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Apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa

If you're planning a temporary stay in the United States — whether for study, work, cultural exchange, or religious activity — you'll need the right nonimmigrant visa. Each category serves a specific purpose and comes with its own eligibility rules and application steps. Below is a breakdown of the most common nonimmigrant visa types and what you should know before applying.

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Difference Between B-1 and B-2?

Most applicants receive a B-1/B-2 combination visa, allowing both types of travel.

F-1 Visa: Student Visa

Who it's for:

Individuals seeking to study full-time at an accredited U.S. college, university, high school, language training program, or other academic institutions.

Key Requirements:

  • •Must be accepted by a SEVP-approved school.
  • •Demonstrate ability to cover tuition and living expenses.
  • •Maintain a full course of study.

What to Expect:

  • •Must be accepted by a SEVP-approved school.
  • •Proof of financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses.
  • •Maintain a full course of study.

H-1B Visa: Specialty Occupations

Who it's for:

Foreign professionals with at least a bachelor's degree working in fields like IT, finance, engineering, and healthcare.

Key Requirements:

  • •Apply from a U.S. employer who files the petition.
  • •Position must require specialized knowledge.
  • •Annual cap applies, and there's a lottery system due to high demand.

What to Expect:

  • •Employer files Form I-129 with USCIS.
  • •If selected, attend an interview with proof of qualifications and job details.
  • •Initial stay up to 3 years, with possible extensions to 6 years.

J-1 Visa: Exchange Visitor Visa

Who it's for:

Individuals participating in an approved exchange program — including interns, teachers, au pairs, and students.

Key Requirements:

  • •Sponsor from a designated exchange program.
  • •Program must promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
  • •May be subject to a two-year home-country residency rule after completion.

What to Expect:

  • •Receive Form DS-2019 from your sponsor.
  • •Show intent to return home after the program ends.
  • •Must maintain health insurance throughout stay.

L-1 Visa: Intra-Company Transferee

Who it's for:

Employees of multinational companies being transferred to a U.S. office in a managerial or specialized knowledge role.

Key Requirements:

  • •Must have worked for the company abroad for at least 1 continuous year in the last 3 years.
  • •U.S. company must be a qualifying office (affiliate, parent, branch, or subsidiary).

What to Expect:

  • •Employer files Form I-129 with evidence of corporate relationship and your work history.
  • •L-1A is for managers/executives (up to 7 years); L-1B is for specialized knowledge (up to 5 years).

O-1 Visa: Extraordinary Ability

Who it's for:

Individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

Key Requirements:

  • •Must demonstrate national or international acclaim.
  • •Requires a U.S. sponsor or agent.

What to Expect:

  • •Submit evidence of awards, media recognition, or significant contributions.
  • •Fast processing available via premium processing.

P Visa: Athletes, Entertainers, and Performers

Who it's for:

Athletes, artists, and entertainers coming to the U.S. temporarily for performance, competition, or coaching.

Key Requirements:

  • •Must be recognized as outstanding in the field.
  • •Requires a contract or event invitation.

What to Expect:

  • •P-1: Athletes and entertainers.
  • •P-2: Artists under reciprocal exchange programs.
  • •P-3: Culturally unique performers.

R-1 Visa: Religious Workers

Who it's for:

Ministers and religious workers coming to the U.S. to work for a nonprofit religious organization.

Key Requirements:

  • •Must have been a member of the religious denomination for at least 2 years.
  • •The sponsoring organization must be tax-exempt and bona fide.

What to Expect:

  • •Employer files petition with proof of religious affiliation and job offer.
  • •Initial stay of up to 30 months, with possible extensions.

Tips for Success

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Always check current visa processing times and documentation requirements.

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Be honest in your visa interview and clearly explain the purpose of your trip.

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Prepare strong evidence of ties to your home country (especially for F, J, and B visas).

Nonimmigrant Visa FAQs

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