If you are entering the United States, there are many types of visas you may obtain. These visas fall into two main categories: non-immigrant visas and immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas allow you to remain in the country for a short term before returning to your home country.
On the other hand, an immigrant visa allows you to remain longer and may lead to a residency case for permanent immigrant status. Each category contains several visa options. You can learn more about what the different types of visas are and which one may fit your needs with a Lafayette immigration lawyer.
What Are the Different Types of U.S. Visas?
There are many different types of visas available to those who want to visit or immigrate to the United States. The primary categories include non-immigrant and immigrant visas. Each visa type has its own application process, rules, and requirements.
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
What Are the Different Types of Non-Immigrant Visas?
The U.S. offers several non-immigrant visas, including:
Tourist and Business Visas
You can apply for a B-1 visa to visit the country for business purposes, but not to seek employment. For example, you could enter the country to attend a work conference. A B-2 visa allows you to visit for reasons related to tourism, to visit friends or family, or to seek medical care.
Generally, these visas allow you to stay in the country for up to six months, though the duration can vary.
Student Visas
You can also apply for a student visa. These visas include:
- The F-1 visa for students who enroll in high school, college, a university, or a language training program
- The M-1 visa for students who attend technical or non-academic schools
- The J-1 visa for researchers, interns, au pairs, and other visitors in programs that promote cultural exchange
Some of these visas provide post-graduation options. An attorney can provide more information about visa types and the right choice for your situation.
Work Visas
The U.S. offers several work visa options to foreign nationals who wish to come to the country. This visa category includes the:
- H-1B visa for individuals in occupations that need technical or theoretical expertise
- L-1 visa for intracompany transfers
- O visa for individuals who work in the arts, athletics, science, business, or education
- P visa for internationally recognized artists, entertainers, and athletes
An attorney can provide more information about these non-immigrant visas and the steps you need to take to complete the application forms.
What Are the Different Types of Immigrant Visas?
The government offers several types of immigrant visas, including:
Family-Based Visas
Family-based visas allow U.S. citizens to sponsor the immigration of immediate relatives seeking permanent residency. Under the law, immediate relatives include:
- Spouses
- Parents
- Unmarried children under 21
Citizens can also sponsor other family members, including:
- Unmarried adult children
- Married adult children
- The children and spouses of permanent residents
- Siblings of U.S. citizens
You can learn more about the visa application process for family immigration from an attorney.
Employment-Based Visas
The government also offers several employment-based visa options, including the:
- EB-1 visa for priority workers, like researchers or executives
- EB-2 visa for professionals who have advanced degrees or exceptional ability
- EB-3 visa for professionals and skilled workers
Some people may apply for an EB-5 visa through the immigrant investor program, which allows individuals to seek permanent residency by investing in a commercial enterprise that meets specific requirements.
You can get more information about what the different types of visas are and which one might work best for you by reaching out to a professional legal team for help.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
Other Types of Visas
You may consider another visa type if none of the above categories work for you. For example, you may apply for a:
Humanitarian Visa
The U.S. offers some individuals who face violence or persecution protection through humanitarian visas. You must meet specific qualifications to receive this type of visa.
U Visa
Victims of some crimes who faced substantial physical or mental abuse may apply for a U visa. To obtain this type of visa, an individual must work with law enforcement.
T Visa
Individuals can apply for a T visa after falling victim to human trafficking. Individuals must willingly offer assistance to law enforcement to qualify for this type of visa. Both U and T visas can provide permanent residency.
"Great experience, from day 1 I felt like I finally had someone on my side and that feeling didn't leave me for 1 single moment."
How Do You Know What Type of Visa to Pick?
Deciding on what type of visa to apply for can feel complicated. You can work with an attorney throughout the visa application process to ensure you understand your options and can make the best choice for your situation.
Talk to Us About Different Types of Visas
So, what are the different types of visas in the U.S.? The main categories for visas are immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Our team at Galloway Jefcoat can provide more information about the visas we reviewed above and help you make decisions about your application.
We have decades of experience and are ready to address your needs today. Reach out now.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."