Would you like to know the various us visa types, fees and requirements for all? Well, you're in luck. This article on US Visa Types (Fees & Requirements) is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about getting a visa to the United States.
Every year, millions of people enter and exit the United States. It is a prominent immigration and tourist destination country. If you are not a citizen or resident of the United States, you will most likely require a visa to enter the country.
There are various us visa costs and application fees you must pay when applying for entry into the United States of America. The amount you pay depends on the type of visa you want and the country you are from. Some payments to expect are fees for diversity visas, us nonimmigrant visas and us immigrant visas. Other costs include reciprocity fees (the costs that other countries pay depending on their relationship with the US).
If you are unsure on which visa is right for you, our article shares the us visa types list, requirements, application process for each, fees, and extra relevant information.
Table Of Content:
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What is a US visa?
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How many categories of visa are there?
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How to apply for a us visa
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How to pay for us visa
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list of companies sponsoring h1b visa in usa
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Do you need a visa to go to the us?
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list of us visa
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30 us visa types list
What Is A US Visa?
A US Visa is a stamp that you get on your international passport or travel document, which states that you are eligible to enter the United States Of America. While it is a step in the right direction, having a US Visa does not automatically guarantee that you will enter this country.
That is at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Customs and Borders Protection (CPB) Inspectors.
Get more information about the US Visa.
How Many Categories Of US Visa Are There?
There are 185 types of visas in the us visa category list that are grouped into two main visa categories in us. They are:
Nonimmigrant Visas
A nonimmigrant visa is given for temporary or short visits to the United States such as studying, business, family visit, employment, and tourism.
Immigrant Visas
Immigrant visas are issued to individuals who want to permanently live in the United States under immigrant investor programmes or family reunion.
How To Apply For A US Visa
The application process for a US visa varies based on the visa category, type, and country you are applying from. Besides this, there is a straightforward procedure for applying for every type of United States visa.
We share that process below:
1. Confirm If You Need A US Visa
If you are a citizen of any of the 41 countries on the us visa waiver country list, you don't need a non-immigrant visa to visit the United States. But, you can confirm if you'll need to apply for a visa on the official United States immigration website.
2. Select The Appropriate Visa Type
The next step would be to select the type of US visa that you want to apply for. Since there are different categories tailored to each type of immigrant, you should be careful when making this selection.
3. Fill The Form DS-160
Form DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form that you must fill before applying for a US nonimmigrant visa. You can find the form on the official website of the US consulate.
How to fill form DS-160:
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Fill the DS-160 form online via the Consular Electronic Application Center.
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For the first part provide your personal details as follows:
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Full name.
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Marital status.
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Nationality.
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Date & Place of Birth.
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Address.
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Country.
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Mobile number.
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Email.
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Passport number.
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Passport book number.
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Education.
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Work.
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Family information.
Answer the second part of the application form, which is security and background information:
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If you've ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime.
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If you've ever been engaged in a conspiracy to violate any law relating to controlling substances.
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If you've ever been involved in money laundering.
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If you've ever ordered, incited, committed, assisted, or otherwise participated in genocide, etc.
4. Pay Your US visa application fee
The next step when applying for a US visa is to pay the US visa application fees.
The Machine Readable Visa Fee depends on the type of visa you are applying for. The tier is as follows:
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MRV Fee - $185.
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Petition Based Applicants (H, L, O, P, Q, R) - $205.
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E-1, E-2, & E-3 visa applicants - $315
Note: the US visa fee is non-refundable if you cancel your appointment or your application is rejected.
5. Schedule A US Visa Interview
Every US non-immigrant visa applicant aged 14-79 years old, must undergo a US visa interview. To do this interview, you will schedule an appointment with the US consulate or embassy in the country you're applying from.
Due to the large number of applications they receive, wait time can be anywhere from days to weeks. Therefore, you should ensure you schedule your interview as early as you can. However, if you meet certain criteria, you may get an emergency US visa appointment.
After you submit the Form DS - 160, you should make an appointment. You get the interview confirmation letter.
