Immigration Q&A

A green card is an identification document issued to foreign nationals who have been granted permanent residency in the United States. Officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, it allows the holder to live, work, and study in the U.S. without needing a separate visa. Green card holders also enjoy various benefits, including access to certain social services and the ability to sponsor certain relatives for immigration. Although not synonymous with U.S. citizenship, obtaining a green card is a crucial step toward naturalization for those who wish to become U.S. citizens in the future.

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. Visa. This document is different from the passport issued by the traveler’s country of origin.

There are two different types of U.S visas—Immigrant and Nonimmigrant. Immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live permanently in the United States. Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals seeking to temporarily enter the United States for tourism, business, medical treatment, and certain temporary work types.

There are currently 27 different Nonimmigrant visa categories. You will need to apply for the visa that best fits your situation. Find out more information in the index below.

Category A visas refer to a group of nonimmigrant visa classifications within the United States immigration system that are designated for specific purposes and individuals. Category A visas include:   A-1 Visa: Issued to foreign diplomats, such as ambassadors, public ministers, and consular officers, who are visiting the United States to engage in official duties on behalf of their home country.   A-2 Visa: Granted to other foreign government officials and employees, as well as their immediate family members, who are visiting the U.S. to perform governmental functions.   A-3 Visa: Designed for personal employees, attendants, or domestic workers of A-1 and A-2 visa holders. These individuals must be employed by the A-1 or A-2 visa holder and must perform services that are part of their traditional duties.   Category A visas are intended for those engaged in government-related activities and do not cover individuals seeking to enter the U.S. for tourism, business, or other non-diplomatic purposes. Each visa category has specific requirements, and applicants must demonstrate their eligibility according to the guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of State.

Category B visas are nonimmigrant visas designated for temporary visitors to the United States for business or pleasure. They are divided into two subcategories:   B-1 Visa (Business Visitor Visa): This visa is designed for individuals entering the U.S. for business-related purposes. Examples of eligible activities include attending conferences, negotiating contracts, consulting with business associates, or participating in professional seminars. B-1 visa holders are not permitted to work for a U.S. employer or engage in activities that fall outside the scope of their specified business objectives.   B-2 Visa (Tourist Visa): This visa is for individuals visiting the U.S. for leisure, tourism, or to visit friends and family. B-2 visa holders may also participate in recreational study courses, receive medical treatment, or attend social events. Employment or enrolling in full-time academic study are not permitted under the B-2 visa.   Applicants for B-1 and B-2 visas must demonstrate their intent to return to their home country after their temporary stay, show sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their visit, and provide evidence of strong ties to their home country. It's important to note that the duration of the stay granted under a B visa is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry, not by the visa itself.

If you need to enter the United States to conduct business, you will need to apply for a B1 visa before you arrive. You need a B1 visa if you want to attend a conference, participate in scientific research, negotiate contracts, sell property, or perform other business activities.

B2 visas are granted to people who want to visit the U.S for tourism or pleasure. You can also apply for a B2 visa if you need to visit the United States for medical treatment.

Category C visas, also known as Transit C visas, are nonimmigrant visas designed for foreign nationals who need to travel through the United States en route to another country. These visas do not allow for extended stays or visits for tourism, business, or other purposes. Category C visas are divided into two subcategories:   C-1 Visa (Transit Visa): This visa is issued to foreign travelers who have a layover in the United States while traveling to another country. C-1 visa holders must have a confirmed onward ticket to their final destination and cannot stay in the U.S. for more than 29 days. They are not permitted to change their status or apply for an extension while in the U.S.   C-2 Visa (United Nations Transit Visa): This visa is specifically for foreign nationals who are traveling to or from the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York. It is granted to UN representatives, employees, and their immediate family members. Like the C-1 visa, the maximum duration of stay in the U.S. is 29 days, and status changes or extensions are not allowed.   C-3 Visa (Government Officials in Transit Visa): This visa is reserved for foreign government officials and their immediate family members who are transiting through the U.S. to another country. Similar to the C-1 and C-2 visas, the maximum duration of stay in the U.S. is 29 days, and status changes or extensions are not permitted.   C-4 Visa (International Organization Transit Visa): This visa is issued to employees of international organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the World Bank, who are transiting through the U.S. en route to another country. Like the other C visa categories, the maximum stay is 29 days, and changing status or applying for an extension is not allowed.   To qualify for a Transit C visa, applicants must demonstrate that their primary purpose for entering the U.S. is to transit through the country en route to another destination, and they must provide evidence of onward travel arrangements.

