treaty investor visas, and E-3 visas are for Australian in Specialty Occupations.E visas are for citizens of countries with which the United States maintains treaties of commerce and navigation.

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Reasons to obtain an E visa to the United States may include (yet not limited to) engagement in substantial trade (including technology, international banking, insurance, transportation, tourism, and communications; Development and directing the operations of an enterprise in which you have invested a substantial amount of capital; National of Australia working solely in a specialty occupation.

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In the case of E-1 visas, more specific criteria to meet include being a citizen of a treaty country; The trading firm must have the nationality of the treaty country; Firms owner must be from a treaty country’s and own at least 50% of the enterprise; The international trade must be substantial (sizable and continuing volume);  More than 50% must be between the United States and the treaty country; Trade includes the exchange of goods, services, and technology; Possession and title of the items traded must pass from one party to the other; The visa requester must be an essential employee, employed in a supervisory or executive capacity, or possess highly specialized skills crutIal to the efficient operation of the firm.

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In the case of E-2 visas, more specific criteria to meet include the investing party (person, partnership or corporate entity), must have the citizenship of a treaty country; 50% of a business must be owned by persons with the treaty country’s nationality; The investment must be substantial, with investment funds or assets committed and irrevocable; Invested funds or assets must be sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise; The investment must be in a real operating enterprise, an active commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking; It must generate significantly more income than just to provide a living to you and family, or it must have a significant economic impact in the United States; The visa requester must have control of the funds, and the investment must be at risk in the commercial sense; The visa requester must be coming to the United States to develop and direct the enterprise or be considered an essential employee, employed in a supervisory, executive, or highly specialized skill capacity. 

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In the case of E-3 visas, more specific criteria to meet include an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) issued by the Department of Labor (DOL); Prospective employment meets the standard of being a “specialty occupation employment.”; Necessary academic qualifications for the job have been met.

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The following reasons do not apply to C visas as reason for travel (yet not limited to): A paper organization, speculative or idle investment does not qualify; Uncommitted funds in a bank account or similar security are not considered an investment; Loans secured with the assets of the investment enterprise are not allowed; Ordinary skilled and unskilled workers do not qualify.

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F Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as a "student visa". F visas are meant to serve people that have the intention of attending one of the following residing in the United States: university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, another academic institution (including a language training program). 

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A person must have a student visa to study in the United States. The course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa. Students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas; An exception for foreign nationals may apply if the person intends to take recreational studies (non-credit) as part of a tourist visit (a B visa may be appropriate).

 

F and/or M visas are required even if the student is enrolled in an online or hybrid program at an American institution (distance learning program). Family intending to accompany the F or M visa holder must be register in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) in addition to the visa holder.

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G Visas / NATO Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as a "student visa". G visas can further be divided into G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, and G-5. G visas are meant to serve employees of international organizations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Diplomats, government officials, and employees who will work for international organizations in the United States need G visas. Officials and employees of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) who will work for NATO in the United States need NATO visas.

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To receive a G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 visa, you must be traveling to attend meetings at, visit, or work at a designated international organization. A G-1 visa may be approved for permanent mission members of a recognized government to a designated international organization and their immediate family members; A G-2 visa may be approved for representatives of a recognized government traveling temporarily to the United States to attend meetings of a designated international organization and their immediate family members; A G-3 visa may be approved for representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments and their immediate family members; A G-4 visa may be approved for individuals coming to the United States to take up an appointment at a designated international organization, including the United Nations, and their immediate family members; A G-5 visa may be approved for personal employees or domestic workers of a G-1, G-2, G-3, an G-4 visa holders.

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NATO visas can be further be divided into NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, NATO-6, and NATO-7. A person must be traveling to the United States under the applicable provision of the Agreement on the Status of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or the Protocol on the Status of International Military Headquarters Set Up Pursuant to the North Atlantic Treaty. NATO visas may be approved for national representatives, international staff, and immediate family members.

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Personal employees or domestic workers of NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, and NATO-6 visa holder may be issued NATO-7 visas. Passport and Visa Exemptions for NATO Forces - Many armed forces personnel are exempt from passport and visa requirements if they are: Attached to NATO Allied Headquarters in the United States and are traveling on official business and entering the United States under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement.

When traveling in visa exempt status, such personnel generally enter the United States by military aircraft or naval vessel. The person must present their official military identification card and NATO travel orders. Immediate family members are not included in the passport and visa exemption, thus is traveling with or intend to join the visa holder at a later date, require to have a passport and NATO-2 visa.

