Different Types of US Visa: Immigrant and Non-immigrant Visas

The USA is a popular destination for millions of students, professionals, travellers, and immigrants. It is home to over 40 million foreign-born individuals. A US visa is crucial for anyone seeking to study, work, or visit the country. There are two main types of US visas: Immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas are issued for temporary stays, while immigrant visas are provided for permanent residence or citizenship. Before planning a trip to the US, it’s essential to understand the various types of visas available.

Let’s explore some of the most common US visa categories.

Different Types of US Visa

There are mainly two types of US visa: Immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Immigrant and non-immigrant visas are issued after properly validating foreign nationals and compliance with specific guidelines. For example, a US visa does not guarantee entry into the USA as you will go through rigorous checks by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Borders Protection (CPB). Officers from the CPB can examine you at the entry port or airport and even conduct interviews.

Immigrant Visa

An immigrant American visa enables you to have permanent residence. However, the type of immigrant visa you need depends on its purpose. It takes about three to five weeks to process a US immigrant visa.

Non-immigrant visa

For Indian citizens, a non-immigrant visa is mandatory to gain entry into the USA. These types of visas are issued to individuals who want to visit the USA temporarily for specific purposes and not for permanent residency.

Common reasons for obtaining a non-immigrant visa include business travel, tourism, working in specialised fields that require unique skills, and pursuing studies. Whether it’s business professionals, tourists, skilled workers, or students, a non-immigrant visa allows them to stay in the US for a limited period to accomplish their intended activities.

Also read: Top 15 US Student Visa Rejection Reasons

Types of Immigrant Visas in USA

Following are the types of immigrant visas in USA:

CR1/ IR1 visa

A conditional Resident Spouse visa (CR1/IR1) is a type of US visa that allows a recently married spouse born in another country to have a residency permit in the USA with immigrant status. Another essential condition for this visa is that the couple must stay married for at least two years.

When a foreign spouse enters the U.S. on an immigrant visa, and they’ve been married for under two years, their permanent resident status is termed “conditional.” Instead of an immediate relative (IR) visa, they will receive a conditional resident (CR) visa.

K-1 visa

If a foreign national is a fiancé of a US citizen, they can apply for a K-1 visa to travel to the USA for marriage within 90 days of arrival in this type of US visa.

K-2 visa

Children of a fiancé with a US citizen who has applied for a K-1 visa can apply for a K-2 visa subject to the approval of the I-129F form.

K-3 visa

Foreign nationals who marry US citizens outside the USA need to apply for a K-3 visa in their respective countries in this type of US visa.

K-4 visa

Children eligible for the K-3 visa can receive a K-4 visa in this type of US visa.

Apart from this, there are family-sponsored visas that you can apply for as per the specific purpose:

Also read: How Long Can an Indian Stay In the USA on a Student Visa?

Types of Non-immigrant Visa in USA

The USA provides different types of non-immigrant visas, each designed for a specific travel purpose and allowed duration of stay within the country.

Business visa

The US Business visa is a type of non-immigrant visa issued by the USA to foreign nationals who need to travel to the country temporarily for business purposes. This visa allows individuals to engage in various business activities, such as attending conferences or seminars, negotiating contracts, meeting with business associates, and participating in business meetings.

• B-1 visa: This visa is for business associates and attendees of scientific, educational, or business conventions. It is also for settling an estate or negotiating contracts.
• B-2 visa: This visa is for tourism, visiting friends and family, medical treatment, or participating in social or service-related activities.

Tourist visa

In this type of non-immigrant visa, foreign nationals who wish to travel to the USA for a short period, primarily for leisure activities like tourism or vacationing, can apply for the US B-2 visa, commonly known as the tourist visa. The B-2 visa is specifically designed for short-term stays in the US and cannot be used for activities like studying, working, or engaging in business or professional pursuits.

