If you plan to visit the United States temporarily for work or travel, you need to secure a nonimmigrant visa. There are various types of nonimmigrant visas, each tailored to the specific purpose of your visit. The type of visa you receive will determine the conditions of your stay in the U.S., including what you are allowed to do and how long you can remain in the country.
B-1 & B-2: Temporary Visitors
B1 Business Visitor visas allow individuals to visit the U.S. to participate in commercial transactions such as contract negotiations and consultations, so long as they do not receive a salary or remuneration.
B2 Visitor Visas are granted for visits related to recreational activities, tourism or medical treatment.
Both these visas usually allow a stay in the USA for six months but can be granted for up to one year.
F/M/J: Student Visas
Students who wish to obtain nonimmigrant visas must be registered with the Student and Exchange Visitor Immigration System (SEVIS) program. SEVIS requires the institution to report certain information about the student, including when they complete a program of study.
Students seeking nonimmigrant visas must register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This program mandates that educational institutions report specific details about the student, including the completion of their study program.
(F) Student Visas enable foreign nationals to enroll at U.S. educational institutions across various levels—including elementary, middle, high school, undergraduate, postgraduate, and post-secondary non-vocational programs. These visas remain valid for the duration of the academic program.
(M) Student Visas are designated for individuals attending vocational or technical schools in the United States.
(J) Exchange Visitor Visas cater to a variety of participants such as professors, research scholars, trainees, interns, certain university students, teachers, camp counselors, and au pairs, among others.
H-1, L-1 Specialty Workers, Intracompany transfers.
O-1: Extraordinary Ability
The O-1 Extraordinary Ability nonimmigrant visa is designed for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in the fields of sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or have achieved extraordinary success in the motion picture or television industry, with recognition at the national or international levels.
O-1A visas are specifically for those with exceptional skills in the sciences, education, business, or athletics.
O-1B visas cater to individuals with outstanding abilities in the arts, including musicians and social media influencers, or those who have made significant achievements in the film or television industry.
P-1, R-1, TN: Performing Athletes, Artist | Temporary Religious Workers | Professionals.
P-1 visas are designated for athletes, artists, and entertainers who perform at an internationally recognized level.
R-1 visas cater to religious workers coming to the United States on a temporary basis.
TN visas allow professionals from Canada and Mexico to engage in employment in the United States under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).