Guide to U.S. Visa Types

Understanding U.S. Visas

U.S. visas fall into two main categories: immigrant visas (for permanent residence) and non-immigrant visas (for temporary stays).

Immigrant vs. Non-Immigrant Visas

Immigrant Visas lead to permanent residence (green card):

• Family-based immigrant visas
• Employment-based immigrant visas
• Diversity Visa Lottery
• Special immigrant visas

Non-Immigrant Visas are temporary:

• Work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1)
• Student visas (F-1, J-1, M-1)
• Tourist/Business visas (B-1/B-2)
• Exchange visitor visas
• And many others

Dual Intent

Some visas allow "dual intent" - you can intend to stay temporarily AND pursue permanent residence:

• H-1B
• L-1
• O-1

Other visas require "non-immigrant intent" - you must intend to return home:

• B-1/B-2
• F-1 (with some flexibility)
• Most others

Work Visas

H-1B Specialty Occupation

Who qualifies:

• Workers in specialty occupations requiring bachelor's degree or higher
• Examples: engineers, IT professionals, scientists, architects

Key features:

• Annual cap of 65,000 + 20,000 for U.S. master's degrees
• Lottery selection (March each year)
• Initial 3 years, extendable to 6
• Dual intent allowed
• Employer sponsorship required

L-1 Intracompany Transferee

Who qualifies:

• Managers, executives, or specialized knowledge workers
• Transferring from foreign office to U.S. office of same company
• Worked abroad for 1 year in past 3 years

Key features:

• L-1A (managers/executives): 7 years maximum
• L-1B (specialized knowledge): 5 years maximum
• No annual cap
• Dual intent allowed

O-1 Extraordinary Ability

Who qualifies:

• Individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
• Must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim

Key features:

• No annual cap
• Initial 3 years, unlimited extensions
• Very high standard of evidence required

E-2 Treaty Investor

Who qualifies:

• Citizens of treaty countries
• Investing substantial capital in U.S. business
• Business must not be marginal

Key features:

• No minimum investment amount (but must be "substantial")
• 2-year increments, unlimited renewals
• Does NOT lead to green card directly

Student Visas

F-1 Academic Student

Who qualifies:

• Accepted to SEVP-certified school
• Full-time student pursuing academic program
• Sufficient funds to support study

Key features:

• Duration of status (D/S) - valid as long as maintaining student status
• Can work on-campus (20 hrs/week during school, full-time during breaks)
• OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation
• STEM OPT extension for eligible fields (additional 24 months)

J-1 Exchange Visitor

Who qualifies:

• Participants in designated exchange programs
• Categories include research scholars, professors, au pairs, summer work travel

Key features:

• Specific to program category
• Some subject to 2-year home residency requirement
• Work authorization depends on category

M-1 Vocational Student

Who qualifies:

• Accepted to vocational/non-academic program
• Examples: culinary arts, technical training

Key features:

• Limited to 1 year
• More limited work authorization than F-1