Student visa

Following are the types of US visas for students for them to study in the USA:

• F-1 visa: The F-1 visa is a type of US visa for students issued to those who want to pursue higher studies at universities or educational institutions recognised by the USA. Students enrolled in courses requiring more than 18 hours of study per week must obtain an F-1 visa. Additionally, secondary school students attending public schools are eligible for this visa category.
• M-1 visa: The M-1 visa is a type of US visa for students catering to individuals interested in pursuing non-academic or vocational training programs in the USA. This visa type is for those seeking to develop specific skills or receive job-related training. Certain non-immigrant visa holders, such as those with A, E, H-4, F-2, G, J-2, L-2, or M-2 visas, can enrol their dependents in public elementary or secondary schools under the M-1 visa category. However, if an F-1 or M-1 visa holder takes a break from their studies for five months or longer, they risk losing their student visa status unless the break is necessary for their educational program.

Work visa

Depending on the nature of their employment or job role, foreign nationals must obtain a specific type of work visa if they intend to work temporarily in the USA. Following are the types of US visas for work:

• H-1B visa: The H-1B visa is a popular type of US visa for work that enables companies to hire foreign workers for a limited period in jobs that require expertise. To qualify for this visa, you need a job offer from an American employer in a field that demands specialised skills and a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it does not directly lead to permanent residency.
• H-1B-1 visa: Citizens of Singapore and Chile can apply for this visa to work temporarily in the US, but they must have a job offer from a US employer before submitting their application.
• H-2B visa: American companies can use the H-2B visa to temporarily hire foreign workers for non-agricultural jobs that are seasonal or short-term in nature. This non-immigrant visa is commonly used by industries like construction, landscaping, and hospitality when they need extra workers for a limited time. The H-2B visa helps fill temporary positions in non-agricultural fields. Indians are not eligible for this visa.
• H-2A visa: The H-2A visa program enables American agricultural employers to hire foreign workers for seasonal jobs when they can’t find enough U.S. workers. To get this visa, the employer has to submit Form I-129 for the foreign worker they want to hire. Unfortunately, Indian nationals are not able to participate in this particular visa program.
• H-3 visa: This visa is required if you want to come to the USA for up to two years of training in any field. Your employer can give you the training and pay you during this time, but they cannot use the training period to have you do regular work for them.
  
• H-4 visa: The H-4 visa allows an H visa holder’s spouse and unmarried children (under 21) to join them in the USA. However, it’s important to note that family members who enter the country with an H-4 visa are not allowed to work while in the USA.
• L-1 visa: The L-1 visa is necessary if your international company is temporarily transferring you to work at a parent company, affiliate, or subsidiary in the USA. To qualify, you need to hold a managerial or executive role you’ll be taking on in the USA. Another requirement is that the multinational company must have employed you for at least one continuous year within the three years before you apply to enter the USA.
• L-2 visa: As an L visa holder, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can join you in the USA by obtaining an L-2 visa. If your spouse wants to work while in the USA, they must fill out Form I-765 and pay the required application fee. However, your children are not permitted to work during their stay in the country.
• Type O visa: The O-1 visa is designed for individuals who demonstrate exceptional skills or accomplishments in various fields, including science, education, arts, business, and athletics. It is also available to those with outstanding success in the motion picture or television industry.
  
• Type P visa: The P visa is a type of visa that allows athletes, entertainers, artists, and their essential support staff to enter the USA for performances or competitions.
• Type Q visa: If you want to join an international cultural exchange program in the USA, you’ll need a Q visa. This visa allows you to go to the USA to share your home country’s history, culture, and traditions while receiving training or employment through the program.

Exchange Visitor Visa

You’re encouraged to apply for this type of non-immigrant visa if you’re a foreign national interested in participating in an exchange program in the USA. Before applying for the J visa, you must first be accepted and approved by the official program sponsor. The J visa is then issued to the exchange visitor. Participants include professors, teachers, research scholars, students, and trainees.