C1 visas are reserved for immediate and continuous transit through the United States to a foreign country. A C1 visa holder cannot stop in the United States while traveling to their destination.

No. If you have a Transit C visa and would like to visit the United States, you must also apply for a B2 travel visa.

Category D visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for crewmembers serving on board sea vessels or international airlines in the United States. These visas allow foreign crewmembers to enter and stay in the U.S. for the purpose of joining their vessels or aircraft, or to remain in the country during stopovers or layovers. Category D visas include:   D-1 Visa (Crewmember Visa): This visa is issued to foreign nationals who work as crewmembers on sea vessels or aircraft temporarily in the United States. Examples of eligible crewmembers include pilots, flight attendants, seamen, and other essential personnel. D-1 visa holders are not permitted to work on domestic flights or vessels, change their visa status, or extend their stay beyond 29 days.   D-2 Visa (Crewmember Departing on the Same Vessel): This visa is granted to foreign crewmembers who are departing the United States on the same vessel they arrived on. This visa is less common than the D-1 visa and is typically issued in specific circumstances. To qualify for a Category D visa, applicants must demonstrate their employment as a crewmember on an international vessel or aircraft, provide a valid employment contract or letter from their employer, and show proof of onward travel or departure arrangements.

No. If you have a Crew D visa and would like to visit the United States during your time-off or shore leave, you must also apply for a B2 travel visa.

F visas are nonimmigrant visas designated for international students who wish to study in the United States at accredited academic institutions. These visas allow foreign students to attend universities, colleges, high schools, private elementary schools, seminaries, conservatories, or language training programs. F visas are divided into three subcategories:   F-1 Visa (Academic Student Visa): This visa is issued to full-time international students pursuing academic studies at U.S. educational institutions. F-1 visa holders are required to maintain a full course load, and they may be eligible for part-time on-campus employment or off-campus employment under specific conditions, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).   F-2 Visa (Dependent Visa): This visa is granted to the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of an F-1 visa holder. F-2 visa holders are not permitted to work in the United States but may enroll in recreational or non-degree-seeking courses.   F-3 Visa (Border Commuter Student Visa): This visa is designed for Canadian or Mexican residents who live in their home country but commute to the U.S. to attend an academic institution part-time. F-3 visa holders are subject to similar restrictions as F-1 visa holders, including limitations on employment.   To qualify for an F visa, applicants must be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, obtain a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), pay the SEVIS fee, and demonstrate their intent to return to their home country upon completion of their studies.

Once a foreign national receives their acceptance letter from a college or university on U.S soil, they will need to apply for an F1 visa before arriving in the U.S.

If the person with an F1 visa wants to travel with their spouse or child, the spouse or child will need to apply for an F2 visa before entering the U.S.

Students traveling with an F1 visa are primarily in the United States to study. They must be enrolled full-time at their college or university. An F1 visa holder is eligible for future employment opportunities in the United States. Students traveling with a J1 visa are also required to be enrolled full-time in school, but they also have a cultural component to their stay. This component allows J1 holders to engage more fully with U.S citizens and the communities where they attend school.

H visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for foreign workers coming to the United States to perform temporary work in various fields. These visas are divided into several subcategories:   H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations): This visa is for professionals in specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Examples of such occupations include IT professionals, engineers, architects, and scientists. H-1B visa holders can work in the U.S. for up to three years, with a possible extension of another three years.   H-1B1 Visa (freeTrade Agreement Professionals): This visa is a variant of the H-1B visa, specifically for nationals of Singapore and Chile, as part of the freeTrade Agreements (FTAs) with the United States. Similar to the H-1B, it is for professionals in specialty occupations.   H-2A Visa (Temporary Agricultural Workers): This visa is designed for temporary agricultural workers from countries that have a bilateral agreement with the U.S. Employers must demonstrate a shortage of domestic workers and obtain a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor.   H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers): This visa is for temporary non-agricultural workers from countries that have a bilateral agreement with the U.S. Employers must prove that there are no available domestic workers and that hiring foreign workers will not negatively affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.   H-3 Visa (Trainee or Special Education Exchange Visitor): This visa is for individuals seeking job-related training that is not available in their home country or for participants in special education exchange visitor programs. H-3 visa holders cannot engage in productive employment unless it is incidental and necessary to the training.   H-4 Visa (Dependents of H Visa Holders): This visa is for the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of H visa holders. H-4 visa holders may study in the U.S., but their ability to work depends on their H visa holder spouse's status.   To qualify for an H visa, applicants must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer, meet the specific requirements for their visa subcategory, and demonstrate their intent to return to their home country once their temporary work is completed. The U.S. employer typically needs to obtain a temporary labor certification or fulfill other requirements before filing a petition on behalf of the foreign worker.

