Logo

Nonimmigrant
Visa applicant smiling
Visas
Successful visa applicant

A U.S. nonimmigrant visa allows individuals to travel to the U.S. temporarily, such as tourism, business, study, or employment. One of the primary steps in the process is completing the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. This form must be submitted electronically via the U.S. Department of State website to apply for all nonimmigrant visa categories, including K visas for fiancés.

Here is a breakdown of the process, essential documents, and requirements to guide you through your application.

Person signing documents

Types of U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas: Categories and Eligibility

The U.S. nonimmigrant visa is for short stays in the United States. Each visa category has its own requirements and application process. Below is a breakdown of the most common U.S. nonimmigrant visa types and their purposes, according to the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs.

B-1 Visa:Business Visitor

The B-1 visa is for individuals traveling to the U.S. for short-term business activities, such as attending conferences or meetings or negotiating contracts. Domestic employees or nannies accompanying foreign nationals may also apply for a B-1 visa.

B-1 Visa:Athletes

For amateur or professional athletes competing for prize money only, the B-1 visa allows participation in U.S.-based competitions.

J Visa:Au Pair and Exchange Visitors

The J visa is for exchange visitors, including au pairs, professors, scholars, and physicians, participating in exchange programs that promote cultural understanding.

E-3 Visa:Australian Professional Specialty

The E-3 visa is specifically for Australian nationals working in a specialty occupation within the U.S. It is a type of employment visa similar to the H-1B visa but exclusively for Australian citizens.

BCC Visa:Border Crossing Card for Mexico

Mexican citizens who wish to visit the U.S. temporarily for business or pleasure may apply for the Border Crossing Card (BCC), which grants them temporary entry.

CW-1 Visa:CNMI-only Transitional Worker

The CW-1 visa allows temporary employment for workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) while the territory transitions to U.S. federal immigration law.

D Visa:Crewmember

The D visa is for foreign crewmembers working aboard commercial vessels or airlines in the U.S.

A Visa:Diplomat or Foreign Government Officials

Diplomats or foreign government officials who need to visit the U.S. for official government business must apply for an A visa.

G and NATO Visas:International Organizations and NATO Employees

Employees of international organizations or NATO are eligible for G1-G5 or NATO visas, depending on their status.

O Visa:Individuals with Extraordinary Ability

The O visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business, or Athletics. Accomplished professionals seeking to work in the U.S. highly seek this visa.

H-1B1 Visa:Free Trade Agreement Professional for Chile and Singapore

Professionals from Chile and Singapore may apply for the H-1B1 visa under free Trade Agreement between the U.S and these countries. This visa is similar to H-1B but specific to these two nations.

Q Visa:International Cultural Exchange Visitor

The Q visa is for international cultural exchange visitors participating in programs that share cultural traditions, history, and education.

L Visa:Intra-Company Transferee

The L visa allows employees of multinational companies to transfer from a foreign office to a U.S. office. It is for executives, managers, and professionals with specialized knowledge.

B-2 Visa:Medical Treatment and Tourism

The B-2 visa is commonly for tourism, vacation, or short-term medical treatment in the US.

I Visa:Media and Journalists

Media representatives and journalists traveling to the U.S. to report on events or news are eligible for the I visa.

TN/TD Visas:NAFTA Professional Workers

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Mexican and Canadian professionals can apply for TN or TD visas to work in the U.S.

P Visa:Performing Artists, Athletes, and Entertainers

The P visa is for individuals in the performing arts, including athletes, artists, and entertainers performing in the U.S. as part of an event or tour.

H-1B Visa:Specialty Occupations

The H-1B visa is one of the most famous visas issued to foreign nationals for specialty occupations that require specialized knowledge, such as IT, engineering, or finance.

F and M Visas:Students

The F and M visas are for students attending U.S. institutions for academic or vocational studies. The F visa is for academic programs, while the M visa is for vocational programs.

