USA Visit Visa

There are various types of non-immigrant visas for temporary visitors to travel to the U.S. if you are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident.  

Business/Tourist visa – Visa Type: B

Work visa – Visa Type: H, L, O, P, Q 

Student visa – Visa Type: F, M

Business/Tourist visa – Visa Type: B

Visitor visas are non-immigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is for people traveling to the United States temporarily for business     (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Generally, the B-1 visa is for travelers consulting with business associates, attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions/conferences, settling an estate or negotiating contracts.

The B-2 visa is for travel that is recreational in nature, including tourism, visits with friends or relatives, medical treatment and activities of a fraternal, social or service nature. Often, the  B-1 and B-2 visas are combined and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2.

H-1B (specialty occupation)

An H-1B visa is required if you are coming to the United States to perform services in a pre-arranged professional job. To qualify, you must hold a bachelor’s or higher degree (or an equivalent degree) in the specific specialty for which you seek employment.

L-1 (intra-company transferees)

An L-1 visa is required if you are the employee of an international company which is temporarily transferring you to a parent branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of the same company in the United States.

To qualify for an L-1 visa, you must be at the managerial or executive level, or have specialized knowledge and be destined to a position within the U.S. company at either of these levels, although not necessarily in the same position as held previously. In addition, you must have been employed outside the United States with the international company continuously for one year within the three years preceding your application for admission into the United States. You may only apply for an L-1 visa after your U.S. company or affiliate has received an approved petition from USCIS, either on a “blanket” or individual basis.

L-2 (dependents)

If you are the principal holder of a valid L visa, your spouses, including same-sex spouses , and/or unmarried children (under age 21) may receive this derivative visa. Due to a recent change in the law, your spouse may seek employment authorization. Your spouse must enter the United States on his/her own L-2 visa and then submit a completed Form I-765  (obtainable from USCIS), along with an application fee. Your children are not authorized to work in the United States.

Student Visa Visa Type: F, M:

You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa.