US Visa – Visa Types and Visa Policy of the United States

Complete guide to US visas. Information about all US visa types, requirements, the application process, fees, and more relevant details.

Traveling to the United States can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but navigating the US visa process can sometimes be overwhelming. If you are planning a trip to the United States, you may be wondering if you need to apply for a US visa, what the regulations are for citizens of Canada and Bermuda, and what types of visas are available. In this article, we will address these questions and more to help you better understand the US visa process.

Do I Need to Apply for a US Visa?

Whether you require a visa depends on your nationality and purpose of travel. Citizens of certain countries, including Canada, Bermuda, and some Pacific island nations, can visit the US for short durations without a visa under visa waiver programs. You can check the US Department of State website to see if your country participates in a visa waiver program https://travel.state.gov/.

All travelers are also required to have an electronic passport with biometric information which has a machine-readable zone on its biographic page.

Regulations for Canadian and Bermuda citizens

Canadian and Bermudan citizens are exempt from requiring any kind of pre-entry authorization, including an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), to travel temporarily to the United States.
Citizens of Canada are free to travel to, remain in, and even work in the US; they may even replace their passport with an Enhanced Driver’s License or NEXUS Card. Citizens of Bermuda do not need to get a visa to enter the US for visits shorter than six months.
Thanks to the “the Compacts of Free Association” deal with the US, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palauan citizens do not need a visa to enter, remain, study, or work in the US indefinitely.

US Visa Application

For all visa classes, the application process for a US visa is uniform and simple. There are variations, though, based on the nation from where you are applying as well as the category and kind of visa you wish to get. You may visit the relevant resources to find out more about the intricacies of applying for a US visa from various countries throughout the world:

• How to apply for a visa for USA from the UK?
• How to apply for a USA visa from Canada?
• How to apply for a visa for USA from Australia?
• How to apply for a USA Visa in Dubai?
• How to apply for USA Visa in Abu Dhabi?
• How to apply for a US visa from Qatar?
• How to apply for a US visa in Philippines?
• How to apply for a US visa in India?

US Visa Types

The United States offers a wide range of visa types, totaling around 185, categorized into two main groups:

• Nonimmigrant Visas: These are for temporary visits, including tourism, business, employment, family visits, and studying.
• Immigrant Visas: These are for those moving permanently to the US under immigrant investor schemes or family reunions.

Here are the main types of US visas:

