VISA GUIDE
Explore different types of visas.
- The U.S. immigration system is complex but you don't have to face it alone
We break the categories for you into three pathways:
Non-immigrant visas for temporary stays
Green cards for permanent residency
Citizenship for those ready to take the final step
NON- IMMIGRANT VISAS
Common Non-Immigrant Classifications
Tourists (B-1/B-2)
The B-1/B-2 visas are designed for those visiting the United States temporarily for business or pleasure. They offer the flexibility to attend meetings, conferences, or simply explore the country. They are ideal for short-term trips where the primary goal is tourism or limited business activities.
Students (F-1)
F-1 visas are meant for international students who have been accepted into a U.S. educational institution. They allow you to pursue academic studies or language training programs in the United States. To qualify, you must show evidence of financial support and a genuine commitment to your educational goals. While the visa primarily supports full-time study, it also allows for limited on-campus employment.
Fiances (K-1)
The K-1 visa is tailored for foreign fiancés of U.S. citizens who intend to marry within 90 days of arrival. It streamlines the process for couples eager to unite on U.S. soil. Applicants must prove the legitimacy of their relationship through documented evidence. Once married, the beneficiary can transition to permanent residency through an adjustment of status.
Professional Workers (H-1B)
The H-1B visa caters to foreign professionals with specialized skills who have secured a job offer from a U.S. employer. It is common in sectors such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and other specialized fields. Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in experience.
Investor’s Visa (E-1/E-2)
Investor visas, including the E-1 and E-2 categories, are available for individuals engaging in substantial trade or making significant investments in a U.S. business. These visas are designed to stimulate economic growth by attracting capital and creating jobs. They offer business owners a way to manage their ventures while residing in the United States.
Canadians and Mexicans (TN)
TN visas provide a straightforward route for Canadian and Mexican professionals to work in the United States under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. They cover a variety of occupations, from engineers to educators and many healthcare workers.
Those with Extraordinary Ability (O-1)
The O-1 visa is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics. It is designed for professionals who have received national or international acclaim for their achievements. Applicants are required to provide substantial evidence of their exceptional talent and recognition in their field.
Intra-corporate Transfers (L-1)
The L-1 visa facilitates the temporary transfer of employees from a company’s foreign offices to its U.S. branch, affiliate, or subsidiary. It is available to executives, managers, and specialized knowledge workers who have worked abroad for the company for at least one year. This visa helps multinational corporations maintain operational continuity while expanding into the U.S. market.
FAMILY GREEN CARDS
Greencard Through Family
FAMILY-BASED GREEN CARDS:
Provide a crucial pathway for individuals to gain permanent residency in the United States. This category is split into two primary groups: immediate relatives and family preference categories.
WHO ARE QUALIFIED:
IMMEDIATE RELATIVES — such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens—benefit from a streamlined process with no numerical limits, while family preference categories cover relationships like unmarried adult children, married children, and siblings of U.S. citizens, though these often involve longer waiting times due to annual caps.
HOW TO FILE:
The process generally starts when the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files a petition (Form I-130) to establish the qualifying family relationship. Once the petition is approved and a visa becomes available, the next step depends on where the applicant is located: those already in the U.S. may file for an ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS (Form I-485), while those abroad undergo CONSULAR PROCESSING at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
EMPLOYMENT GREENCARD
Greencard through Employment
EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREEN CARDS:
Provide a pathway for qualified professionals, skilled workers, and investors to become permanent residents in the United States through job-related sponsorship.
WHO ARE QUALIFIED:
This category is divided into five preference categories, each designed to address different labor needs and skills:
EB-1 (PRIORITY WORKERS):
This category is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in their field, such as renowned researchers, executives, or artists, as well as outstanding professors and multinational managers.
EB-2 (PROFESSIONALS WITH ADVANCED DEGREES OR EXCEPTIONAL ABILITIES):
Applicants in this category must possess an advanced degree or demonstrate exceptional ability in their field of expertise. This group often includes professionals such as doctors, engineers, and scientists.
EB-3 (SKILLED WORKERS,PROFESSIONALS, AND OTHER WORKERS):
This category is designed for workers with at least two years of work experience, professionals with a bachelor’s degree, or workers in unskilled positions that require less than two years of training.
EB-4 (SPECIAL IMMIGRANTS):
The EB-4 green card is available for special workers, including religious ministers, employees of international organizations, and certain Afghan and Iraqi nationals who worked for the U.S. government. It is a more niche category but permits some unique cases for employment-related immigration.
EB-5 (INVESTOR-BASED GREEN CARDS):
This category is for foreign nationals who invest a substantial amount in a U.S. business that will benefit the economy, typically through job creation.
HOW TO FILE:
The employment-based green card process typically involves labor certification, a petition from the employer, and the adjustment of status or consular processing, depending on the applicant’s location.
CITIZENSHIP
The Value of Citizenship
Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions in an individual’s life. If you decide to apply to become a U.S. citizen, you will be showing your commitment to the United States and your loyalty is to its Constitution.
Who are qualified:
Applicants must generally have maintained residency in the U.S. for at least five years—or three years if married to a U.S. citizen—demonstrate good moral character, and show proficiency in English along with a basic understanding of U.S. history and government. They are also required to pass background checks and take an oath of allegiance.
HOW TO FILE:
Eligible individuals should complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and submit it along with the required supporting documents and filing fee to USCIS.