Also read: How To Prepare For Your F1 Visa Interview?

Ship Crew or Transit Visa

There are two types of visas available for transit or ship crew members:

Transit C Visa
This visa is for foreign nationals travelling through the US en route to another country. If the traveller wishes to visit friends or family during a layover, they must apply for layover privileges and meet the requirements for a B-2 visa.

Crew D Visa
Crew members working on a ship or aeroplane can apply for this visa. Those working aboard a ship within the Outer Continental Shelf may be eligible for a modified B-1 visa instead of a crew visa. Crew members typically use a combination of transit or crew visas (C-1/D). If visiting the U.S. between flights or cruises, crew members will need a B-1 or B-2 visa.

Religious Worker Visa

The R visa or Religious Worker visa is available for individuals seeking to work in a religious capacity in the US temporarily. This includes religious workers who are authorised by a recognised organisation to carry out religious duties.

Domestic Employee Visa

Personal or domestic servants accompanying their employer to the US may qualify for a B-1 visa. Domestic workers of foreign diplomats or government officials, however, are eligible for an A-3 or G-5 visa. Domestic employees include housemaids, valets, footmen, cooks, butlers, chauffeurs, nannies, mother’s helpers, gardeners, and paid companions.

Media and Journalist Visa

This visa allows non-immigrants to enter the US temporarily for work. They must keep a home office abroad. A visitor visa is granted to foreign nationals travelling for short purposes. These include attending a conference, giving a guest lecture, or buying media equipment. It also covers vacation trips. Spouses and children under 21 may accompany the main visa holder on a B-2 visa.

Eligibility Criteria for US Visa

To be eligible for a U.S. visa, an Indian citizen must:

• Hold an Indian passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.
• Have no criminal history or ongoing criminal cases.
• Ensure that any dependents or spouses travelling with them apply for their separate visas.
• Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support their stay.
• Pass a medical examination conducted by an approved physician.
• Show strong ties to their current country of residence.
• Provide a legitimate reason for visiting the USA.
• Be free from communicable diseases such as tuberculosis.

Documents Required for US Visa Application/Interview

To apply for a U.S. visa, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• A passport that will remain valid for at least six months after your planned stay.
• Recent passport-sized photos of yourself.
• Your birth certificate to prove your identity and age.
• If you’re married, your marriage certificate.
• Any relevant court records, if applicable.
• For work visas, the job offer letter from your US employer.
• If you’re applying for a student visa, proof of admission to an American university, including the I-20 form.
• When requesting a visa to visit family in the USA, documents showing your relationship to them.
• Financial records or statements, as needed.
• Information about your flight and travel plans.
• Be prepared to provide any additional documents that may be specifically required for the type of US visa you’re seeking.

Different Types of US Visa FAQs

Q1. How many types of visas are there in the US?
A1. There are two main categories of US visas: Immigrant and non-immigrant visas.

Q2. What are B1 and B2 visa types?
A2. B-1 is a business visa, whereas B-2 is a tourist visa. Both are non-immigrant visas that allow foreign nationals to travel to the US temporarily for business or tourism purposes.

Q3. Is an F-4 visa a Green Card?
A3. The F-4 visa, a family-based green card, allows American citizens to bring their family members to live permanently in the USA. This visa gives the family members lawful permanent resident status so they can reunite with their U.S. citizen relatives.

Q4. How many countries can I visit with a US visa?
A4. You can travel up to 48 countries with a US tourist or work visa.

Q5. What is the L visa?
A5. The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the USA that is designed for intracompany transferees.

Author: Stanley Lazarus Chelli

Stanley is our seasoned writer known for his deep knowledge of the ed-tech industry. He delivers insightful and impactful content that resonates with readers. Beyond his exceptional writing abilities, he is a die-hard petrolhead with a profound love for the automotive industry. Additionally, Stanley is a soon-to-be professional keyboardist.