6. Arrange Your Documents
Besides your application form of the Form DS-160, you must also submit the necessary documents for your US visa application. This is what will prove to the consulate that you are eligible for a nonimmigrant visa.
7. Attend The Interview
Go on time during the day of the interview with all your supporting documents. The official who will conduct your interview will ask you about your background and other related details based on the visa you applied for. If you applied for a work visa, the process might be longer than if it's just a visiting visa.
If you need to prepare, then check out this article on visa interview questions.
8. Wait For A Decision
After your interview, you should wait for your US visa application to be processed. Processing times depend on the type of visa you applied for. However, this can be from a few weeks to months. When your visa is processed, you'll know if it's a rejection or approval.
How To Pay For US Visa
You can pay your US visa fee at the United States embassy or consulate in your home country, when you attend the visa interview. Every country's embassy and consulate may have guidelines on how to pay for your visa. However, you can pay the fee in cash or with a debit or credit card.
List Of Companies Sponsoring H1B Visa In USA
A H-1B visa is your permit to reside and work in the USA after you graduate from the university. This visa sponsorship is a highly reserved postgraduate employment opportunity for international students.
With a H-1B, you can stay in the US for three years, which can be further extended for another three years. To get this permit, you'll need an employer to sponsor you. It is the employer that'll petition the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf.
In case you were wondering, this is a list of us companies offering visa sponsorship in the United States.
1. Amazon
Amazon hires millions of MBA graduates yearly, that the company's H-1B visa approvals are split among its several divisions and headquarters. This places it high on the list of us companies sponsoring h1b visas.
This employer has two headquarters in the country: the headquarters in Seattle which approved 3,296 visas and HQ2 in Arlington, Virginia, where 715 H-1B visas were awarded in 2022. Jobs you can do here range from finance and retail to product and program management.
2. Amazon Web Services
Second on the list of companies sponsoring h1b visa in usa is Amazon Web Services. This Amazon subsidiary offers on-demand cloud computing platforms and is one of the most used cloud services. AWS got approved for more than 400 H-1B visas in 2021.
3. Infosys
Infosys leads in next-generation digital services and consulting. They are headquartered in Bangalore, India, but hire top foreign MBA graduates in the United States. Infosys makes the list of h1b sponsoring companies in usa to work at if you want a firm at the forefront of present and future tech advancements.
This company got over 3,000 H-1B visa petitions approved in 2022.
4. HCL Technologies
HCL Technologies is an IT, engineering and software company, with offices in 50 countries and hires over 219,000 workers. As an advocate for an inclusive workplace culture, the company is a member of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion. This is a CEO-driven initiative to enhance workplace DEI. In 2023, HCL America got 1,963 H1-B visas approved.
5. Tata Consultancy Services
Tata Consultancy Services is another top firm on the list of companies that can sponsor visa in usa. This Indian multinational company is solely focused on app development, capacity planning, consulting, payment processing, software management, and technology educational services.
If you are an international MBA graduate who wants to stay in the US after graduation, then you should look into Tata.
6. Qualcomm
Qualcomm is reputed as one of the most impactful tech companies in the world. With more than 190 offices in almost 30 countries, the firm has begun promoting its diversity and inclusion initiatives. It has established a Diversity Task Force to track these measures. Qualcomm got approval for 967 H-1B visas in 2023.
7. Cognizant Technology Solutions US
Cognizant Technology Solutions US has been in existence since 1994. Today, it has promoted its international presence, hiring over 300,000 people globally. Due to its wide reach, Cognizant is known for sponsoring H1-B visas, with 5,504 H1-B visas approved in 2023.
8. Google
8th on the list of companies that sponsor visa usa is Google. Google is a top company to apply to for international MBA graduates who wish to secure H-1B visas after business school. It hires MBA and business masters graduates to take on roles like product manager, project manager, marketing manager, and finance business partner.
9. Uber
Uber has been a strong contender in the ride-sharing industry since 2009, creating a business for itself that is patronized globally. Uber intends to focus on diversity and equity across employee-base, with the aim of increasing demographic diversity and becoming actively anti-racist. It got 374 H-1B visas approved in 2023.
