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U.S. Visa Categories
Detailed information on the visa types we can assist you with.
Travel Visas
B2
Tourist/Medical Visa
Travel
For tourism, vacation, visiting friends/relatives, or receiving medical treatment.
Purpose:
Tourism, visiting family/friends, or medical treatment.
Processing Time:
2–8 weeks.
The Process
Complete Form DS-160, pay the visa fee, schedule a U.S. embassy/consulate interview.
Key Considerations
  • Cannot work or study
  • Must prove intent to return home
C1/D
Transit/Crew Member Visa
Travel
For crew members of sea vessels or international airlines or individuals in immediate transit.
Purpose:
For airline and ship crew members or transiting through the U.S.
Processing Time:
1–4 weeks.
The Process
Apply for both C1 (transit) and D (crew) visas.
Key Considerations
  • Short stays only
  • Typically sponsored by the employer
B1
Business Visa
Travel
For attending business meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts.
Purpose:
Attending meetings, conferences, negotiations (no employment).
Processing Time:
2–8 weeks, depending on the embassy.
The Process
Complete Form DS-160, pay the visa fee, schedule a U.S. embassy/consulate interview.
Key Considerations
  • Temporary stay
  • Must prove strong ties to home country
ESTA
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Travel
For short-term tourism or business travel (up to 90 days) for citizens of eligible countries.
Purpose:
Short visits (up to 90 days) for tourism or business from eligible countries.
Processing Time:
Usually instant, but can take up to 72 hours.
The Process
Online application via the official ESTA website.
Key Considerations
  • No visa interview required
  • Must have a return ticket
  • Not extendable or changeable in the U.S.
Investment Visas
E2
Investor Visa
Investment
For individuals from treaty countries who make a substantial investment in a U.S. business.
Purpose:
For nationals of treaty countries investing a significant amount in a U.S. business.
Processing Time:
2–4 months.
The Process
Establish or invest in a U.S. business, file DS-160 and form DS-156E, attend a visa interview.
Key Considerations
  • Renewable indefinitely
  • Investor must play an active role in the business
EB5
Investor Green Card
Investment
For foreign investors who make a significant investment creating U.S. jobs.
Purpose:
Green card for foreign investors creating U.S. jobs.
Processing Time:
12–24 months.
The Process
Invest $800,000+ in a U.S. business, file I-526 petition. Consular or adjustment of status process follows.
Key Considerations
  • Must create at least 10 U.S. jobs
  • Leads to permanent residency
Study Visas
J1
Exchange Visitor Visa
Study
For participation in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs.
Purpose:
Educational and cultural exchange programs (includes internships, au pairs).
Processing Time:
2–6 weeks.
The Process
Get DS-2019 from sponsor organization, file DS-160 and pay SEVIS fee, attend visa interview.
Key Considerations
  • Some programs require a 2-year home-country residency after completion
  • Includes wide categories: interns, teachers, researchers, etc.
M1
Vocational Training Visa
Study
For non-academic or vocational studies.
Purpose:
For non-academic or vocational studies.
Processing Time:
1–2 months.
The Process
Apply and get accepted by a U.S. vocational institution, receive I-20 form, file DS-160, pay SEVIS, attend visa interview.
Key Considerations
  • Cannot work during study
  • Limited OPT allowed post-graduation
F1
Student Visa
Study
For academic studies at an accredited U.S. institution.
Purpose:
Full-time academic studies in the U.S.
Processing Time:
1–3 months.
The Process
Apply and be accepted to a SEVP-certified school, receive I-20 form, file DS-160 and pay SEVIS fee, attend visa interview.
Key Considerations
  • Can work on-campus
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) available post-graduation
Work Visas
H1B
Skilled Worker Visa
Work
For individuals in specialty occupations requiring a higher education degree.
Purpose:
U.S. employers hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations.
Processing Time:
6–9 months; premium processing available.
The Process
Employer files LCA and H-1B petition (April lottery). Once approved, apply for a visa interview.
Key Considerations
  • Valid for 3 years, extendable to 6
  • Limited annual cap
O1
Extraordinary Ability Visa
Work
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
Purpose:
For individuals with extraordinary achievements in arts, science, education, business, or athletics.
Processing Time:
2–3 months.
The Process
U.S. sponsor or employer files Form I-129, submit proof of achievements, attend visa interview.
Key Considerations
  • Requires strong documentation
  • Valid for up to 3 years, extendable
R1
Religious Worker Visa
Work
For individuals seeking to enter the U.S. to work in a religious capacity.
Purpose:
For religious workers offered jobs by U.S. nonprofit organizations.
Processing Time:
6–9 months.
The Process
Employer files Form I-129. Worker applies for visa interview post-approval.
Key Considerations
  • Must have been part of the religion for at least 2 years
TN
NAFTA Professional Visa
Work
Allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the U.S. to engage in business activities at a professional level.
Purpose:
Work visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens under USMCA/NAFTA.
Processing Time:
Instant to a few weeks.
The Process
Offer of employment in a qualifying profession. Canadians can apply at the border; Mexicans must apply at the embassy.
Key Considerations
  • Easy renewal
  • Only for specific professions
L1
Intra-company Transfer Visa
Work
For employees of an international company with offices in both the U.S. and abroad.
Purpose:
For transferring executives or specialized employees to a U.S. office.
Processing Time:
2–4 months.
The Process
U.S. company files Form I-129. After approval, apply for visa interview.
Key Considerations
  • Valid for 1–3 years, extendable
  • L1A (managers) and L1B (specialized knowledge)
Family Visas
K1
Fiancé(e) Visa
Family
For the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to travel to the U.S. and marry.
Purpose:
Allows foreign fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens to enter for marriage.
Processing Time:
6–10 months.
The Process
U.S. citizen files I-129F. Once approved, the fiancé(e) applies for the K1 visa. Marriage must occur within 90 days of arrival.
Key Considerations
  • Allows adjustment to a green card after marriage