• Visitor Visas: The US visitor visas are issued to those who want to go to the United States to visit for a maximum of six months and are divided into:
  • B1 visa for business visits.
  • B2 visas for tourism visitors.
• Student Visas: Academic and professional goals are the focus of the F and M visas. You will need to get an F1 or M1 visa, depending on your field of study and your school. The US student visas fall into the following categories:
  • F1 visa visa for students.
  • F2 visa dependents of F1 visa holders.
  • M1 visa visa for vocational purposes.
• Exchange Visitor Visas: Those who engage in exchange programs, practical training, or work within the United States are the intended audience for exchange visitor visas. The categories for these visas are:
  • J1 visa 
  • Q Visa
• Temporary Work Visas: These visas are issued for temporary work in the United States. Here are the categories of work visas:
  • H1B visa: For persons who have been employed in highly specialized fields.
  • H1B1 visa: For nationals of Chile and Singapore.
  • H-2A visa: Granted to temporary agricultural workers from selected countries in whom the US has some type of interest.
  • H-2B visa: Given to other types of temporary seasonal workers, who do non-agricultural work.
  • H-3 visa: Obtained by those who want to take advantage of training and education opportunities.
  • L1 visa Issued to intracompany managers or executives.
  • An O visa is required for those with what is known as remarkable aptitude in the arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics who wish to work temporarily in their field of specialization. O visas come in three varieties:
    • O1 visa – for persons with extraordinary abilities.
    • O2 visa – for the assistants of O1 visa holders.
    • O3 visa – for dependents of O1 visa holders.
  • P visas: are issued to sportspersons and their coaching teams.
  • Temporary Religious Workers who want to practice within the US in religious capacities need to get the R1 visa type.
  • TN/TD visas are for citizens of Canada or Mexico who will be working in the NAFTA organization.
  • E3 visas For nationals of Australia. who will be working in specialty occupations.
  • I visa For representatives of foreign media and journalists part of the press, film, radio, or print industries, who are visiting the US to work or participate in educational media activities.
• Treaty Trader and Investor Visas. The E visas are called Treaty Trader and Treaty Investor visas respectively, are for those who have treaties of commerce and navigation in the US. There are two types of this visa:
  • E1 Visa – treaty trader visa.
  • E2 Visa – treaty investor visa
• Diplomatic and Official Visas. Categories of official and diplomatic visas are the following:
  • The A1 visa is for diplomats or foreign government officials who are traveling to the US on official duties or representing their government.
  • The A2 NATO1-6 visa is designed only for foreign military personnel who are about to serve or be stationed within the United States.
  • If you have been employed in an international organization in the United States, you will need to get a G-1 to G-5 visa. Those who will work for NATO will get a NATO visa.
• Visas for Victims of Crime and Human Trafficking. The following visas are part of this type of visa:
  • T visas are for victims of human trafficking who have severe trauma, but can also assist in investigating crimes related to human trafficking.
  • The U visa is for those who have been a victim of certain criminal activities and that can aid in the investigation or prosecution of those criminals.
• Transit and Crewmember Visas. Here are the categories of this type of visa:
  • The C Visa is a Transit Visa USA.
  • The D visa is for crew members who will work on a sea vessel or international airline.
• Immediate Relative & Family Sponsored Visas. Here are the categories of the Immediate relative and Family Sponsored visas:
  • The F2A and F2B visas are for the families of Lawful Permanent Residents, more specifically their spouses, minor children, or unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 and above.
  • IR-2 visa – for unmarried children under 21 years old
  • IR5 visa – for parents of US Citizens who are at least 21 years old
  • F1 – for unmarried sons and daughters and their minor children
  • F3 visa – for married sons and daughters and their minor children
  • F4 visa – for brothers and sisters of US Citizens, and their spouses and minor children.
  • The IR3, IH3, IR4, and IH4 visas are for children from other countries who will be adopted by US citizen parent(s)
  • The SQ visa is for Iraqi or Afghan citizens who will be working for or on behalf of the US government and get Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs).
• Fiance and Spouse Visas. Here are the categories:
  • K3 visas are for spouses of US citizens who are in the process of obtaining permanent immigration status.
  • The IR1 and CR1 visas are for spouses of US Citizens.
  • Children of the K-3 visa applicants are eligible to receive K-4 visas
• Employer-Sponsored Visas. The following visas are issued for immigrant employees:
  • The EB1 visa is called an Employment First Preference Priority Workers visa.
  • Employment Second Preference Professionals Holding advanced Degrees and Persons of Exceptional Ability visas are for those who have labor certification and a job offer in the US.
  • The Employment Third Preference Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers visa is for those who have an approved Petition for Alien Worker filed by their employers.
  • Eb-5 visa for immigrant investors.
  • The SI visa is for Iraqi and Afghan Translators or Interpreters working with the US military and who meet certain requirements.
  • The SQ visa is for Iraqi or Afghan citizens who will be working for or on behalf of the US government and get Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs).
• Other Types of Immigrant Visas.
  • The Diversity Immigrant Visas are for persons who are deemed to be “diversity immigrants” meaning that they come from countries that have low immigration rates to the US.
  • The SB visa or Returning Resident Visa is for permanent US residents who for reasons beyond their control have remained outside the country for more than a year or their re-entry permit is not valid anymore. The SB visa grants them entry into the US again.

What is the Difference Between a Nonimmigrant Visa and an Immigrant Visa?

The duration of the visa holder’s stay in the United States is the primary distinction between immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Temporary nonimmigrant visas have an expiration date and require the bearer to return home straight away.

Green cards, another name for immigrant permits, are issued permanently. An immigrant visa allows a person to enter the US and remain there indefinitely; there is no time limit on how long they may stay before having to return home.

Differences between a Green Card and a visa

What Does a US Visa Look Like?

If you are issued a USA visa, it will resemble the image below. You should verify that all of the information is accurate and matches the information on your passport as well as the sample visa. You should get in touch with the US Embassy that issued it if it is incomplete.

Does Having a US Visa Guarantee Entry Into the United States?