H-2A and H-2B Visas:Temporary Workers

The H-2A visa is for temporary agricultural workers, and the H-2B visa is for workers performing non-agricultural labor on a temporary or seasonal basis.

E Visa:Treaty Traders and Investors

Treaty traders and treaty investors from countries that have a trade agreement with the U.S. can apply for E-1 visa to carry out business or investment activities in the U.S.

C Visa:Transiting the U.S.

The C visa is a transit visa that allows foreign nationals to travel through the U.S. to another destination. Travelers passing through the country must present their C visa during their transit period.

U and T Visas:Victims of Crime or Trafficking

For individuals who are victims of criminal activity or human trafficking, the U visa and T visa, respectively, provide temporary residency while they assist in law enforcement efforts.

V Visa:Spouse and Children of Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)

The V visa allows the spouse and children of a lawful permanent resident (LPR) to reside in the U.S. while waiting for their immigrant visa applications to be processed.

K Visa:Fiancé(e) and Spouse of U.S. Citizens

The K visa allows the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. for marriage. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for lawful permanent residency.

These are just some of the various U.S. nonimmigrant visas available, depending on the purpose of your visit. It is essential to carefully review the U.S. nonimmigrant visa requirements for your category and ensure all documentation before submitting your U.S. visa application.

Submitting the Nonimmigrant Visa

Form (DS-160)

The DS-160 is the official form required for all U.S. nonimmigrant visa applications. It is submitted electronically, and U.S. Consular Officers use the information provided to determine your eligibility during the visa interview.

All visa applicants must complete this form, whether applying for business, tourism, student, or temporary work visas. The information you provide will help process your application alongside your personal interview.

DS-160 form interface
Business meeting

What You Need to Know Before Submitting a Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Before starting your U.S. nonimmigrant visa application, you will need to have several U.S. travel documents and information ready:

  • Passport - Your valid passport is required for the visa application. If you have not already made travel arrangements, ensure you have these details handy.
  • Personal History - If possible, provide the dates of your last five visits to the U.S. and possibly your international travel history for the previous five years.
  • Resume or CV - Some applicants, especially students or workers, may be asked to submit information about their education or work history.
  • Additional documents - Depending on the visa type, you may need other documents, such as your SEVIS ID for student visas or your I-129 form for temporary workers.

Additional Points to Remember

Person working on laptop
  • • You must have a digitally completed application and return to it later. You will be saved an application ID number, which you need to return to your application.
  • • Be sure to save your application frequently. The system times out after 20 minutes of inactivity.
  • • All answers must be in English, except for some instances where native language are required for names. Applications completed in languages other than English will be denied.

Scheduling Your Visa Interview

People in discussion

Once you have completed your DS-160 form, the following steps are crucial for processing your U.S. nonimmigrant visa:

  • • Print the DS-160 confirmation page. This is required for the interview. You do not need to print the entire application.
  • • Schedule a visa interview. You must arrange your interview with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. They will not schedule it for you.
  • • Pay the visa application fee. The U.S. nonimmigrant visa cost depends on the visa category and is subject to country-specific guidelines.
  • • Always check the U.S. Embassy website for the latest fee information.
Embassy building

What to Bring to Your Interview

You must bring the DS-160 confirmation page with your application ID for the visa interview. This confirmation is essential for retrieving your application. While you do not need the entire application, ensure you have your confirmation number during the process.

Bring all supporting documents and evidence submitted with your application. Additionally, gathering any extra documentation that can strengthen your case and increase your chances of receiving the nonimmigrant visa you are applying for is essential. This additional documentation may include proof of ties to your home country, financial statements, or other relevant materials that further demonstrate your eligibility and intent.

Completing the DS-160 form and scheduling your interview are the first steps toward obtaining a U.S. nonimmigrant visa. By understanding the U.S. nonimmigrant visa requirements and preparing all necessary documents, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a successful application process.

immigration question icon
immigration question icon
immigration question icon
immigration question icon

Stay Updated on Webinars

Subscribe to our webinar updates and get the latest information delivered to your inbox.