Overview of USA Non-Immigrant Visas
Non-immigrant visas are for people who want to visit the United States temporarily. The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. Here are the main categories of non-immigrant visas:
- Visitor Visas (B-1/B-2)
- Work Visas (H, L, O, P, Q)
- Student Visas (F, M)
- Exchange Visitor Visas (J)
- Crewmember Visas (D)
- Media and Journalist Visas (I)
- Treaty Trader and Investor Visas (E)
- Transit and Ship Crew Visas (C, D)
- Diplomatic and Official Visas (A, G, NATO)
- Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes Visas (T, U)
Detailed Breakdown
Visitor Visas (B-1/B-2)
Eligibility
Required Documents
Application Process
Cost
Processing Time
Eligibility
- B-1: Business purposes (e.g., conferences, consultations)
- B-2: Tourism, vacation, or medical treatment
Required Documents
- DS-160 Form
- Valid passport
- Recent photograph
- Proof of funds
- Ties to home country (e.g., employment, property)
Application Process
- Complete the DS-160 Form online.
- Pay the visa application fee ($160).
- Schedule and attend a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Provide required documents during the interview.
Cost
- Application Fee: $160
Processing Time
- Varies by consulate, usually a few days to a few weeks
Work Visas
H-1B (Specialty Occupations)
L-1 (Intra-company Transferee)
O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability)
P (Athletes, Artists, Entertainers)
Q (Cultural Exchange Program)
H-1B (Specialty Occupations)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field
- Required Documents: Labor Condition Application, job offer, employer petition
- Cost: $190 application fee, plus additional fees
- Processing Time: Several months, premium processing available
L-1 (Intra-company Transferee)
- Eligibility: Employed by the same employer abroad for 1 year within the last 3 years
- Required Documents: Petition from employer, evidence of qualifying relationship
- Cost: $190 application fee, plus additional fees
- Processing Time: Several months
O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability)
- Eligibility: Demonstrated extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
- Required Documents: Petition from employer or agent, evidence of extraordinary ability
- Cost: $190 application fee, plus additional fees
- Processing Time: Several months
P (Athletes, Artists, Entertainers)
- Eligibility: Internationally recognized athletes, artists, or entertainers
- Required Documents: Petition from employer or agent, evidence of recognition
- Cost: $190 application fee, plus additional fees
- Processing Time: Several months
Q (Cultural Exchange Program)
- Eligibility: Participation in an international cultural exchange program
- Required Documents: Petition from sponsor, evidence of cultural exchange
- Cost: $190 application fee, plus additional fees
- Processing Time: Several months
Student Visas (F, M)
F-1 (Academic Students)
M-1 (Vocational Students)
F-1 (Academic Students)
- Eligibility: Enrollment in an academic program, proficiency in English
- Required Documents: I-20 Form, SEVIS fee payment, DS-160 Form
- Cost: $160 application fee, SEVIS fee $350
- Processing Time: Several weeks
M-1 (Vocational Students)
- Eligibility: Enrollment in a vocational program
- Required Documents: I-20 Form, SEVIS fee payment, DS-160 Form
- Cost: $160 application fee, SEVIS fee $350
- Processing Time: Several weeks
Exchange Visitor Visas (J)
Eligibility
Required Documents
Application Process
Cost
Processing Time
Eligibility
- Participation in an approved exchange visitor program
Required Documents
- DS-2019 Form
- DS-160 Form
- SEVIS fee payment
Application Process
- Receive DS-2019 Form from sponsor
- Pay SEVIS fee
- Complete DS-160 Form
- Schedule an interview
Cost
- Application Fee: $160
- SEVIS Fee: $220
Processing Time
- Several weeks
Crewmember Visas (D)
Eligibility
Required Documents
Application Process
Cost
Processing Time
Eligibility
- Crew members serving on board vessels or aircraft
Required Documents
- DS-160 Form
- Valid passport
- Employment letter
Application Process
- Complete DS-160 Form
- Pay the visa fee
- Schedule an interview
Cost
- Application Fee: $160
Processing Time
- Several weeks
Media and Journalist Visas (I)
Eligibility
Required Documents
Application Process
Cost
Processing Time
Eligibility
- Representatives of foreign media
Required Documents
- DS-160 Form
- Valid passport
- Employment verification
Application Process
- Complete DS-160 Form
- Pay the visa fee
- Schedule an interview
Cost
- Application Fee: $160
Processing Time
- Several weeks
Treaty Trader and Investor Visas (E)
E-1 (Treaty Trader)
E-2 (Treaty Investor)
E-1 (Treaty Trader)
- Eligibility: Trade between the U.S. and treaty country
- Required Documents: Proof of substantial trade, DS-160 Form
- Cost: $205 application fee
- Processing Time: Several weeks
E-2 (Treaty Investor)
- Eligibility: Substantial investment in the U.S.
- Required Documents: Proof of investment, DS-160 Form
- Cost: $205 application fee
- Processing Time: Several weeks
Transit and Ship Crew Visas (C, D)
C-1 (Transit Visa)
D (Crewmember Visa):
C-1 (Transit Visa)
- Eligibility: Immediate and continuous transit through the U.S.
- Required Documents: DS-160 Form, travel itinerary
- Cost: $160 application fee
- Processing Time: Several weeks
D (Crewmember Visa):
- Eligibility: Crew members serving on board vessels or aircraft
- Required Documents: DS-160 Form, employment letter
- Cost: $160 application fee
- Processing Time: Several weeks
Diplomatic and Official Visas (A, G, NATO)
Eligibility
Required Documents
Application Process
Cost
Processing Time
Eligibility
- Foreign government officials, representatives of international organizations, and NATO personnel
Required Documents
- DS-160 Form
- Diplomatic note or official letter
Application Process
- Complete DS-160 Form
- Submit diplomatic note or official letter
Cost
- No fee
Processing Time
- Several weeks
Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes Visas (T, U)
T Visa
U Visa
T Visa
- Eligibility: Victims of human trafficking
- Required Documents: Evidence of trafficking, DS-160 Form
- Cost: No fee
- Processing Time: Several months
U Visa
- Eligibility: Victims of certain crimes
- Required Documents: Certification from law enforcement, DS-160 Form
- Cost: No fee
- Processing Time: Several months
Conclusion
USA non-immigrant visas provide a diverse range of options for individuals seeking temporary entry into the United States for various purposes, including tourism, business, work, study, cultural exchange, and more. Each visa category has specific eligibility requirements, documentation needs, and application processes. Understanding these requirements is crucial for a successful visa application. The process generally involves completing the DS-160 Form, paying the applicable fees, scheduling an interview, and providing the necessary documents to prove eligibility. Processing times and costs vary by visa type, so it is important to plan accordingly and ensure all requirements are met. Proper preparation and attention to detail can help facilitate a smooth and successful visa application process.
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