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G visas and NATO visas are not relevant in case of Heads of States or Heads of Governments (must always travel to the United States with an A-1 visa, regardless of purpose of travel) or officials coming to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial nature, or traveling as tourists, do not qualify for G or NATO visas.  You must apply for the appropriate visa category for your specific travel purpose.

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H Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as a "temporary worker" visa. H visas can further be divided into H-1B,  H-1B1, H-1B2, H-1B3, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3. H visas are meant to serve companies and other employers in the United States to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher in the specific specialty, or its equivalent.

 

H-1B visas are for people in Specialty Occupations. To work in a specialty occupation requires a higher education degree or its equivalent. Includes fashion models of distinguished merit and ability and government-to-government research and development, or co-production projects administered by the Department of Defense (DOD).

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H-1B1 visas are for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Professional from Chile and Singapore. To work in a specialty occupation requires a post-secondary degree involving at least four years of study in the field of specialization. 

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H-2A visas are approved for Temporary Agricultural Workers intended for temporary or seasonal agricultural work. Limited to citizens or nationals of designated countries, with limited exceptions, if determined to be in the United States interest.

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H-2B visas are approved for Temporary Non-agricultural Workers intended or temporary or seasonal non- agricultural work. Limited to citizens or nationals of designated countries, with limited exceptions, if determined to be in the United States interest.

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H-3 visas are approved for Trainees or Special Education visitors entering the United States to receive training, other than graduate medical or academic, that is not available in the trainee’s home country or practical training programs in the education of children with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities.

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Some temporary worker visa categories require the prospective employer to obtain a labor certification or other approval from the Department of Labor on your behalf before filing the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129) with USCIS. 

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I Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as the "foreign media, press, and radio" visa. I visas are for representatives of the foreign media (press, radio, film, and print industries), traveling temporarily to the United States to work in their profession engaged in informational or educational media activities, essential to the foreign media function. Activities in the United States while on an I visa must be for a media organization having its home office in a foreign country. Activities in the United States must be informational in nature and generally associated with the news gathering process and reporting on current events.

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I visas are commonly approved if an employee of foreign information media or employee of an independent production company having a credential issued by another country’s professional journalistic association engaged in filming a news event or documentary; A member of the foreign media engaged in the production or distribution of film, if the material being filmed will be used to disseminate information, news, or is educational in nature; The primary source and distribution of funding must be outside the United States; A journalist working under contract with a credential issued by another country’s professional journalistic association, if working on a product to disseminate information or news that is not primarily intended for commercial entertainment or advertising; A foreign journalist traveling to the United States to report on U.S. events solely for a foreign audience, if the journalist works for an overseas media outlet having its home office in a foreign country; An accredited representative of a tourist bureau, controlled, operated, or subsidized in whole or in part by a foreign government, who engages primarily in disseminating factual tourist information about that country, and who is not entitled to receive an A-2 visa as a foreign government official or employee; An employee of an organization that distributes technical industrial information who will work in the U.S. office of that organization.

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Representatives of the foreign media who will work in their profession as media or journalists while in the United States cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or on a B visa. While certain activities clearly qualify for the media visa, since they are informational and news gathering, others require a temporary worker petition-based type visa, such as the H, O, or P visa. 

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J Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as a "exchange visitor" visa. J visas are for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States such as au pair, EduCare, camp counselor, government visitor, intern, international visitor (Dept. of State use), physician, professor and research scholar, short-term scholar, specialist, student of a college/university, summer work travel, teacher, trainee, summer work travel pilot program: Australians, summer work travel pilot program: New Zealanders, Intern work travel pilot program: Irish, Work, English Study, and Travel Program (WEST): South Koreans.

 

Exchange Visitors cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas. Foreign nationals may not study after entering on a B visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) .

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Acceptance in Exchange Visitor Program -  The first step is to apply for and be accepted into an exchange visitor program through a designated sponsoring organization in the United States. After the exchange visitor program accepts your participation, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). 

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K Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as a "fiancé and spouse" visa. K visas are further divided into K-1, K-2, and K-3 visas. K visas are for foreign-citizen fiancé of a United States (U.S.) citizen. The K-1 visa permits the foreign-citizen fiancé to travel to the United States and marry his or her U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival. The foreign-citizen will then apply for adjustment of status to a permanent resident (LPR) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The fiancé must meet some of the requirements of an immigrant visa. Eligible children of K-1 visa applicants receive K-2 visas.