10. Meta
Meta has been hiring international talent for years, with thousands of employees hired across the world. In 2023, it had 2,628 H-1B visas approved.
Do You Need A US Visa To Go To The US?
Citizens of countries that are on the us visa waiver country list, do not need to apply for a visa to enter the United States.
However, citizens whose countries are on the us visa waiver list and citizens of Bermuda and Canada can travel to the United States for 90 days or less without a visa if they visit for tourism or business purposes.
They instead get an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) from the US Customs and Borders Protection's (CBP). This document categorizes the traveler as a citizen of a participating country in the VWP agreement. All travelers from this country are required to have an electronic passport with biometric information which has a machine-readable zone on its biographic page.
Below, we have listed out some of the nations that are on the visa waiver country list usa, us esta country list, plus the ones that require lottery and on the us passport on arrival visa country list.
Waiver List
1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Brunei
6. Chile
7. Croatia
8. Czech Republic
9. Denmark
10. Estonia
11. Finland
12. France
13. Germany
14. Greece
15. Hungary
16. Iceland
17. Ireland
18. Italy
19. Israel
20. Japan
21. South Korea
22. Latvia
23. Liechtenstein
24. Luxembourg
25. Malta
26. Monaco
27. Netherlands
28. New Zealand
29. Norway
30. Poland
31. Portugal
32. San Marino
33. Singapore
34. Slovakia
35. Slovenia
36. Spain
37. Sweden
38. Switzerland
39. Taiwan
40. United Kingdom
41. Lithuania
Lottery
Here, we have mentioned the countries that are on the us visa lottery country list.
Africa
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South Africa
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Congo
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Ghana
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Gabon
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Kenya
Asia
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Thailand
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Lebanon
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Japan
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Singapore
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Maldives
Europe
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Albania
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Bulgaria
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Cyprus
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Denmark
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Jordan
North America
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The Bahamas.
Oceania
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Australia
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Guinea
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Samoa
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Marshall Islands
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Federated States of Micronesia
South America, Central America and The Caribbean
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Chile
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Costa Rica
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Cuba
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Dominica
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Saint Vincent
View the full list of US visa countries here.
Countries that are not eligible for US Lottery Visa:
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Bangladesh.
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Brazil.
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Canada.
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The People's Republic of China
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Colombia
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El Salvador
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Haiti
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Honduras
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India
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Jamaica
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Mexico
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Nigeria
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Pakistan
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Philippines
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South Korea
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Venezuela
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Vietnam
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Natives of Macau SAR
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Taiwan.
List of US Visa
1. Student visas
2. Work visa
3. Dependents - spouse
4. Visitor visa
5. Business visa
6. Temporary workers for seasonal agriculture
7. Temporary workers for non-agricultural professions
8. Domestic employees
9. Exchange visitors - professors
10. Students dependents -dependents of an F-1 holder
11. Students- vocational
12. Training in a program
13. Employees of a desginated international organization and NATO
14. Foreign National With Extraordinary ability
15. Religious workers
16. Specialty occupations in fields that require highly specialized knowledge
17. International Cultural Exchange Program - Q Visa (Indian)
18. Intra Company transferees
19. L-2 for dependents
20. Work visa on a temporary basis
21. Information media representatives
22. Treat Trader and Investor Visas
23. Diplomatic and Official visas
24. Fiancee and spouse visa
25. Employer-sponsored visa
26. Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
27. Spouse of a U.S. Citizen awaiting approval of an I-130 immigrant petition
28. Employment creation / investors
29. Diversity Immigrant Visas (lottery).
30. Returning Resident Visa
30 US Visa Types List
list of all us visas
1. F1 Student Visa
First on our list of visas usa is the F1 Student Visa. Students who want to study in the United States, must possess the F1 Student Visa. However, it is your chosen course of study and the type of school you want to attend, that'll determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: F1
Fee: $185
F1 Student Visa Requirements
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Have a valid passport for travel to the United States. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States.
