Types of US Visas: Comprehensive Guide for All Applicants

The US provides chances for professional and personal development because of its strong economy, top-notch educational system, and long history of innovation. People from all over the world can explore the United States for tourism, education, business, family reunification, or career prospects thanks to the many different visa categories that cater to different objectives. The first step in choosing the right kind of visa for your trip or stay in the US is to find out your US Visa Eligibility.

Find the appropriate US Visa Types for your needs by navigating the available options.

There are 185 types of US visas, divided into two major categories. Your chances of being approved might be greatly increased by familiarising yourself with the particular US Visa Requirements for the visa category you have chosen.

The two main types of US visas are,

1) Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visas are granted for short-term stays in the US, including travel, business, employment, family visits, and academic pursuits.

a. Visitor Visas -

There are two types of visas available for anyone wishing to go to the US for up to six months

• The B1 visa is intended for business travel to the US.

• B2 visas or US Tourist Visa are for tourists.

b. Student Visas -

For academic and professional objectives, you may apply for an F or M visa. You will need to obtain an F1 or M1 visa, depending on your field of study and your school. The US student visa categories are,

• F1 visa for students

• F2 visa is for dependents of F1 visa holders

• A M1 visa is a visa for vocational purposes.

c. Exchange Visitor Visas -

The exchange visitor visas are for people who participate in exchange programs, obtain hands-on training, or work in the United States. The categories for these visas are,

• Q Visa

• J1 Visa

d. Temporary Work Visas -

These visas are issued to perform temporary labour in the US. The categories are as follows.

• H1B visa is for those who have worked in extremely specialised domains.

• H1B1 visa is for citizens of Singapore and Chile.

• H2A is awarded to temporary farm labourers from specific nations in which the United States of America has an interest.

• H2B passport is assigned to several categories of seasonal temporary labourers who perform non-agricultural labour.

• The H3 visa is for people who wish to benefit from training and educational possibilities.

• L1 visa is for managers or executives.

• I Visa is for international media professionals and journalists working in the print, radio, film, or television industries who are in the US on assignment or taking part in media education initiatives.

• P visas are granted to athletes and the coaching staff that support them.

• An O visa is required for individuals who wish to work temporarily in their field of competence and possess remarkable skills in the arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics. Three categories of O visas are,

O 1 visa (for individuals with exceptional talent)

O 2 visa (intended for O 1 visa assistants)

O 3 visa (intended for O 1 visa dependents)

e. Treaty Trader and Investor Visas -

Treaty Trader and Treaty Investor visas are E visas intended for those with US treaties of commerce and navigation. This visa comes in two different forms:

• E 1 Visa is for a Treaty merchant visa

• E 2 Visa is for a Treaty Investor visa

f. Diplomatic and Official Visas -

The following are the categories of diplomatic and official visas.

• Diplomats and foreign government officials who are visiting the US on official business are eligible for the A1 visa.

• Only foreign military personnel stationed or scheduled to serve in the United States are eligible for the A2 NATO1 6 visa.

• You must obtain a G 1 to G 5 visa if you have worked for an international organisation while residing in the United States. The NATO visa is granted to those who work for the organisation.
  

g. Transit and Crewmember Visas -

The categories for this kind of visa are as follows.

• The US Transit Visas are known as C Visas.

• Crew members who will work on a marine vessel or an international airline are eligible for the D visa.

h. Finance and Spouse Visas -

Listed below are the categories,

• US citizen spouses applying for permanent immigration status are eligible for K3 visas.

• Spouses of US citizens are eligible to apply for the IR1 and CR1 visa.

• K 4 visas may be obtained by children of K 3 visa applicants.

2) Immigrant Visas

US immigration visas are granted to those who, through family reunions or immigrant investment programs, intend to relocate permanently to the US.

a. Employer-Sponsored Visas -

Employees who are immigrants are granted the following visas:

• The Employment First Preference Priority Workers visa is the EB1 visa.

• Individuals with labour certification and a job offer in the United States are eligible for Employment Second Preference Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees and Persons of Exceptional Ability visas.

• The Employment Third Preference visa is intended for skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled labourers whose employers have granted their petition for alien worker status.

b. Some other categories of visas for immigrants

• Individuals from nations with low immigration rates to the United States are considered diverse immigrants. They are eligible for Diversity Immigrant Visas.

• If a permanent resident of the United States has been outside the country for more than a year due to circumstances beyond their control, or if their re-entry authorisation has expired, they may apply for the SB visa. It is also known as the Returning Resident Visa. They can re-enter the US with the SB visa.

Final Thoughts

To ensure a successful and seamless trip to the US, it is essential to understand the US Visa Application process. If you wish to boost your chances of getting approved for a US visa, be sure to gather all the necessary paperwork and make a compelling argument during your US Visa Interview.