Under U.S. immigration law, a foreign-citizen fiancé of a U.S. citizen is the recipient of an approved Petition for Alien Fiancé Form and has been issued a nonimmigrant K-1 visa for travel to the United States in order to marry his or her U.S. citizen fiancé. Both the U.S. citizen and the K-1 visa applicant must have been legally free to marry at the time the petition was filed and must have remained so thereafter. The marriage must be legally possible according to laws of the U.S. state in which the marriage will take place.

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The foreign-citizen fiancé and U.S. citizen sponsor must have met in person within the past two years. USCIS may grant an exception to this requirement, based on extreme hardship for the U.S. citizen sponsor to personally meet the foreign-citizen fiancé, or, for example, if it is contrary in the U.S. citizen sponsor’s or foreign-citizen fiancé’s culture for a man and woman to meet before marriage.

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The K-3 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign-citizen spouse of a United States (U.S.) citizen. This visa category is intended to shorten the physical separation between the foreign-citizen and U.S. citizen spouses by having the option to obtain a nonimmigrant K-3 visa overseas and enter the United States to await approval of the immigrant visa petition. 

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K-3 visa recipients subsequently apply to adjust status to a permanent resident (LPR) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) upon approval of the petition. Because the spouse of a U.S. citizen applying for a nonimmigrant K-3 visa must have a immigrant visa petition filed on his or her behalf by his or her U.S. citizen spouse and pending approval, a K-3 applicant must meet some of the requirements of an immigrant visa. It should be noted that under U.S. immigration law, a foreign citizen who marries a U.S. citizen outside the U.S. must apply for the K-3 visa in the country where the marriage took place. 

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L Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as a "Temporary Worker - intracompany transferee" visa. L visas are for working at a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the current employer in a managerial or executive capacity, or in a position requiring specialized knowledge. Individual must have been employed by the same employer abroad continuously for 1 year within the three preceding years. While the requester receives an L1 visa, the spouse and children may receive an L2 visa.

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M Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as a "student" visa. M visas are for people entering the United States for studying at a vocational or other recognized non-academic institution, other than a language training program.

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O Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as a "temporary worker -  Individual with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement" visa. O visas are for people with extraordinary ability or achievement in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or extraordinary recognized achievements in the motion picture and television fields, demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim, to work in their field of expertise. Includes people providing essential services in support of the above individual. While the requester receives an O1 visa, the spouse and children may receive an O2 visa.

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P Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as a "temporary worker" visa. P visas can further be divided into P-1, P-2, and P-3 visas. P-1 visa  is for an individual, team, athlete, or Member of an "Entertainment Group". Entering the United States to perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete or as a member of an entertainment group. Requires an internationally recognized level of sustained performance. Includes persons providing essential services in support of the above individual.

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P-2 visa  is for an artist or entertainer (Individual or Group) entering the United States for a performance under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the United States and an organization in another country. Includes people providing essential services in support of the above individual.

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P-3 visa  is for an artist or entertainer (Individual or Group) entering the United States to perform, teach or coach under a program that is culturally unique or a traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artistic performance or presentation. Includes persons providing essential services in support of the above individual.

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Q Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as a "temporary worker" visa. Q visas for an participant in an International Cultural Exchange Program. For practical training and employment and for sharing of the history, culture, and traditions of your home country through participation in an international cultural exchange program.

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R Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa known as a "religious worker" visa. Temporary religious worker (R-1) visas are for people who want to enter the United States to work temporarily in religious capacities. 

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R visas  are approved for a member of the same religious denomination as the religious organization you plan to work for in the United States for at least two years before that organization files a petition on your behalf;  coming to work as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation in the United States; For people employed by a non-profit religious organization in the United States (or an organization affiliated with the religious denomination in the United States); and work at least part time, an average of at least 20 hours per week.

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Certain religious related activities can be undertaken using a B visa, such as private worship, prayer, meditation, informal religious study, and attendance at religious services or conferences in the United States; In addition, a visitor visa is generally appropriate for ministers of religion seeking to come to the United States temporarily, whose wages and reimbursement will be paid by their own religious group outside the United States; An evangelical tour, without taking an appointment with any one church; Exchanging pulpits temporarily with U.S. counterparts; Members performing missionary or voluntary service for a denomination, such as to aid the elderly or needy.

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When you have a religious vocation or profession, or are a religious worker coming temporarily to be employed, with your salary paid by a non-profit religious organization in the United States, the visitor visa is not permitted, and you must have a religious worker R visa or other work visa.

