B-1/B-2 Visitor for Business
or Pleasure
For persons wishing to visit the U.S. on business or pleasure for a short period of time. Not authorized for employment, with very limited exceptions.
E-1 Treaty Trader
Available for some employees of a “trading” company. Commercial treaty must exist between the U.S. and their home country. The trading company must be engaged in “trade”; the trade must be substantial; the trade must be principally between the U.S. and the treaty country. Family members admitted to the U.S. as a derivative beneficiary. Spouse may apply for employment authorization through USCIS.
E-2 Treaty Investor
A commercial treaty must exist between the U.S. and the country of which the investing business is a national. The business or investment must be at least 50% owned by a national of the treaty country. Family members admitted to the U.S. as derivative beneficiary. Spouse may apply for employment authorization through USCIS.
F-1 Student
For persons seeking to pursue a full course of study in the U.S.
H-1B Specialty Occupation
For professional workers and specialty occupational workers to work temporarily for a U.S. company. Applicant must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Family members may be admitted to the U.S. as derivative beneficiaries. Employment authorization for spouse is not available.
H-2B Non-agricultural Worker
Used by U.S. companies temporarily to employ skilled or unskilled foreign nationals in nonagricultural positions for which the employer has a temporary need and for which qualified U.S. workers are not available.
J-1 Exchange Visitor
For foreign students, scholars, experts, medical interns and residents, international visitors, and industrial and business trainees to enter the U.S. as “exchange visitors” in approved Exchange Visitor Programs. Spouses may apply for employment authorization through USCIS. Some programs require J-1 visa holders and their families to return home for 2 years at the conclusion of their program; waivers may be available in some instances.
K-1 Fiance
For fiances of U.S. citizens who intend to marry within 90 days of entering the U.S.
L-1A/L-1B Intracompany Transferee
For international companies to bring foreign employees who are executives and managers (L-1A) or those with specialized knowledge or essential skills (L-1B) to work temporarily in the U.S.. Family members admitted as derivative beneficiaries. Executive and managers holding L-1A visas may be eligible for permanent residency (green card) without the need for a Labor Certification. Spouse may apply for employment authorization through USCIS.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Worker
For foreign nationals of “extraordinary ability” in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics (and certain other foreign nationals accompanying or assisting those individuals) who intend to work in their field of extraordinary ability or achievement.
P-1/P-2/P-3 Artists and Athletes
For entertainers and athletes who cannot qualify under the extraordinary ability standard for the O category.
R-1 Religious Worker
For clergy and certain religious workers.
TN (NAFTA)
For certain Canadian and Mexican professionals listed in Appendix 1603.D.1 to Annex 1603 of the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).
