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 (Free Trade Agreement Professionals): This visa is a variant of the H-1B visa, specifically for nationals of Singapore and Chile, as part of the Free Trade 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 after meeting certain requirements, including having resided in the U.S. for a minimum period.   To qualify for an N visa, applicants must be able to demonstrate their relationship to a special immigrant who has acquired legal permanent residence under the G-4 or NATO-6 visa categories, or to an N-8 visa holder in the case of N-9 visa applicants. The application process involves filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and, if approved, applying for the N visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.

An N8 visa is exclusively for the parent of a Special Immigrant.

An N9 visa is exclusively for the child of a Special Immigrant.

Category O visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in the fields of science, arts, education, business, or athletics, as well as those in the motion picture or television industry. These visas allow such individuals to work temporarily in the United States to contribute their unique skills or talents. Category O visas are divided into several subcategories:   O-1A Visa (Extraordinary Ability in Sciences, Education, Business, or Athletics): This visa is for individuals with a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in their field and who are coming to the U.S. to work in their area of expertise.   O-1B Visa (Extraordinary Ability in Arts, Motion Picture, or Television Industry): This visa is for individuals with a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the arts, motion picture, or television industry, and who are coming to the U.S. to work on a specific project or event.   O-2 Visa (Support Personnel): This visa is for individuals who will accompany and assist O-1 visa holders in their performance, and who have critical skills and experience that cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker.   O-3 Visa (Dependents of O Visa Holders): This visa is for the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of O-1 and O-2 visa holders. O-3 visa holders may study in the U.S. but are not permitted to work.   To qualify for an O visa, applicants must demonstrate their extraordinary ability or achievement through sustained national or international acclaim, and must be coming to the U.S. to work on a specific project, event, or performance. A U.S. employer, agent, or organization must file a petition on behalf of the applicant with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition should include evidence of the applicant's extraordinary ability, as well as a written advisory opinion from a peer group, labor organization, or management organization, depending on the field of expertise.

An O1 visa is granted to foreign nationals with expert knowledge and extraordinary abilities in the areas of art, business, science, athletics, or education.

If the holder of an O1 has a spouse that would like to travel with them. The spouse must obtain an O2 visa before entering the U.S.

If the holder of an O1 has a minor child that would like to travel with them. The child must obtain an O3 visa before entering the U.S.

Category P visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for internationally recognized artists, entertainers, athletes, and culturally unique performers who are coming to the United States to participate in specific events, performances, or competitions. Category P visas are divided into several subcategories:   P-1A Visa (Internationally Recognized Athletes): This visa is for individual athletes or members of athletic teams who have achieved international recognition in their sport and are coming to the U.S. to participate in competitions or events.   P-1B Visa (Internationally Recognized Entertainment Groups): This visa is for members of internationally recognized entertainment groups who are coming to the U.S. to perform in their specific field.   P-2 Visa (Artist or Entertainer Under a Reciprocal Exchange Program): This visa is for individual artists or entertainers, or groups, who are coming to the U.S. to perform under a government-recognized reciprocal exchange program between the U.S. and one or more foreign countries.   P-3 Visa (Artist or Entertainer in a Culturally Unique Program): This visa is for individual artists or entertainers, or groups, who are coming to the U.S. to develop, interpret, represent, teach, or coach in a culturally unique program.   P-4 Visa (Dependents of P Visa Holders): This visa is for the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of P-1, P-2, and P-3 visa holders. P-4 visa holders may study in the U.S. but are not permitted to work.   To qualify for a P visa, applicants must demonstrate their international recognition, participation in a reciprocal exchange program, or cultural uniqueness, depending on the subcategory. A U.S. employer, agent, or sponsoring organization must file a petition on behalf of the applicant with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition should include evidence of the applicant's qualifications, as well as a written consultation from an appropriate labor organization or peer group, depending on the field of expertise.

P1 visas are granted to foreign athletes who wish to participate in an athletic competition on U.S soil. They can either do this by themselves or with a team.

The P2 classification applies to foreign nationals coming temporarily to perform as an artist or entertainer, individually or as part of a group, who will perform under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the United States and an organization in another country.

The P3 classification applies to foreign nationals coming temporarily to perform, teach or coach as artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group, under a program that is culturally unique.

If you are a P1, P2, or P3 visa holder and you would like your spouse or child to travel with you to the United States, your spouse or child must first obtain a P4 visa before entering the U.S.

