U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas
Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who seek to enter the United States temporarily for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, study, or temporary work. There are various categories, each corresponding to the purpose of the visit.
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas
Purpose: Tourism, Business
- B-1 Visa For temporary business-related activities such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiating contracts.
- B-2 Visa For tourism, vacation, or medical treatment in the US.
F-1 and M-1 Student Visas
Purpose: Academic Study and Vocational Training
- F-1 Visa For academic students enrolled in U.S. colleges, universities, high schools, or language training programs.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available for F-1 holders after completing their program.
- M-1 Visa For students enrolled in vocational or technical programs. OPT is not available for M-1 students.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Purpose: Cultural Exchange Programs
- This visa allows individuals to participate in work-and-study-based exchange programs such as internships, training, research, and teaching.
H-1B Visa
Purpose: Specialty Occupations
- For professionals in specialized fields (e.g., IT, engineering, science) who hold at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. The visa is employer-sponsored and capped annually.
H-2A and H-2B Visas
Purpose: Temporary Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Workers
- H-2A Visa For temporary or seasonal agricultural workers.
- H-2B Visa For non-agricultural seasonal workers (e.g., landscaping, hospitality).
L-1 Visa
Purpose: Intracompany Transferee
- For employees of an international company being transferred to a U.S. office.
- L-1A For executives and managers.
- L-1B For employees with specialized knowledge.
O-1 Visa
Purpose: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
- Issued to individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as arts, sciences, business, or athletics, as demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim.
P Visas
Purpose: Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers
- P-1 Visa For internationally recognized athletes or members of an entertainment group.
- P-2 Visa For artists or entertainers under reciprocal exchange programs.
- P-3 Visa For artists and entertainers involved in culturally unique programs.
TN Visa
Purpose: NAFTA Professionals
- For professionals from Mexico and Canada under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in specific occupations (e.g., engineers, accountants, scientists).
E-1 and E-2 Treaty Trader and Investor Visas
Purpose: Trade and Investment
- E-1 Visa For individuals or employees of companies engaged in substantial trade between the U.S. and their home country.
- E-2 Visa For investors who have made a significant investment in a U.S. business and seek to develop and direct that business.
K-1 Fiancé Visa
Purpose: Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
- Issued to a foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. and marry their partner within 90 days.
R-1 Religious Worker Visa
Purpose: Religious Occupations
- Issued to individuals employed in a religious vocation such as ministers or missionaries, to work for a nonprofit religious organization in the U.S.
General Application Process
- Determine the appropriate visa category.
- Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- Prepare required documents (passport, DS-160 confirmation, visa fees receipt, photograph, supporting documentation for the visa type).
- Attend the visa interview.
How to Prepare for a U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Interview
A U.S. visa interview is brief but essential. The consular officer will assess your eligibility, intent, and ties to your home country. Proper preparation improves your chances of approval.
Pre-Interview Checklist
Complete DS-160 form – Ensure accuracy.
Pay Visa Fee – Keep the receipt.
Schedule an interview – Through the official portal.
Prepare Documents
Passport (valid 6+ months), DS-160 confirmation, photo.
Financial proof (bank statements, tax returns).
Travel itinerary, visa-specific documents (I-20, job offer, etc.).
Common Interview Questions
By Visa Type
B-1/B-2 (Visitor): Purpose of visit? Who is funding your trip?
F-1 (Student): Why this school? How will you finance it?
H-1B (Work): What's your job role? Who is your employer?
K-1 (Fiancé): How did you meet? When will you marry?
Interview Success Tips
Be Honest & Confident – Answer clearly, don't memorize.
Speak in English (if required) – Request an interpreter if needed.
Dress Professionally – First impressions matter.
Prepare for Extra Questions – Respond promptly if flagged for 221(g) (administrative processing).
After the Interview
Approved: The passport is kept for visa stamping.
Denied (214(b)): Reapply with more substantial proof of intent.
221(g) Processing: Submit requested documents quickly.