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S Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa. S visas are employment-based immigrant visas. S visas are for individuals who have assisted a law enforcement agency as a witness or informant. A law enforcement agency may submit an application for Permanent Residence visa (a "Green Card") on behalf of a witness or informant when the individual has completed the terms and conditions of his or her S classification. S visas can further be divided into SI, SQ, and SB visas.

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SI visas are for Iraqi and Afghan Translators/Interpreters; SQ are for Iraqis who worked for/on behalf of the U.S. government and Afghans who worked for/on behalf of the U.S. government; SB visas are for returning residents; SD and SR visas are meant for religious workers.

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T Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa. T visas are victim of human trafficking related visas. S visas can further be divided into T-1, T-2, T-3, T-4 and T-5 visas. T visas are for victims of severe forms of human trafficking. The are meant to provide relief under U.S. immigration law. This status allows victims of human trafficking to remain in the United States to assist in investigations or prosecutions of human trafficking violators.

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Foreign citizens seeking T-1 nonimmigrant status must be physically present in the United States already, due to human trafficking. Therefore, U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad (outside the United States) do not issue T-1 visas, but may issue qualifying family members a T-2, T-3, T-4, and T-5 visa. 

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A T-2 visa is issued for the spouse of the requester; A T-3 visa is issued for the children of the requester; A T-4 visa is issued for the parents of the requester; A T-5 visa is issued for the unmarried siblings of the requester if they are under age 18.

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U Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa. U visas are victim of criminal activity related visas. U visas are for victims of certain criminal activities that either occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws. Must have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse due to the criminal activity and possess information concerning that criminal activity. Law enforcement authorities must also certify that the victim has been, is being, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.

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Individuals overseas who have approved U visa petitions, or who already have U nonimmigrant status and have traveled overseas, are required to apply for a U visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If issued a U visa, the individual will be in U nonimmigrant status after entering the United States.

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If you are overseas and wish to apply for U-1 nonimmigrant status, first you must petition directly to the USCIS Vermont Service Center. U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad are not permitted to accept petitions for U nonimmigrant status. Once the petition is approved, you may apply for a visa.

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If you already have U-1 nonimmigrant status granted by USCIS but have traveled outside the United States, you must apply for and be issued a U visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for re-entry to the United States. 

If you are a qualifying family member of a victim with U-1 nonimmigrant status and you are outside the United States, first you must receive a USCIS Form I-797, Notice of Action, stating your petition has been approved. Then you must schedule your U visa appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a visa.

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V Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa. V visas are for the spouse and children of a lawful permanent resident (LPR). 

V visas have specific provisions for certain spouses and children of U.S. lawful permanent residents (LPRs). 

The purpose of the LIFE Act is to reunite families who had been or could be separated for long periods during the process of immigrating to the United States.  V visas, therefore, allow these family members to be in the United States with their LPR spouses and parents while waiting to complete the immigration process.

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To qualify for a V visa, a spouse or child (under age 21) of a U.S. lawful permanent resident (LPR) must meet all of the following criteria:

V visas are approved if the petition’s priority date must be at least three years old; The priority date must not be current; The applicant must not have already had an immigrant visa interview or be scheduled for an interview; The petition must not already be at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for immigrant visa processing; and

The applicant must be otherwise eligible as an immigrant.

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BCC Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa also known as a Border Crossing Card. The Border Crossing Card (BCC) visa is both a BCC and a B1/B2 visitor’s visa. A BCC (also referred to as a DSP-150) is issued as a laminated card, which has enhanced graphics and technology, similar to the size of a credit card. It is valid for travel until the expiration date on the front of the card, usually ten years after issuance.

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The new card is valid for ten years after issuance, except in the cases of some children. B1/B2 visa/Border Crossing Cards are only issued to applicants who are citizens of and resident in Mexico. Applicants must meet the eligibility standards for B1/B2 visas. They must demonstrate that they have ties to Mexico that would compel them to return after a temporary stay in the United States.

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CW Visas

Is a non-immigrant type of visa also known as a CNMI-Only Transitional Worker visa. The CW-1 visas allows employers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to apply for permission to employ aliens who are otherwise ineligible to work under other nonimmigrant worker categories. The CW classification provides a method for transition from the former CNMI foreign worker permit system to the U.S. immigration system. CW-2 visas are issued to the dependent of a CNMI-Only transitional worker.