Category Q visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for individuals participating in international cultural exchange programs. These visas allow foreign nationals to come to the United States to share their culture, history, and traditions with the American public while also gaining exposure to U.S. culture. Q visas are intended for practical training, employment, and sharing of the history, culture, and traditions of the participant's home country.   Q-1 Visa (International Cultural Exchange Visitor): This visa is for individuals participating in an established international cultural exchange program approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Q-1 visa program is intended to provide practical training, employment, and cultural exchange opportunities for the participants. The program must take place in a school, museum, business, or similar institution where the public can directly interact with the Q-1 visa holder and learn about their culture.   To qualify for a Q visa, applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess the necessary skills and experience to perform the offered service or training. They must also have the ability to communicate effectively about their home country's culture and traditions. A U.S. employer or sponsoring organization must file a petition on behalf of the applicant with USCIS. This petition should include evidence of the applicant's qualifications and the cultural exchange program's details, including its cultural component and its accessibility to the public.   There is no specific visa category for dependents of Q-1 visa holders. However, spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may apply for a separate visa, such as a B-2 visitor visa, to accompany the Q-1 visa holder to the United States. Dependents on a B-2 visa may study in the U.S. but are not permitted to work.

The Q1 visa allows foreign nationals to come to the U.S to participate in an established international cultural exchange program. The exchange program must provide practical training, employment, and sharing of the foreign national’s native culture, history, and traditions with the people of the United States.

According to the USCIS website, the Q visa exchange program is overseen by the Department of Homeland Security. “The Q cultural exchange program is designed to provide practical training and employment, and sharing the history, culture, and traditions of your home country with the United States.” According to the USCIS website, the J visa exchange program is overseen by the Department of State. “The program is are designed to promote educational and cultural exchanges between the United States and other countries.”

Category R visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for religious workers who wish to temporarily come to the United States to work in a religious capacity. These visas allow foreign nationals to work for a religious organization, engage in religious vocation, or participate in religious training or education.   R-1 Visa (Religious Worker): This visa is for ministers, religious professionals, and other religious workers who are members of a religious denomination and are coming to the U.S. to work in a religious capacity for their denomination or an affiliated organization. To qualify for an R-1 visa, applicants must have been a member of the religious denomination for at least two years immediately preceding the application.   R-2 Visa (Dependents of R-1 Visa Holders): This visa is for the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of R-1 visa holders. R-2 visa holders may study in the U.S. but are not permitted to work.   To qualify for an R visa, applicants must demonstrate their membership in a bona fide religious denomination with a nonprofit religious organization in the U.S. and their intention to work in a religious capacity. A U.S. employer or sponsoring organization must file a petition on behalf of the applicant with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition should include evidence of the applicant's qualifications, the religious organization's tax-exempt status, and the terms of the offered position.   R-1 visa holders may be admitted to the U.S. for an initial period of up to 30 months, with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional 30 months, up to a maximum of five years. After five years, R-1 visa holders must reside outside the U.S. for at least one year before they can be granted a new R-1 visa.

An R1 visa holder is coming to the United States temporarily to work at least part-time (an average of at least 20 hours per week) as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation. To qualify, you must have been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States for at least two years immediately before applying for the visa.

If you are an R1 visa holder and you would like your spouse or child to travel with you to the United States, your spouse or child must first obtain a P4 visa before entering the U.S.

Category S visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for individuals who have been helpful in the investigation or prosecution of a criminal organization. These visas allow such individuals and their immediate family members to come to the United States temporarily and receive protection from the criminal organization they have assisted in investigating or prosecuting.   S-5 Visa (Informant): This visa is for individuals who have provided information to U.S. law enforcement authorities regarding a criminal organization and are in danger of retaliation as a result. The S-5 visa allows the informant and their immediate family members to enter the U.S. for up to three years, during which time they may work and study.   S-6 Visa (Witness or Informant): This visa is for individuals who have provided testimony or evidence to U.S. law enforcement authorities regarding a criminal organization and are in danger of retaliation as a result. The S-6 visa allows the witness or informant and their immediate family members to enter the U.S. for up to four years, during which time they may work and study.   To qualify for an S visa, applicants must have provided information or testimony that is critical to the successful investigation or prosecution of a criminal organization. They must also demonstrate that they are in danger of retaliation as a result of their cooperation. A U.S. law enforcement agency must certify the applicant's eligibility for an S visa and file a petition on their behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).   S visa holders may bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the U.S. under the S visa category. S visa holders and their immediate family members may be eligible to adjust their status to legal permanent residence (green card holders) if they meet certain requirements, such as having been physically present in the U.S. for at least three years and continuing to provide information or testimony regarding the criminal organization.

