NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

VWT
Citizens of certain countries, such as the U.K., France, Italy, Sweden, Germany, Argentina, Ireland, Australia, Spain and Japan, may enter the US for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program. The length of stay is limited to 90 days and no change of status is permitted.

B-1 Visa
The "Business Visa" is for qualifying nationals of countries around the world who can demonstrate a business-related reason for visiting the United States. Length of stay is limited to one year.

B-2 Visa
A "Visitor Visa" or "Tourist Visa" allows travel for touring, visiting, obtaining healthcare, etc. The trips are temporary and may not involve employment. Length of stay is limited to one year.

E-1 Visa
You can qualify for this "Treaty Trader Visa" if: (1) you are a citizen of a country having a treaty with the US; (2) you are coming to work for a US company where half of the business is represented by your country of origin;(3) you are the owner of the business or a "key employee" and; (4) at least 50% of the business is owned by nationals of your country. Approval is fast and can be renewed indefinitely. Can be converted to a Green Card as an executive or manager.

E-2 Visa
You can qualify for this "Treaty Investor Visa" if you are a citizen of a country that has an investment treaty with the US, and you are coming to work for a US business backed by substantial investment from nationals of your home country. You can own the business or be a "key employee" of the business that is owned by at least 50% of other nationals of your country. Passive investments do not qualify. Approval is generally rapid and can be renewed indefinitely.

F-1 Visa
This is a "Student Visa." You must be accepted by a US private school, college or university, in addition to satisfying certain other formalities. The visa is valid for the duration of your course of study in the US school or university.

G Visa
Representatives of international organizations such as the United Nations.

H-1B Visa
For "professionals"- generally requiring a bachelor's degree or, in the absence, substantial high-level work experience. You must be sponsored by a US employer for a "professional" level specialty occupation and must be able to document your qualifications. Length of stay is up to 6 years.

H-2B
Used for nonagricultural worker coming to the US to perform employment of a temporary nature. You must be sponsored by a US employer and have the requisite background. It must be documented that there are no qualified Americans available for the position offered. Skilled workers are included in this group.

H-3 Training Visa
This visa is used by US companies (both large or small) to bring foreign employees (usually without university degrees) to the US for a temporary period to participate in a training program. The overall length of stay is up to 2 years.

I Visa
The "I" visa is issued to representatives of the foreign press, radio, film and information media. It is generally granted for one year and redeemable indefinitely.

J-1 Visa
The " Exchange Visitor" is used by foreign students, au pairs, scholars, business and industrial trainees and others to participate in US government approved programs for experience, studying or performing research. The length of stay, however, is limited to 18 months.

K-1 Visa
This " Fiancee Visa" allows you to come to the US for the specific purpose of marrying a US citizen. From the date of entry, you may have 90 days to marry (no extension). After the marriage, you must convert the K-1 visa to a Green Card.

L-1 Visa
"Intracompany Transfer Visas" allow managers, executives, or those with "highly specialized knowledge" to work for the US branch or affiliate of their present overseas employer. Processing is fast. Length of stay is up to 7 years for managers or executives. Can be converted to a Green Card for an executive or a manager.

O & P Visa
The "O" visa is for aliens of "extraordinary" ability in the sciences, arts, education, business and sports and those accompanying or assisting them. The "P" visa includes entertainers, artists, and athletes who are unable to qualify for status as aliens of "extraordinary ability" for the O-visa category.

R Visa
The "R" visa can be applied for by ministers (of any religion), religious professionals and other religious workers who have been members of a religious denomination with a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the US for two years immediately prior to applying for such visa.

TN Visa
Available to Canadians and Mexicans for designated occupations such as computer systems analyst, accountant, management consultant, etc. Valid for one year and renewable indefinitely.