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Complete Guide to U.S. Visa Types: Tourist, Student, Work & Immigrant

1. What Is a U.S. Visa?

  • A United States visa is, like a stamp that they put in your passport. This stamp allows you to go to a United States port of entry and ask if you can come into the United States.

  • A visa does not guarantee entry—final admission is decided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

There are two main categories:

  • Nonimmigrant Visas – for temporary stays

  • Immigrant Visas – for permanent residence (Green Card)

Overview of U.S. Visa Types: Navigating Tourist, Student, Work, and Immigrant Visas with Key Steps and Tips for a Successful Application.
Overview of U.S. Visa Types: Navigating Tourist, Student, Work, and Immigrant Visas with Key Steps and Tips for a Successful Application.

2. U.S. Tourist & Visitor Visas (B-1 / B-2)

B-1 Visa: For business visitors (meetings, conferences, contract negotiations).

B-2 Visa: For tourism, vacation, visiting family/friends, medical treatment.

  • Combined B-1/B-2: Often issued together.

  • The duration of this thing is usually up to 10 years. You can go in and out multiple times. Each time you go in you can usually stay for 6 months. The duration is what tells you how long you can stay and it is usually 6 months at a time. The visa duration is, up to 10 years. Like I said, each stay is 6 months.

  • ESTA Alternative: Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may use ESTA for stays ≤90 days.


3. U.S. Student Visas

F-1 Visa: Most common; for academic studies at SEVP-certified schools (universities, colleges, high schools).

M-1 Visa: For vocational or non-academic studies.

J-1 Visa: For exchange visitors (students, scholars, interns, au pairs) in approved exchange programs.

  • Requirements: Form I-20 (F-1/M-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), proof of funds, ties to home country.

  • Work: Limited on-campus employment; optional practical training (OPT) possible after studies.


4. U.S. Work Visas (Employment-Based)

Temporary Work Visas:

  • H-1B: Specialty occupations (bachelor’s degree or higher).

  • L-1: Intracompany transferees (managers/executives or specialized knowledge).

  • O-1: Individuals with extraordinary ability.

  • TN: For Canadian and Mexican citizens under USMCA.

  • E-3: For Australian nationals in specialty occupations.

  • H-2A/B: Seasonal agricultural/non-agricultural work.

Permanent Work Immigration: Requires employer sponsorship and often leads to a Green Card.


5. U.S. Immigrant Visas (Green Card Categories)

Immigrant visas are for people who want to live in the United States. These people are called Permanent Residents. They get to stay in the U.S. For a time and it is like their new home. Immigrant visas are a deal, for people who want to make the United States their home.

Family-Sponsored:

  • Immediate Relatives (spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents of U.S. citizens).

  • Family Preference (unmarried/married children, siblings of U.S. citizens, spouses of Green Card holders).

Employment-Based:

  • EB-1: Priority workers (extraordinary ability, professors/researchers, multinational executives).

  • EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability.

  • EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, other workers.

  • EB-4: Special immigrants (religious workers, etc.).

  • EB-5: Immigrant investors.

Diversity Visa Lottery: Random selection for nationals of low-admission countries.

Key Differences: Nonimmigrant vs Immigrant Visas

Feature

Nonimmigrant Visa

Immigrant Visa

Purpose

Temporary stay

Permanent residence

Intent

Must return home

Intend to settle

Duration

Limited

Permanent

Example

B-1/B-2, F-1, H-1B

Family, EB Green Cards

6. U.S. Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)

  • Determine Visa Type: Based on purpose of travel.

  • Complete Online Form: DS-160 (nonimmigrant) or DS-260 (immigrant).

  • Pay Visa Fee: MRV fee varies by visa type.

  • Schedule Interview: At U.S. Embassy/Consulate (usually required for most first-time applicants).

  • Prepare Documents: Passport, photo, confirmation page, supporting docs (financial evidence, invitation, I-20, petition approval, etc.).

  • Attend Interview: Answer questions clearly and honestly.

  • Await Decision & Visa Delivery: If approved, visa is stamped in passport.


7. Tips to Choose the Right U.S. Visa

  • Clearly define your travel purpose

  • Choose temporary vs permanent carefully

  • Follow visa rules strictly

  • Prepare documents honestly

  • Never misrepresent information


Good Luck




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