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Employers requesting for a CW visa to be issued must obtain an approved temporary labor certification (TLC) from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and consider all available U.S. workers for the position; Be engaged in a legitimate business, including participation in the E-Verify program; Offer terms and conditions of employment consistent with the nature of the employer’s business in the CNMI; Comply with all federal and CNMI requirements relating to employment; Pay reasonable transportation costs if the alien is involuntarily dismissed from employment for any reason before the end of the period of authorized admission; Comply with the semiannual reporting requirement.

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A person seeking a CW visa must meet the following criteria: Classified as a CW-1 nonimmigrant during the transition period, beginning on Nov. 28, 2009 and ending on Dec. 31, 2029, subject to the CW-1 cap;  Is ineligible for any other employment-based nonimmigrant status under U.S. immigration law; Will enter or stay in the CNMI to work in an occupational category designated as needing alien workers to supplement the resident workforce; Is the beneficiary of a petition filed by a legitimate employer who is doing business in the CNMI; Is not present in the United States, other than the CNMI; Is lawfully present in the CNMI if present in the CNMI; and Is admissible to the United States or is granted any necessary waiver of a ground of inadmissibility.

Generally, an alien classified as a CW-1 nonimmigrant may not be employed in a construction and extraction occupation, unless the alien is a long-term worker who was admitted or otherwise granted status as a CW-1 during each fiscal year from 2015 through 2018 (Oct. 1, 2014 through Sept. 30, 2018).

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TN / TD Visas

Are a non-immigrant type of visa also known as Canadian and Mexican NAFTA professional workers visas. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) created special economic and trade relationships for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 

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The TN visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals, to work in the United States in pre-arranged business activities for U.S. or foreign employers. Permanent residents of Canada and Mexico are not able to apply for TN visas to work as NAFTA professionals. 

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Canadians and Mexicans may be eligible to work in the United States as NAFTA professionals under the following conditions: Applicant is a citizen of Canada or Mexico; Profession is on the NAFTA list; Position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional; Applicant will work in a pre-arranged full-time or part-time job for an employer (self employment is not permitted); Applicant has the qualifications, meeting the specific requirements, education, and/or experience, of the profession.

With some exceptions, each profession requires a baccalaureate degree as an entry-level requirement. If a baccalaureate is required, experience cannot be substituted for that degree. In some professions, an alternative to a bachelor's degree is listed. For some professions, experience is required in addition to the degree.

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Requirements for Canadian Citizens: to perform this type of work in the United States, a visa is not required for a Canadian citizen entering as a NAFTA Professional,  although a visa can be issued to qualified Canadian TN visa applicant upon request; A Canadian citizen without a TN visa can apply for TN nonimmigrant status at a U.S. port-of-entry;  A Canadian who resides in a third country with a non-Canadian spouse and/or children, and who plans to enter the United States as a NAFTA professional with  family members, will need a TN visa in order for the family member(s) to be eligible to apply for derivative TD nonimmigrant visas.

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Other Visas

IR3, IH3, IR4, IH4 visas are issued in cases of Inter-country adoption of orphan children by U.S. citizens. 

Inter-country adoption is one of the Department of State’s highest priorities. The Department of Stat believes it should be an option for children in need of permanent homes when it is in the best interest of the child and domestic solutions have been given due consideration. 

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Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens adopt children from abroad, and families habitually resident in other countries also adopt children from the United States. Inter-country adoption is the process by which you adopt a child from a country other than your own through permanent legal means and then bring that child to your country of residence to live with you permanently.

 

IR2, CR2, IR5, F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4 visas are issue in cases of family based immigration. A foreign citizen seeking to live permanently in the United States requires an immigrant visa (IV). To be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (that is, a "green-card" holder).

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There are two types of family-based immigrant visas:

Immediate Relative – these visas are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child or parent. The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year.

Family Preference – these visas are for specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). The number of immigrants in these categories is limited each fiscal year. 

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U.S. citizens can file an immigrant visa petition for their: spouse, son or daughter, Parent, Brother or sister.

U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents can only file an immigrant visa petition for their: spouse and unmarried son or daughter.

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Diversity visas are issued for a limited period of time during which you can register for the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program during each fiscal year. Each year, the Department of State publishes detailed instructions for entering the DV Program. These instructions include the dates of the registration period during which you will be able to enter.

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All entries must be submitted electronically on the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website during the specified registration period. No late entries or paper entries are accepted. The law allows only one entry by or for each person during each registration period. The Department of State uses sophisticated technology to detect multiple entries. If you submit more than one entry you will be disqualified. This website does not become active for submitting an entry until the date and time specified on the DV Instructions webpage.