H1-B visas are granted to engineers, scientists, specialty occupations, models, etc., who plan to enter the U.S for a specific assignment related to their employment field.

This visa is granted to nurses who are working in areas with a professional shortage.

This visa is granted to foreign nationals who wish to work in the United States in the agricultural field temporarily.

This visa is granted to people who wish to engage in non-agricultural, seasonal employment. The H2-B holder can be entering a skilled or unskilled position.

This H3 visa is granted to a foreign national who wishes to receive work training in the United States. The H3 visa holder may stay in the United States for up to 2 years. The H3 holder intends to return to their home country when the training is completed. They will not seek employment in the U.S. Their companies usually sponsor the H3 holder to receive this training.

If the holder of an H1, H2, or H3 visa would like their spouse or child to travel with them to the United States, the spouse or child will need to apply for an H4 visa before entering the U.S.

Category I visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for foreign media representatives who work in the journalism, film, or broadcasting industries. The I visa allows these individuals to enter the United States temporarily for the purpose of gathering news or creating informational content for their foreign audiences. The I visa covers the following professionals:   Journalists: Reporters, editors, and other media personnel working for newspapers, magazines, wire services, or news agencies.   Film Crews: Members of film crews producing documentaries or other informational programs intended for audiences outside the U.S.   Broadcasters: Radio and television broadcasters working for foreign networks or production companies.   To qualify for an I visa, applicants must demonstrate that they are employed by a foreign media outlet or are working on a project under a contract with such an outlet. Additionally, they must show that their activities in the U.S. are journalistic in nature and primarily aimed at audiences outside the United States. I visa holders are not permitted to engage in general employment within the U.S. and must maintain their affiliation with their foreign employer throughout their stay. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 of I visa holders may be eligible for derivative I visas, which allow them to study but not work in the U.S.

Category J visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for individuals participating in exchange visitor programs in the United States. These visas promote cultural exchange, educational opportunities, and international collaboration. J visas cover a wide range of participants, including students, scholars, trainees, interns, teachers, professors, research assistants, and more. There are several subcategories within the J visa classification:   J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Visa): This visa is for individuals participating in approved exchange programs in various fields, such as education, research, training, or cultural enrichment. J-1 visa holders may work or study in the U.S. under the terms of their specific program.   J-2 Visa (Dependent Visa): This visa is for the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of a J-1 visa holder. J-2 visa holders may study and, with proper authorization, work in the U.S.   To qualify for a J visa, applicants must be accepted into an approved exchange visitor program, obtain a Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status), and demonstrate their intent to return to their home country upon completion of their program. Some J-1 visa holders may be subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement, which mandates that they return to their home country for at least two years before applying for certain U.S. visas or seeking a change of status. Exchange visitor programs are administered by the U.S. Department of State, and each program has specific requirements and guidelines. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the details of their chosen program to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.

The J1 visa is granted to foreign nationals enrolled full-time at a school in the United States. In addition to their education, holders of a J1 visa focus their visit on getting to know the people and places in the United States.

If the holder of a J1 visa wants their spouse or child to travel with them, the spouse or child will need to apply for a J2 visa before entering the U.S.

Students traveling with an F1 visa are primarily in the United States to study. They must be enrolled full-time at their college or university. An F1 visa holder is eligible for future employment opportunities in the United States. Students traveling with a J1 visa are also required to be enrolled full-time in school, but they also have a cultural component to their stay. This component allows J1 holders to engage more fully with U.S citizens and the communities where they attend school.

A K1 visa, commonly known as the fiancé(e) visa, is a nonimmigrant visa designed for foreign fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens. This visa allows the foreign fiancé(e) to enter the United States with the purpose of marrying their U.S. citizen partner within 90 days of arrival. Following the marriage, the foreign spouse can then apply for an Adjustment of Status to obtain permanent residency, commonly known as a green card, which enables them to live and work in the U.S. long-term.

