Overview of Non-Immigrant Visas


Overview

With few exceptions, every foreigner seeking entry into the United States must have a valid visa.  The present immigration system creates two broad classes of visas: Immigrant Visas (also known as "Green Cards") and Non-Immigrant Visas (also known as “Temporary Visas”).

Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-Immigrant visas are divided into categories designated by letters A through V. Each visa category has a different purpose, and set of restrictions and requirements. To be allowed to enter the United States, a visitor must first obtain a visa in the category that most closely matches his or her purpose and intentions for the visa (i.e. vacation, attending a conference, temporary work, study, etc.). We regularly assist businesses and individuals in obtaining the following non-immigrant visas: 

  • B-1 Visa: Available for foreign business visitors to enter the United States to engage in meetings, negotiations, training and similar activities. Employment not authorized.
  • B-2 Visa: Available for foreign visitors to enter the United States to engage in travel, tourism and similar activities. Employment not authorized.
  • E-1 Visa: Available for foreign entrepreneurs and professionals to work in the United States for a company that carries on substantial trade between the United States and their home country pursuant to a qualifying bilateral trade treaty.
  • E-2 Visa: Available for foreign entrepreneurs and professionals to work in the United States for a company created from substantial qualifying foreign investment pursuant to a qualifying bilateral investment treaty.
  • F-1 Visa: Available for foreign students to engage in a full-time studies in the United States at a qualifying school or university. 
  • G-4 Visa: Available for foreign professionals to enter the United States to work for qualifying international organizations such as IMF, World Bank, United Nations, and others.
  • H-1b Visa: Available for foreign professionals to enter the United States to work for a qualifying employer. The position offered must be a “specialty occupation” and the foreign professional must hold a bachelor's degree or higher in a field directly related to the position.
  • H-2b Visa: Available for foreign skilled and unskilled workers to enter the United States to work for a qualifying employer in a temporary, non-agricultural seasonal position. This visa is subject to annual allocation restrictions.
  • I Visa: Available for foreign media and press representatives to enter the United States to work for a qualifying foreign media organization.
  • J -1Visa: Available for foreign exchange visitors to enter the United States to engage in a variety of activities, such as study, employment as a trainee, teacher, or researcher.
  • K Visa: Available for foreign fiancées and spouses of United States citizens to enter the United States to complete immigrant visa processing through family-based sponsorship programs. 
  • L-1 Visa: Available for foreign professionals, managers and executives to “transfer” to the United States to work for a qualifying company related to their overseas employer.
  • O-1 Visa: Available for acclaimed foreign professional to enter the United States to work for a qualifying employer. The foreign expert must demonstrate an  “extraordinary ability” in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics to qualify.
  • P-1 Visa: Available for internationally recognized foreign athletes, artists, entertainers and teams to enter the United States to perform in competitions, cultural exchange programs and events.
  • Q-1 Visa: Available for foreign exchange visitors to enter the United States to engage in approved cultural exchange activities, such as expositions of cultural, history and traditions of the visitor’s home country.
  • TN Visa: Available for Canadian and Mexican citizens to enter the United States to work for a qualifying employer in an occupation designated by NAFTA.