Visa Types

A - Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials

The A visa is designed for Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials.  The A-1 visa is designed for Ambassadors, Congresspersons, and senior Diplomats; the A-2 visa is for Foreign Government Officials, while the A-3 visa is for personal employees and attendants of A visa holders.

B1/B2 - Visitor Visas - Business and Pleasure

This is the most common visa for short trips to the U.S. for different travel purposes.  This visa does not allow the traveler to work in the U.S.  This visa is usually given in a way that allows multiple travels to the U.S. over many years, generally as many as 10.  This visa actually is inclusive of two visas, which are given as one.  The first, the B-1 visa that is intended for business travel and the second, the B-2 visa that is intended for tourists.

D – Sea and Air Crew

D visas are meant for Seacraft and Aircraft crew.  The visa is granted at the consulate individually for each crew member. This is done so that a security check can be done on each and every crew member.

E-1/E-2 Treaty Traders and Treaty Investors

This visa consists of the E-1 treaty trader and E-2 treaty investors categories for investments between the U.S. and the applicant's home country.  The visa is issued based on commercial treaties signed between the U.S. and the applicant's home country, and is also determined by the applicant's eligiblity.  There are no annual quotas on the number of these visas issued. 

F-1- Student Visas

This is a visa for an academic student.  The visa is valid as long as the student is on the program that was approved by the academic institution at the beginning of the visa process, and during the qualification period (internship) after receiving the diploma.  The ability to work while studying is limited for the student and is not allowed for the student's spouse.

H - Temporary Workers

The group of H visas is aimed for temporary foreign workers who are sponsored to work in the U.S. by their American employer.  The H-1B visa (specialty occupation) is the most common of the H visas and is commonly known as the "high-tech visa".  The H-2A visa is geared towards seasonal agricultural workers, the H-2B visa is aimed for non-agricultural workers, and the H-3 visa is designed for workers-in-training in different fields.

I-1 Foreign Media, Press, and Radio

This visa is designed for people who work in the Media: Press, Journalists, Radio, Television and their support staff and crew.  These visaholders are bound by this visa even if the work is only for several days.

J-1 Exchange Visitor

This visa if for people who are working on an exchange program including training while working in fields such as hotel workers, the hospitality industry, doctors, etc.  There are many different types of J visa and some are meant for students with high degrees.  The J-1 visa allows the spouse to apply for a work visa.

K - Fiancé / Spouse (Married Abroad)

The different K visas are designed to enable temporary entrance to fiancés and spouses of U.S. citizens.  For example, the K-1 visa is designed for fiancés' of U.S. citizens, while the K-3 visa is designed for spouses of U.S. citizens that are waiting for an approval of their petition for permanent residency.

L - Intracompany Transferee

The L-1 visa is designed for employees of international companies that require relocation to the U.S. The visa is also suitable for managers that receive the L-1A visa, and for employees who hold special knowledge that receive L-1B visa.  Spouses receive the L-2 visa, which enables them to apply for an EAD – Employment Authorization Document.

O - Foreign Workers with Extraordinary Ability

The O-1 visa is aimed at people who have made extraordinary achievements in fields such as science, business, entertainment, art, and sports.  In certain cases, this visa allows assistants of the primary visaholders to come under an O-2 visa, as well as the primary visaholder's spouse and children under an O-3 visa.

P - Performing Artists, Entertainers, and Athletes

The P visa enables athletes, artists, and entertainers to come to the U.S. to perform in their field.  The P visa is an alternative to the O visa for those who cannot qualify under the extraordinary ability standard required for an O visa but who are otherwise eligible for the P visa.

R - Religious Workers

This visa is designed for religious workers and requires that the applicant be a member of a religious organization recognized in the U.S.  The visa is applicable to Rabbis, Cantors, Hebrew teachers, as well as also people engaged in religious services, such as butchers ("Shochatim").

EB-1 Priority Workers – People with Extraordinary Ability

This immigrant visa is available for a select few people demonstrating extraordinary ability.  The advantage of this category is that neither a labor certification nor an employer sponsorship is required.

EB-1/2 Priority Workers – Professors and Researchers

This immigrant visa is intended for internationally recognized professors and researchers whose work is expected to contribute to the welfare of the society in the U.S.  This category is exempt from Labor Certification inquiry but employer sponsorship is necessary.

EB-1/3 Priority Workers - Multinational Managers

This immigrant visa is available to executives or managers transferring within multinational companies on an international basis. This category is exempt from Labor Certification inquiry but employer sponsorship is necessary.

EB-2/1 Advance Degree Professional

This immigrant visa is intended for professionals holding an advanced degree, such as a Masters or Ph.D., or professionals with a significant amount of experience. Labor certification and employer sponsorship is required under most circumstances.

EB-2/2 Aliens of Exceptional Ability

This immigrant visa is designated for aliens demonstrating exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business. Labor certification and employer sponsorship is required.

EB-3 Skilled/Professional worker

Designed for professionals, skilled, and other workers, this category is a common one for receiving a Green Card. Both Labor Certification and employer sponsorship are mandatory.

EB-4 Religious workers

This Green Card is characterized by its smooth transition for R-1 visa holders. Requiring employer sponsorship, this immigrant visa is aimed at religious workers but also applies to certain U.S. government employees or international organizations, and other narrowly defined categories. No Labor Certification is required.

EB-5 Investor

Known as the Investor Visa, this category applies to persons investing a substantial amount of money in the U.S. and employing a minimum amount of U.S. employees. Labor certification is not required. This visa has unfortunately been known for attracting a great deal of fraud.