This visa is designed to inform the United States that a U.S citizen is engaged to a foreign national. This visa requires the engaged couple to be married before the visa expires in 90-days from the date it was issued If your fiancé(e) marries you within 90 days of being admitted to the United States as a K-1 nonimmigrant, he or she may apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States (a Green Card).

If a K1 visa holder has children under the age of 21 who wish to travel to the U.S with their parent, the child will need to apply for a K2 visa before entering the United States.

A K3 visa is granted to the spouse of a U.S. citizen. If a U.S citizen marries a foreign national while out of the country, the foreign national will need to apply for a K3 visa before entering the United States.

If a K3 visa holder has children under the age of 21 who wish to travel to the U.S with their parent, the child will need to apply for a K4 visa before entering the United States.

Category L visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for intracompany transferees who work for multinational companies. These visas allow employees to temporarily transfer from a foreign branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of a company to its U.S. office, or to establish a new U.S. office. L visas are divided into two subcategories:   L-1A Visa (Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager): This visa is for executives or managers who hold positions of authority and responsibility within the company. L-1A visa holders may work in the U.S. for up to three years initially, with the possibility of extending their stay in two-year increments, up to a total of seven years.   L-1B Visa (Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge): This visa is for employees with specialized knowledge of the company's products, services, research, systems, proprietary techniques, or management. L-1B visa holders may work in the U.S. for up to three years initially, with the possibility of extending their stay in two-year increments, up to a total of five years.   To qualify for an L visa, applicants must have worked for the transferring company for at least one continuous year within the three years prior to their transfer. The U.S. and foreign branches of the company must have a qualifying relationship, such as being a parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate. Additionally, the company must be actively engaged in business in both the U.S. and the applicant's home country. L visa holders may bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the U.S. under the L-2 visa category. L-2 visa holders may study and, with proper authorization, work in the U.S.

The L-1A nonimmigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer an executive or manager from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States. This classification also enables a foreign company that does not yet have an affiliated U.S. office to send an executive or manager to the United States with the purpose of establishing one.

The L-1B nonimmigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer a professional employee with specialized knowledge relating to the organization’s interests from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States. This classification also enables a foreign company that does not yet have an affiliated U.S. office to send a specialized knowledge employee to the United States to help establish one.

If the holder of an L1-A has a spouse or child that would like to travel with them. The spouse or child must obtain an L2 visa before entering the U.S.

Category M visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for international students who wish to pursue vocational or non-academic studies in the United States at accredited institutions. These visas allow foreign students to attend vocational schools, technical institutions, or other non-academic educational programs. M visas are divided into two subcategories:   M-1 Visa (Vocational Student Visa): This visa is for international students enrolled in vocational, technical, or other non-academic programs in the U.S., excluding language training programs. M-1 visa holders must maintain a full course of study and are permitted to engage in practical training after the completion of their program.   M-2 Visa (Dependent Visa): This visa is for the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of an M-1 visa holder. M-2 visa holders are not permitted to work in the U.S. but may enroll in recreational or non-degree-seeking courses.   To qualify for an M visa, applicants must be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, obtain a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), pay the SEVIS fee, and demonstrate their intent to return to their home country upon completion of their studies. M-1 visa holders are typically granted a fixed period of stay, which is the length of their program plus 30 days for departure or 30 days for practical training, up to a maximum of one year.

The M1 student visa is reserved for international students attending vocational schools and technical schools. M1 holders are not allowed to work while they are in the United States.

If the holder of an M2 visa wants their spouse or child to join them in the U.S, the spouse or child must obtain an M2 visa before entering the country. The M2 spouse is not allowed to work or attend full-time educational classes while in the United States. An M2 child may be enrolled in school.

Category N visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for the parents and children of certain individuals who have acquired special immigrant status in the United States. These visas allow the parents and children to join their family members who have gained legal permanent residence under the G-4 or NATO-6 visa categories. Category N visas are divided into two subcategories:   N-8 Visa (Parents of Special Immigrants): This visa is for the parents of children who have acquired special immigrant status under the G-4 or NATO-6 visa categories. N-8 visa holders may apply for adjustment of status to become legal permanent residents (green card holders) after meeting certain requirements, including having resided in the U.S. for a minimum period.   N-9 Visa (Children of Special Immigrants or N-8 Visa Holders): This visa is for the children of parents who have acquired special immigrant status under the G-4 or NATO-6 visa categories or the children of N-8 visa holders. N-9 visa holders may also apply for adjustment of status to become legal permanent residents