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Each person who needs a visa must present a different application, including any family members listed in the passport.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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Upload your photo when filling the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must provided one printed photo in the format laid out in the Photograph Requirements.
Learn more about the F1 Student Visa application here.
2. H1-B Work Visa
The H1-B Work Visa is reserved for citizens of foreign countries who wish to work in the United States. This visa is specifically for professionals working in a specialty occupation. You must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in the specialty occupation.
Workers who fall under this list of us work visas include fashion models, physicians, and DOD project participants.
Category: non-immigrant visa.
Type: H1-B.
Application Fee: $205
H1-B Work Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
Learn more about the H1-B Visa application.
3. H-4 Dependent Spouses Visa
The H-4 USA visa is for dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants who wish to join their husbands or wives in the United States. Some H-4 dependent spouses that fall under this category, can file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if they are a prinicipal beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.
They can also file I-765 if they have been granted H-1B status under sections 106 (a) and (b) of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty -first Century Act of 2000 as amended by the 21st Century Department fo Justice Appropriations Authorization Act (AC21).
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: H-4.
Application Fee: available on enquiry.
H-4 Dependent Spouses Visa Requirements
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Completed Form I-765 following the Instructions for Form I-765 (PDF, 520.79 KB).
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Submit the following supporting evidence to prove your eligibility:
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A copy of your current Form I-797 approval notice for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status; or
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A copy of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, showing your admission as an H-4 nonimmigrant or your must recent approved extension of stay.
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Copy of marriage certificate.
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Copy of your last EAD (if applicable).
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Copy of your passport's biometrics page.
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A visa issued by a foreign consulate or national identity document bearing your photograph.
Learn more about the H-4 Dependent spouses visa.
4. Visitor Visa
Foreign nationals travelling to the United States for tourism will need a B-2 or combined B1/B2 visitor visa, unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Travelling for pleasure or tourism may entail a short visit for vacation, visiting family and friends, or for medical treatment.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: B-2 or B1/B2
Application Fee: $185.
Visitor Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
Learn more about the B2 or B1/B2 Visitor Visa.
5. Business visa
The B-1 Visa is for foreign nationals who wish to move to the United States to participate in business activities of a commercial or professional nature such as settling an estate, negotiating a contract, participating in short-term training, transiting through the United States, consulting with business associates etc.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: B-1
Application Fee: $185.
Business Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Prove that you intend to travel to your home country after your visa expires
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
Learn more about B-1 Business Visa
6. Temporary workers for seasonal agriculture
The H2A Visa allows foreign workers to come to the United States to work temporarily in agricultural occupations. The Visa only permits workers from certain countries which are listed on the official USCIS page.
The list of H-2A eligible countries is revised and published annually by the Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Department of State.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: H-2A
Application Fee: $185.
Visitor Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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A valid job offer from a U.S. employer who intends to hire temporary agricultural workers.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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Intention to return to your home country.
Learn More about the H-2A Visa
7. Temporary workers for non-agricultural professions
The H-2B temporary non-agricultural program permits employers who meet the program requirements to hire nonimmigrant workers to temporarily come to the U.S. for the sole purpose of providing non-agricultural services or labor temporarily.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: H-2B
Application Fee: $205.
Visitor Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Obtain a Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) - At least 60 calendar days before it is needed
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Submit the H-2B Application for Temporary Employment Certification Form ETA-9142B
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
Learn More about the H-2B Visa
8. Domestic employees
The B-1 Visa allows employers to travel to the US with their domestic staff or employees.
Under this Visa, the Domestic Employees are granted the opportunity to move to the US with their employer if the employer is a US citizen and is traveling to the US temporarily.
The Visa is only granted if the U.S. citizen employer can show proof of a permanent home or is routinely stationed in a foreign country.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: B-1
Application Fee: $185.
Visitor Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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Show at least one-year experience as a personal employee or domestic worker.
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The employee has a residence abroad which he or she has no intention of abandoning.
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An employment contract that has been signed and dated by the employer and employee.
