If you’re looking to visit the U.S. for a temporary purpose, you’ll likely need a non-immigrant visa. Non-immigrant visas are designed for individuals who wish to stay in the U.S. for a limited time for reasons such as business, tourism, or study. There are many types of non-immigrant visas, and they can be broadly divided into two categories based on employment and non-employment purposes.
At our firm, we are committed to guiding you through the process of obtaining the appropriate non-immigrant visa for your situation. Here’s a breakdown of the key categories of non-immigrant visas:
Non-Immigrant Visas Based on Employment
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H-1B – Specialty (Professional) Occupation The H-1B visa is designed for foreign workers in specialty occupations. These are jobs that require a higher level of education or technical expertise, such as IT professionals, engineers, and doctors. If you have a degree in a specialized field and have received a job offer from a U.S. employer, the H-1B may be the right option for you.
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H-2B – Temporary Worker The H-2B visa is for individuals who wish to come to the U.S. temporarily to perform non-agricultural work. It is often used by seasonal workers in industries such as hospitality, landscaping, and construction. If you’ve been offered a temporary job in the U.S. that doesn’t require specialized skills, the H-2B visa is ideal.
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L-1A – International Company Executive/Manager Transferee The L-1A visa allows multinational companies to transfer managers or executives to their U.S. operations. If you hold a leadership position in a foreign company and are being relocated to a similar role in the U.S., the L-1A visa is for you.
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L-1B – International Company Specialized Knowledge Transferee The L-1B visa is for employees with specialized knowledge within a company who are being transferred to the U.S. to work for a related entity. If you possess unique knowledge related to the company’s products, services, or procedures, this visa might be your best fit.
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TN Visa/Status – Mexican and Canadian Listed Professionals The TN visa is part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and allows professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S. in certain designated professions. If you are a Mexican or Canadian citizen working in a recognized profession, this visa is an excellent option for you.
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E-1 – Treaty Trader and Essential Worker of Treaty Trader The E-1 visa is for individuals who are involved in trade between the U.S. and their home country. This visa is also available to employees of qualifying treaty traders, including executives and essential workers.
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E-2 – Treaty Investor and Essential Worker of Treaty Investor The E-2 visa is for individuals who are investing substantial capital in a U.S. business. Entrepreneurs and essential employees working for these businesses can apply for this visa to live and work in the U.S.
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R-1 – Religious Worker The R-1 visa is for religious workers who wish to work in the U.S. in a religious capacity, such as clergy or other religious practitioners. If you are a member of a religious denomination and have been offered a job in the U.S., the R-1 visa is for you.
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B-1 – Temporary Business Visitor The B-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals who are coming to the U.S. for business purposes. This could include attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or participating in short-term training programs.
Non-Immigrant Visas Not Based on Employment
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B-2 – Temporary Visitor The B-2 visa is for individuals visiting the U.S. for leisure or medical treatment. Whether you’re visiting family, touring the U.S., or seeking medical care, the B-2 visa allows you to stay temporarily.
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F-1 – Student The F-1 visa is the most common visa for students pursuing an academic program in the U.S. If you’ve been accepted into a U.S. educational institution, you’ll need this visa to study in the country.
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M-1 – Vocational Student The M-1 visa is for individuals coming to the U.S. to study at a non-academic or vocational school. If you plan to enroll in a technical or vocational program, the M-1 visa is the appropriate option.
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K-1 – Fiancé of U.S. Citizen The K-1 visa allows foreign nationals who are engaged to a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. for the purpose of getting married. Once you marry, you can apply for a green card to stay permanently.
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J-1 – Exchange Visitor The J-1 visa is for individuals who are coming to the U.S. on a cultural exchange program. This can include students, scholars, researchers, and trainees. The J-1 visa helps promote international exchange of knowledge and experiences.
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VWP – Visa Waiver Program The VWP allows citizens from participating countries to visit the U.S. for business or tourism purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. However, travelers must meet specific requirements and apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Non-Immigrant Visa Application?
Navigating the process of obtaining a non-immigrant visa can be complex and time-consuming. At our firm, we specialize in helping clients secure the right non-immigrant visa for their needs. Whether you are seeking to work, study, or visit the U.S., we can guide you through the application process from start to finish.
Get Started Today:
If you’re ready to begin your non-immigrant visa application or need help understanding which category fits your situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our experienced legal team is here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today at (866) 691-9894 to begin your application process.