A temporary visa (nonimmigrant visa) grants a non-US national permission to visit, study, work or travel in the US for a limited period of time. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows qualified nationals of certain countries to enter the US for no longer than 3 months for business visitor (not for work) or tourist purposes, but may not be extended or changed to another category while in the US. A Student visa allows study, and an Exchange visa allows temporary study and professional training in the US.

Work Visa Categories

H-1B Visa – Professionals

The H-1B visa is the most common work visa type. It is valid for an initial period of 3 years and renewable up to a 6 year maximum. Due to an annual quota, H-1B visas are in short supply, but in high demand. See also Physician H-1B visa for special requirements for physicians providing direct patient care, as opposed to teaching or research.

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E-3 Visa – Australian Professionals

Qualified Australian nationals with a job offer from a US company may be issued US work authorization under the temporary E-3 visa category.

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H-1B1 Visa – Professionals from Chile or Singapore

The H-1B1 visa has essentially the same requirements as the H-1B visa but is issued only to nationals of Chile or Singapore.

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TN – Canada and Mexico

The Trade NAFTA or TN category is similar to the H-1B visa, but it is available only to Canadian and Mexican nationals who are engaged at a professional level in an occupation specifically cited on the TN list.

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L-1 Visa: Intracompany Transfer

The L-1 visa enables certain managers, executives or individuals with “specialized knowledge” to be transferred to a US branch or affiliate for 5 (L-1B, “specialized knowledge” employees) to 7 years (L-1A, executives and managers). An L-1 visa may later be converted to a Green Card (see below, EB-1 Multinational Executives – Managers, the permanent visa version of the L-1A visa intracompany transferee category; see also PERM).

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E Visa: E-1 Trader – E-2 Investor

Traders and investors, their families, and qualified employees may be eligible for temporary entry and work in the US under the E-1 visa and E-2 visa categories.

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I Visa: Information Media

Temporary visas for representatives of information media is generally issued for one year and renewable indefinitely.

O-1 Visa Extraordinary Ability – O-1 Artist Visa

The O-1 visa is for individuals who can exhibit “extraordinary ability” in the arts, sciences, education, business or athletics. Standards differ substantially depending on whether the O-1 candidate specializes in business, sciences, education or athletics (highest standard), the arts, or the film and television industries (the latter two categories have substantially lower standards).

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P Visa: Entertainers and Athletes

The P temporary visa may be a viable alternative for some entertainers and athletes who do not meet eligibility criteria of the O-1 temporary visa, or who do not wish to go through the rigorous scrutiny required in the O-1 visa category.

Visitor Visas

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits nationals of certain countries to visit the US for tourist or business purposes (not including work or employment for a US employer).

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B Visitor Visa

The B Visitor Visa allows temporary visits to the United States. Length of stay is determined by the officer who admits the B Visa holder to the US, and usually ranges from 3 to 6 months. Extensions may be available for up to a year in limited circumstances.

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Student, Training and Exchange Visa Categories

F-1 Visa: Students

Foreign nationals who have been accepted by US colleges or universities and who satisfy certain other requirements may be eligible for this type of visa, which is valid for the duration of an applicant’s course of study.

J-1 Visa: Exchange Visitor

The J-1 visa category is open to foreign students, au pairs, scholars, doctors, medical students, business and industrial trainees and others participating in US government-approved programs for gaining experience, studying or performing research. Individuals subject to the Section 212(e) 2 year home residency requirement must obtain a J-1 waiver before changing to visa categories such as the H-1B visa, the L-1 visa, or before obtaining a Green Card.

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Temporary Family Visa Categories

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa or K-3 Spouse Visa

K-1 visas are available to individuals who plan to marry a US citizen, but who are currently outside of the US. Individuals granted a K-1 visa have 90 days from date of entry to marry; no extensions are allowed. After marriage, a K-1 visa holder must convert the K-1 visa to a Green Card. Spouses (K-3 visa) and minor, unmarried children (K-4) of US citizens are also eligible for the K visa.

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