Learn More about the B-1 Visag
9. Exchange visitors - professors
J-1 visa is a type of US study and exchange visa that permits temporary stay while on an exchange visitor program in the US.
To qualify for a J-1 visa, you must apply for an exchange program to either study or work in the US through an assigned US sponsor.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: J1 Visa
Application Fee: $160.
J1 Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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must have health insurance coverage
10. Students dependents -dependents of an F-1 holder
An F-2 Visa is a dependent Visa for the spouse or minor children of an F-1 Visa holder.
The non immigrant Visa allows the dependent to live in the US for the duration of the F-1 Visa holder education duration. To be eligible for this Visa, you must either be a spouse or an unmarried child under the age of 21 of an approved F-1 visa holder.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: F-2
Application Fee: $160.
F-2 Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Complete the Form I-20
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
11. Students- vocational
The M1 visa is for students who want to enroll in technical, vocational or non academic studies in the United States.
Courses such as Cooking classes, technical courses, mechanical classes, flight school, cosmetology are considered vocational studies by the USCIS. Applicants who have gotten a valid admission offer from one of the courses listed above can apply for an M1 Visa.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: M1 Visa
Application Fee: $185.
M1 Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Proof of Financial Stability such as Bank Statements, Tax Information etc.
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Proof of Educational Qualifications.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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A DS-157 form for males between 16-45 years.
12. Training in a program
Foreign Professionals who wish to travel to the United States to participate in Training programs are granted the J-1 Visa. The Visa is designed to promote culture and to teach the foreigner U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: J-1
Application Fee: $185.
Visitor Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Five years work experience outside of the US
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A degree from a post secondary institution and at least one year related work experience outside the US.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
13. Employees of a designated international organization and NATO
Diplomats, government officials or employees of a designated international organization in the United States will require a G Visa. The US G visas are divided into five; G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4 and G-5.
Employees of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) who will work for NATO in the United States need NATO visas. The NATO Visa is classified into six: NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5 and NATO-6.
The G and NATO visas are required for official travel to the US.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: G or NATO Visa
Application Fee: $185.
G Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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A diplomatic note and/or travel orders that states your official purpose for coming to the United States.
Learn More about the G and NATO Visa
14. Foreign National With Extraordinary ability
The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.
This Visa is classified into four types; O-1A, O-1B, O-2 and O-3.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: O-1 Visa
Application Fee: $205.
O-1 Visa Requirements
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A petition with the USCIS filed by your employer on your behalf.
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
15. Religious workers
Temporary religious worker (R-1) visa is a non-immigrant Visa granted to individuals who wish to work in the US for a fixed period in a religious capacity. Ministers, priests, religious educators, translators, and missionaries can apply to work in the US via this Visa.
be a member of the same religious denomination as the religious organization you plan to work for in the United States for at least two years before that organization files a petition on your behalf
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: R-1 Visa
Application Fee: $205.
R-1 Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Applicants must have a two-year membership with a recognized religious denomination with a US affiliated NGO.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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The same religious organization in your home country must offer you a job of at least 20 hours per week in the US.
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Receipt Number for your approved petition as it appears on your Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.
16. Specialty occupations in fields that require highly specialized knowledge
This nonimmigrant Visa is granted to individuals who wish to offer services in a specialty occupation that normally require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent as a minimum requirement. The Visa is usually valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years.
A “specialty occupation” is defined as “an occupation that requires a theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.”
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: H-1B
Application Fee: $185.
H-1B Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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A Form I-129, Form I-129 H, Form I-129 H-1B Data Collection Supplement.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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Theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge.
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A Bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.
Learn More about the H-1B Visa
17. International Cultural Exchange Program - Q Visa (Indian)
Q1 visa is a non-immigrant Visa which allows foreign nationals to come to the US for cultural and employment exchange programs approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
The Q1 Visa was created for the purpose of promoting cultural exchange in the US by providing practical training and employment and sharing the history, culture and tradition of your country with the US.
During the time that the Q1 visa holder spends in the US, they will participate in cultural training programs that are given by their US employer.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: Q1 Visa
Application Fee: $205.