Having a valid US visa doesn’t automatically mean you can enter the country. US border patrol at entry points is responsible for admitting travelers. Upon arrival, you’ll go through immigration and customs where officials will review your documents and background. They’ll decide whether to grant you entry, detain or question you, or prevent your entry, arranging for your return home if necessary.

Entry denial can occur for various reasons, mostly related to potential threats to US residents and visitors’ security and safety. It’s crucial to comply with all entry requirements and regulations to ensure a smooth entry process.

What Happens if I Do Not Get a US Visa?

Your petition or visa application may be rejected by USCIS or the US Embassy for a number of reasons. You could not be able to enter the United States because you are ineligible or because you have a criminal record.
You can file an appeal with USCIS or the US Embassy if you are denied a visa, or you can apply for a new one. It is normally advised to reapply instead of appealing, as the US Embassy will have a good reason for rejecting your application, which you may fix when you reapply.

How Long Can I Stay in the United States With a Visa?

US nonimmigrant visas have an expiration date since they are a temporary visa. The type of visa will determine this date. Certain visas are only good for three months, while others are good for three years.
You must verify the kind of visa you wish to apply for and ascertain its validity period upon issuance. You can remain in the US indefinitely if you have a US immigrant visa, which has no expiration date.

What to do When my US Visa Expires?

You have the option to renew your US visa if it expires by following a process that is comparable to the original application process. Every US visa has a stamp on the passport with the date of issuance and the date of expiration. Only when the visa’s expiration date has passed is it required to renew the US visa?

Can I Bring My Children to the US?

Parents can bring their children into the country with almost all US visas. However, the kids have to be minors, which means they have to be younger than 18 or 21, depending on the parent’s kind of visa. Unless they are completely reliant on their parents and unable to care for themselves, adult children are generally not granted a visa if one of their parents is granted one.

Can I Bring My Parents to the United States?

Since parents are not regarded as immediate dependents, the majority of visas prohibit parents from entering the country. To sponsor your parents or siblings for an immigrant visa, you must, however, review the Immediate Relative or Family Based Immigrant Visas.
Remember that it is advised that your parents obtain the proper health insurance coverage for the duration of their visitation in the US, given the high expense of healthcare in the country.

Can I Enter the US Without a Valid Visa?

Regretfully, you will not be permitted to enter the United States after your visa has expired and become invalid. If your visa has expired and you attempt to enter the country, you will be forced to leave by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). To be permitted to re-enter the country, you must obtain a visa renewal or apply for a new one.
Even though short-term visitors to the US are not required by law to carry health insurance, it is strongly advised that all US visa holders get travel insurance before their journey.

How Do I Become a US Citizen With a US Visa?

Obtaining US citizenship is a drawn-out procedure. It is rather challenging if you are on a US nonimmigrant visa as you cannot apply for citizenship directly. Obtaining a US immigration visa is a prerequisite. Certain US nonimmigrant visas are dual-purpose, meaning you can apply for an immigrant visa and alter your status after meeting the conditions.
It takes five years to retain an immigrant visa before you may petition to become a citizen of the United States. Use the links below to learn more about US citizenship:

• US citizenship
• US dual citizenship

Traveling Abroad as a US Visa Holder

Travelling to Europe

When traveling from the United States to Europe, it’s important to note that you may require a Schengen visa for entry. If this applies to you, it’s recommended to obtain Schengen visa travel insurance to cover your entire stay in Europe. This insurance provides financial protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies or trip cancellations, ensuring you can travel with peace of mind.

Travelling to the UK

For US visa or Green Card holders planning to visit the United Kingdom, obtaining a UK visa is likely necessary. This visa allows entry into the UK for various purposes, including tourism, business, or visiting friends and family. Having the appropriate UK visa ensures a smooth entry into the United Kingdom, whether you’re exploring its rich history and culture or conducting business.

What is USCIS?

The primary immigration authority providing US visas is the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In addition to receiving and reviewing applications, they also decide whether to grant US firms’ requests to hire foreign labor.
The USCIS maintains comprehensive information on all immigrants residing in the country and issues visa-related paperwork. For all immigrant visa applications that they process and decide, as well as nonimmigrant employment visas, USCIS is more pertinent.