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What are the different types of visas available?
Work visas are generally categorized as non-immigrant visas that don’t establish permanent residency. Different types of visas are available for foreign nationals seeking residence in the United States. Some of these are discussed below:
- Business and investor visas: These categories of visas allow foreign nationals to enter the U.S. to conduct business activities or start or invest in a U.S. business. Some common types of business and investor visas include:
- B-1 visas for business visitors: These types of visas allow foreign nationals to engage in business activities like attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or exploring potential investment opportunities.
- E visas for treaty traders and treaty investors: These visas acknowledge the entry of treaty traders and investors who’re associated with U.S. enterprises in the U.S. with the objective of trade or investment or owning/running a corporation.
- EB-5 visas for investors: These visas are meant for potential investors wishing to make huge capital investments (roughly around $900,000) in a U.S. job-creating business.
Benefits: The common advantages of these visas are access to the biggest market of the world, reaching the most dynamic category of customers and investors, unlocking a competitive environment for business along entering the path to permanent residence in the U.S. (as some visas provide this option).
Requirements: The basic requirements are authentic passport and travel documents, proper evidence of your financial stability and business plan, etc.
Employment based visas
These visas allow foreign nationals to work in the U.S. for a U.S. employer. Some common types of employment visas include:
- H-1B visas for specialty occupations. These are reserved for foreign nationals who possess specialized knowledge.
- H-2 visas for temporary workers. Someone who won’t be staying in the U.S. permanently. Besides, an H-2B visa is reserved for seasonal workers.
- L visas for intracompany transfers. This could be availed by an individual in an executive role or someone who possesses specialized knowledge.
- TN visas for NAFTA professionals. This reserves opportunities for qualified Mexican and Canadian nationals to work in a particular field under the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Benefits: Some of the pros of these visas are unleashing one’s skills in diverse industries and getting handsome salaries in return along with gaining compelling opportunities to obtain a green card.
Requirements: The visa holder must present a valid job offer from a U.S. employer and must qualify for the offered post. Besides, the employer must prove that employing a foreign national doesn’t affect the U.S. citizens’ working conditions.
Student visas
These visas provide opportunities for foreign nationals to enroll in academic programs at an accredited U.S. educational institute. The most common type and highly opted student visa is the F visa. Another category of visa is an M-1 visa for students enrolled in non-academic or vocational programs, typically not permitting on-campus work.
Benefits: This visa is a getaway for international students longing for academic excellence, and career prosperity, being immersed in the dynamic and viable learning environment, and gaining pragmatic experience in the academic field.
Requirements: The visa holder must receive an acceptance letter from an accredited U.S. institution and show proof of financial security, and valid documents including a passport. Moreover, demonstration of language proficiency is a must through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Exchange visitor visas
These visas allow foreign nationals to participate in exchange programs in the United States. The most common type of exchange visitor visa is the J visa.
Benefits: These visas offer ample chance to experience the American lifestyle, enhance skills, and venture into diverse ethnic prospects.
Requirements: The visa holder must receive an acceptance letter from a U.S. Department of State-designated program sponsor organization and show proof of financial security, medical soundness, and valid documents including a passport along with demonstrating language proficiency.
Visitor visas
These visas allow foreign nationals to enter the United States for pleasure or tourism. The most common type of visitor visa is the B-2 visa.
Benefits: Through this visa, individuals can avail the opportunity to take a tour of the U.S., immersing in its rich tapestry, creating unforgettable moments, and reuniting with family and friends.
Requirements: The visa holder must show a passport, travel documents, and proof of financial stability.
J-1 Visa for Internships and Training
The J-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa program reserved exclusively for exchange visitors engaging in internships or training programs in the U.S. The maximum stay duration for interns and trainees is one year and 18 months respectively.
Benefits: It provides international students and professionals with valuable opportunities to develop professional networks, and gain practical experience and cultural exposure.
Requirements: You’ll need an offer from a J-1 visa sponsor program, meet eligibility criteria (e.g., academic background, work experience), and demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay.
Family Visas
These types of visas grant foreign nationals entry into the U.S. to join close family members who’re green card holders or permanent residents of the U.S.
Basically, there are two types of family visas- immediate relative visas that allow the closest family members such as a spouse, unmarried children who’re under 21, and parents of the U.S. green card holder, and the other type is family preference visas that allow distant relatives like siblings, adult children, etc. with longer wait times owing to a quota system to join U.S. citizens in the U.S.
Benefits: It opens the door for families to reunite and live permanently in the U.S.
Requirements: The U.S. citizen who’ll be sponsoring the family member must file a petition and provide essential documents validating their relationship along with sufficient proof that demonstrates the U.S. citizen’s financial stability to support them.
Fiancée Visas
A Fiancée visa, also known as a K-1 visa, is reserved for the U.S. citizen’s foreign fiancée who would enter the U.S. for the only purpose of marrying the former within ninety days of arrival. The U.S. citizen must file Form I-129F with USCIS on behalf of the partner. The U.S. authority seeks sufficient documents such as a passport, proof of relationship, etc. to confirm their status and bond.
Benefits: With this visa, couples seize the opportunity to reunite in the U.S. and enter a bond of togetherness.
Requirements: The partner of the U.S. citizen must be a foreign national and they must plan to marry within ninety days of arrival in the U.S., however, after marriage, the partner’s status can be adjusted to permanent resident (green card).
Immigrant visas
These visas cater to the needs of people who’re seeking permanent residence in the U.S. Different ways are available for people to qualify for an immigrant visa such as family sponsorship, employment sponsorship, or a visa lottery system.
Benefits: It provides ample opportunity to live and work permanently in the U.S., travel without barriers to and from the U.S., and apply for U.S. citizenship once you stay in the U.S. for five years.
Requirements: The immigrant’s employer or US-based relative must file a petition with USCIS after whose approval the immigrant must apply for the immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in his/her home country.
Several people find the U.S. as a launchpad for their careers. While many immigrant and non-immigrant visas are at your disposal to unlock this exciting future, the multiple options can confuse you and the entire process can be daunting. From figuring out which visa category fits you best to getting overburdened by complex paperwork and strict deadlines, navigating the system can be overwhelming. Especially considering the limited number of visas available each year, even a small misstep can derail your plans. Therefore, don’t let visa complexities hold you back.
Partnering with an experienced New York immigration lawyer can significantly increase your chances of success. At h1bvisajobs.com, we’re passionate about helping people like you achieve their American dreams. Our team has a proven track record of guiding clients through each visa type efficiently and effectively.
Still, doubting as to which type of visa will suit you the best? Consult with an immigration attorney at h1bvisajobs.com. Schedule your initial consultation today. We’ll answer your queries, assess your eligibility, and walk you through the entire process with ease. Let’s turn your American dream into a reality.