Q1 Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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filing Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker to USCIS and paying the $460 filing fee.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
18. Intra Company transferees
The L-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa granted to foreign specialized employees of a US employer. The Visa allows an executive or manager working outside the US to temporarily transfer from their branch outside the US to the company's branch in the United States.
To apply for the Intra Company Transfer Visa, the employer must file a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with fee, on behalf of the employee.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: L-1 Visa
Application Fee: $205.
L-1 Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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The US Company must guarantee as a sponsor for the employee's application.
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Both the local company and the U.S company must be linked by a qualifying organization.
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The employee must have worked for their overseas company for a constant period of 12 months in the previous three years.
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Applicant must be actively working with their employer in the U.S. and their home country as well
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In the case of the L-1A Visa, applicants must be working in an executive or managerial position.
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In the case of the L-1B Visa applicant, the employee must be working as a specialized knowledge employee.
19. L-2 for dependents
The L-2 visa is a non-immigrant dependent visa usually tied to an L-1 Visa applicant. The Visa allows spouses and unmarried children(under the age of 21) of L-1 Visa holders to join them in the United States.
So, as an L-2 dependent, your visa is valid for as long as the L-1 visa holder is valid. You are required to return to the US as soon as the L-1 Visa holder’s Visa expires.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: L-2
Application Fee: $185.
L-2 Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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Applicants must be the spouse or the unmarried child under 21 years old of the primary L-1 visa holder. Same sex partners are also eligible to apply.
20. Work visa on a temporary basis
Temporary worker Visa is for a foreign citizen who wishes to work in the United States for a limited time.
There are 11 temporary worker visa categories including the H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L, O, P-1,P-2, P-3, Q-1.
Most applicants for temporary worker visas must have an approved petition and the petition must be filed by the prospective employer on behalf of the applicant.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L, O, P-1,P-2, P-3, Q-1
Application Fee: $190.
Work Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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A Job Offer in the United States.
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Labor certification approval by the Department of Labor (DOL). Some of the work visas, more specifically the H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, and H-2B require a DOL.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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Proof that you will return to your home country once your employment ends.
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Applicants applying for an L Visa will also need to have a filled I-129S form.
Learn more about the temporary worker visa
21. Information media representatives
I visas are granted to representatives of the foreign media, including members of the press, radio, film, and print industries.
The Visa is only granted for a temporary visit to the United States and the applicant for this type of Visa must be traveling to the United States for the purpose of working in their media profession.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: I Visa
Application Fee: $185.
I Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
22. Treat Trader and Investor Visas
Treaty Trader (E-1) and Treaty Investor (E-2) visas are for citizens of countries with which the United States maintains treaties of commerce and navigation.
If you’re applying for an E-1 or E-2 visa, you must be coming to the US solely to engage in trade in services or technology, in qualifying activities, principally between the United States and the treaty country (E-1), or to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which the applicant has invested a substantial amount of capital (E-2).
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: E-1 and E-2
Application Fee: $185.
Treat Trader Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
Learn More about the E-1 and E-2 Visa
23. Diplomatic and Official visas
Diplomats and other foreign government officials who wish to travel to the United States on official duties or activities on behalf of their national government must obtain A-1 or A-2 visas prior to entering the United States.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: A-1 or A-2
Application Fee: No Visa Fee
Diplomatic and Official Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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A Diplomatic Note - a written confirmation from your country’s government of your status and official purpose of travel.
Learn More about the A-1 and A-2 Visa
24. Fiancee and spouse visa
A K-1 visa which is the valid Visa type for a Fiancé Visa is for couples who are engaged or not yet married but have plans to marry within 90 days in the United States. The Visa is temporary and it allows the fiancé(e) to enter the country for the purpose of marriage, after which they can apply for a Green Card to become a permanent resident.
For the spouse Visa, the CR-1 visa is required and it is specifically granted for couples who are already married or plan to be married outside the U.S.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: K-1 or CR-1
Application Fee: $185.
Fiancé or Spouse Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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A valid Birth Certificate.
