1. What types of non-immigrant visas are available?
The types of non-immigrant visas available vary based on the purpose of the visit. Generally, these visas can be divided into four main categories: business and tourism, student visas, cultural exchange visas, and employment-based visas.
The most common types of non-immigrant visas include B-1 Visitor for Business or Pleasure Visas, B-2 Visitor for Tourism Visas, F-1 Student Visas, J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Visas, H-1B Specialty Occupation Visas, L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visas, O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visas, P-1 Athletes and Entertainers Visas, Q International Cultural Exchange Visas, and R Religious Worker Visas.
2. What is the difference between an immigrant and a non-immigrant visa?
An immigrant visa is for people intending to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. A non-immigrant visa is for people who want to visit the United States temporarily, such as for tourism, business, medical treatment, or work temporarily.
3. How do I apply for a non-immigrant visa?
To apply for a non-immigrant visa, you must first go to the nearest US Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You can find the contact information for the embassy or consulate closest to you by visiting the US State Department website. Once you have found the contact information, you will need to complete an application form, provide required documents and biometrics, and submit your application in person.
4. What is a B-1 visa?
A B-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for people traveling to the United States for business-related activities, such as attending meetings and conferences, negotiating contracts, or consulting with colleagues. It does not allow people to take up employment in the US.
5. What is a B-2 visa?
A B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that is issued to a foreign national who wishes to visit the United States for tourism, vacation, or medical treatment. This type of visa does not allow the individual to work or study in the United States.
6. What is a NAFTA Professional (TN) visa?
A NAFTA Professional (TN) visa is a work visa that allows citizens of Canada and Mexico to work temporarily in the United States. This visa requires applicants to have a job offer from a U.S. employer and to meet certain requirements related to the job. It is valid for three years and can be renewed indefinitely.
7. What is an H-1B visa?
An H-1B visa is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows United States employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. It is typically used by employers to hire foreign nationals when there is a shortage of qualified U.S. workers. The visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended for an additional three years.
8. What is an L-1 visa?
An L-1 visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa issued by the United States to foreign nationals who are traveling to the U.S. to work for a branch of a foreign business or organization. This visa allows a foreign employee to transfer from a foreign office to a U.S. office, allowing the employer to send workers to their U.S. headquarters with temporary status. It can also be used for internal transfers within the same company. This visa is valid for up to seven years and can be used to recruit foreign workers without the need for sponsorship from an employer.
9. What is an O-1 visa?
An O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who have a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.
10. What is an E-2 visa?
An E-2 visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa issued by the United States to individuals who plan to invest and direct the operations of a business that they have created in the U.S. This visa allows the investor to stay in the U.S. for an extended period of time, typically up to five years, and it also allows their dependents (spouse and children) to live in the U.S. as well.
11. What is an F-1 visa?
An F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant student visa issued to individuals who wish to pursue academic studies in the United States. This type of visa is most commonly used by international students who are studying at a college or university in the US. The F-1 visa allows students to stay in the US while attending school, and also allows them to work on campus and participate in certain types of off-campus employment.
12. What is an R-1 visa?
An R-1 visa is a visa that allows foreign religious workers to enter and work temporarily in the U.S. This visa is valid for up to five years and is usually granted to ministers, religious practitioners, and religious professionals who want to work in the U.S. for a religious organization.
13. What is a J-1 visa?
A J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued by the United States to research scholars, professors and exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, especially to obtain medical or business training within the US. J-1 visa holders are typically subject to a two-year home residence requirement, meaning they must return to their home country for at least two years before they can apply for any other U.S. immigration benefit, such as permanent residence.
14. How long can I stay in the U.S. with a non-immigrant visa?
The length of stay in the U.S. with a non-immigrant visa depends on the type of visa you have. For example, a B-2 visitor visa allows you to stay in the U.S. for up to six months, while an F-1 student visa can allow you to stay for up to five years.
15. Can I work with a non-immigrant visa?
Yes, depending on the type of visa you have. Generally, if you are a student visa holder, you can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week. If you have a valid work visa, such as an H-1B, L-1, or E-2 visa, you may be eligible to work off-campus. However, it is important to check with your immigration attorney or US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for specific visa requirements and limitations.
16. Can I study in the U.S. with a non-immigrant visa?
Yes, you can study in the U.S. with a non-immigrant visa. The most common types of visas for international students are the F-1 visa and the M-1 visa. The F-1 visa is for academic study at an accredited college or university, while the M-1 visa is for vocational or technical study.
17. Can I travel internationally while in the U.S. with a non-immigrant visa?
It depends on the type of visa you hold. Most non-immigrant visas are not valid for international travel. However, some visas may allow you to travel to certain countries. It is best to check with the U.S. embassy or consulate associated with your visa before attempting to travel.
18. How do I extend my stay in the U.S. with a non-immigrant visa?
If you are already in the United States with a non-immigrant visa, you may be able to extend your stay by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. You must meet certain requirements to be eligible for an extension, including having a valid, unexpired visa, maintaining your nonimmigrant status, and not have committed any crimes that would make you ineligible. You must also file the form before your visa expires.
19. What documents are required to apply for a non-immigrant visa?
The documents required to apply for a non-immigrant visa depend on the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, documents that may be required include your passport, a completed application, a photograph, a fee payment, proof of legal residence in your country of origin, and proof of financial resources. Additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
20. How much does it cost to apply for a non-immigrant visa?
The cost for a non-immigrant visa application is $160. This fee is for most non-immigrant visas and must be paid before the visa interview. There are some exceptions, such as certain visas for students or exchange visitors, which have different fees.