The S5 visa allows persons who are witnessed or informants to seek protection in the United States. They assist law enforcement and provide information about a criminal organization in the U.S.

The S6 visa is given exclusively to terrorist informants. The holder of this visa must provide information that leads to the prevention, arrest, or conviction of terrorists and their activities.

If the holder of an S5 or S6 visa wants to bring their spouse or child with them into the United States, the spouse or child must apply for an S7 visa before entering the country.

Category T visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for individuals who are victims of human trafficking and who have assisted or are willing to assist law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases. These visas allow such individuals to come to the United States temporarily and receive protection from their traffickers.   T-Visa (Victim of Trafficking): This visa is for individuals who have been trafficked into the United States for labor, sex, or other forms of exploitation. The T visa allows the victim and their immediate family members to remain in the U.S. for up to four years, during which time they may work and study. After three years, T visa holders may be eligible to adjust their status to legal permanent residence (green card holders).   To qualify for a T visa, applicants must demonstrate that they are a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons, have complied with any reasonable request for assistance from law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the trafficking case, and would suffer extreme hardship if they were to be removed from the U.S. A U.S. law enforcement agency must also certify the applicant's eligibility for a T visa and file a petition on their behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).   T visa holders may bring their spouse, children, and certain other family members to the U.S. under the T visa category. T visa holders and their family members are eligible for certain federal and state benefits, such as access to public assistance programs and the ability to apply for employment authorization.

The T1 visa enables certain victims of a severe form of human trafficking (sex trafficking or labor trafficking) to remain in the United States for up to 4 years if they have assisted law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking.

The T2 visa is issued to the spouse of a human trafficking, illegal sex trade, or forced labor victim who possesses the T1 visa.

If the holder of a T1 visa has a minor child who would like to reside in the U.S with the T1 holder, the child must apply for a T3 visa before entering the United States.

The T4 visa is issued to the parent of a T1 visa holder. This visa allows the parent to live and work in the United States for up to 4 years.

The T5 visa is issued to the unmarried sibling of a T1 visa holder. This visa allows the sibling to live and work in the United States for up to 4 years.

Category U visas are nonimmigrant visas designed for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who are willing to assist law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting those crimes. These visas allow such individuals and their immediate family members to come to the United States temporarily and receive protection from their abusers.   U-Visa (Victim of Crime): This visa is for individuals who have suffered mental or physical abuse as a result of certain qualifying crimes, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other violent crimes. The U visa allows the victim and their immediate family members to remain in the U.S. for up to four years, during which time they may work and study. After three years, U visa holders may be eligible to adjust their status to legal permanent residence (green card holders).   To qualify for a U visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have been a victim of a qualifying crime, have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime, and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. A U.S. law enforcement agency must also certify the applicant's eligibility for a U visa and file a petition on their behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).   U visa holders may bring their spouse, children, and certain other family members to the U.S. under the U visa category. U visa holders and their family members are eligible for certain federal and state benefits, such as access to public assistance programs and the ability to apply for employment authorization.

The U1 visa is granted to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

If the holder of a U1 visa wants their spouse to reside in the United States with them, the spouse must obtain a U2 visa entering the U.S.

If the holder of a U1 visa wants their minor child to reside in the United States with them, the child must obtain a U3 visa before entering the U.S.

If the holder of a U1 visa is under the age of 21, and they wants their parent to reside in the United States with them, the parent must obtain a U4 visa before entering the U.S.

Category V visas were a type of nonimmigrant visa that allowed spouses and minor children of U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to enter and remain in the United States while waiting for their green card applications to be processed. However, the V visa program was terminated on December 21, 2019, and no new V visas have been issued since that time.   Existing V visa holders, as well as their spouses and children who are eligible to apply for V visas, are still allowed to enter and remain in the United States until they receive their green cards or until the expiration of their V visas, whichever comes first. However, no new V visas are being issued, and individuals who are not already in possession of a V visa will not be able to apply for one.   If you are a spouse or child of a U.S. lawful permanent resident and are waiting for your green card application to be processed, you may wish to explore alternative visa options that may be available to you, such as a nonimmigrant tourist or student visa. It is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to determine the best visa option for your specific circumstances.