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Divorce decrees or death certificates (if previously married).
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Police certificates from countries where you've lived for more than six months.
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Evidence of your relationship with your U.S. citizen fiancé(e).
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Fill the Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e),
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
Learn More about the Fiancé and Spouse Visa
25. Employer-sponsored visa
Employment-based sponsorship in U.S. immigration refers to the process by which a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a visa or green card to work or live permanently in the U.S.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: B-2 or B1/B2
Application Fee: $185.
Employer Sponsored Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
Learn More about the Employer-sponsored Visa
26. Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
The legal spouse of a U.S citizen can move to the US through two different Visa routes. The visas available for the foreign spouse of a US citizen includes the IR1 or CR1 Visa. To obtain these visas, the foreign spouse will be required to fill the Form I-130 which is an immigrant Petition for Alien Relatives.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: IR1 or CR1
Application Fee: $185.
Spouse of a Citizen Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
Learn More about the IR1 or CR1Visa
27. Spouse of a U.S. Citizen awaiting approval of an I-130 immigrant petition
The K-3 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign-citizen spouse of a United States (U.S.) citizen who could be awaiting approval of an I-130 immigrant position.
This visa is granted to shorten the period of physical separation between the U.S citizen and the spouse. So the spouse of the US citizen awaiting approval of the I-130 immigrant petition has the opportunity to obtain a nonimmigrant K-3 visa overseas and enter the United States to await approval of the immigrant visa petition.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: K-3
Application Fee: $185.
K-3 Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Submit valid civil documents such as the original(s) (or certified copies) and photocopies of the following:
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Birth certificate
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Marriage certificate for the marriage to the U.S. citizen spouse
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Divorce or death certificate(s) of any previous spouse(s)
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Police certificates
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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Proof of relationship with your U.S. citizen spouse
28. Employment creation / investors
The employment creation or immigrant investor Visa is offered in four categories including the C5 Visa which is required for employment creation outside a targeted area, the T5 Visa which is required for employment creation in a targeted rural/high unemployment area,the R5 Visa which is required fo Investor Pilot Program not in a targeted area and the Investor Pilot Program in a targeted area.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: C5, T5, R5, I5
Application Fee: $185.
Employment Creation Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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Fill the Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
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Proof of Financial Support
Learn More about the Employment creation/Investor Visa
29. Diversity Immigrant Visas (lottery).
The Diversity Immigrant Visa also known as the DV lottery or Green Card Lottery is a B-1 visa type granted to lucky foreigners who wish to live in the United States.
The Visa is only available to certain people who meet the eligibility criteria which is: being a citizen of a country with a low immigration rate to the United States.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: B-2 or B1/B2
Application Fee: $185.
B-2 Visa Requirements
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A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the United States.
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A high school education or its equivalent, or two years relevant work experience.
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Fill the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
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Provide application fee payment receipt, if you need to pay before your interview.
Learn more about the Diversity Immigrant Visa
30. Returning Resident Visa
A returning Resident Visa is for a permanent resident or conditional resident (CR) who travelled outside of the US and has remained outside the United States for longer than one year, or beyond the validity period of a Re-entry Permit.
The PR holder will require a new immigrant visa to enter the United States if they want to continue living as a permanent resident. The Visa type is an SB-1 visa.
Category: Non-immigrant.
Type: SB-1
Application Fee: $185.
SB-1 Visa Requirements
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A completed Application to Determine Returning Resident Status, Form DS-117
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Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551
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A Re-entry Permit, if you have one
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Dates of travel outside of the United States (Examples: airline tickets, passport stamps, etc.)
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Proof of your ties to the United States and your intention to return (Examples: tax returns, and evidence of economic, family, and social ties to the United States)
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Proof that your stay outside of the United States was unplanned or for reasons beyond your control (Examples: medical incapacitation, employment with a U.S. company, etc.)
Learn More about the SB-1 visa
Conclusion
The Visa types mentioned in this will ease your visa application process. Search through them to figure out the Visa that matches your reason for travel to the United States.
