There isn’t a one size fits all visa for any person who wants to travel or immigrate to the United States. That is why several visas are available, depending on the purpose of your trip.

What visas will be accepted in the United States in 2022?

The B-1 visa

is for business visitors coming to the United States to attend a meeting, negotiate a contract, or attend a training program.

How to Apply for a B-1 Visa

To apply for a B-1 visa, you should submit Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. You will also need to submit evidence that you qualify for the visa. This may include documents such as an invitation letter from the business you are visiting in the United States or a copy of your contract.

The B-2 visa

is for tourists and people visiting family and friends.

How to Apply for a B-2 Visa for Tourists and Visitors

To apply for a B-2 Visa, you must submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. You will also need to submit a passport-style photograph, evidence of your planned itinerary in the United States, and a fee.

The C-1 visa

is for crew members of a vessel or aircraft.

How to Apply for a C-1 Visa for Tourists and Visitors

To apply for a C-1 Visa, you can submit Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. You will also need to submit evidence that you qualify for the visa. This may include documents such as an invitation letter from the business you are visiting in the United States or a copy of your contract.

The D-1 visa

is for people in transit through the United States.

How to Apply for a D-1 Visa for Tourists and Visitors

To apply for a D-1 visa, the first thing is to get a tourist visa. Once you have the tourist visa, you can submit Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. You will also need to submit a passport-style photograph, evidence of your planned itinerary in the United States, and a fee.

The E-1 and E-2 visa

is for people who want to come to the United States to work in a business with a treaty with the United States.

The E-2 visa is for people who want to go to the United States to work in a company with a treaty with the United States. The main difference between the E-1 and E-2 visas is that the E-1 visa is for people who are coming to work in an already established business, while the E-2 visa is for people who are starting a new business.

How to Apply for an E-1 and E-2 Visa

To apply for this business treaty visa, the steps are very similar to applying for the L-1 visa. Refer to the L-1 Visa steps below.

The F-1 visa

is for students who want to come to the United States to study.

How to Apply for an F-1 Visa

To apply for an F-1 Visa, you should submit Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. You will also need to submit a passport-style photograph, evidence of your intended school and course of study in the United States, and a fee.

The J-1 visa

is for people who want to come to the United States to do an internship or train in a profession.

How to Apply for a J-1 Visa

To apply for a J-1 visa, you should submit Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. You will also need to submit a passport-style photograph, evidence that you will participate in an approved program, and a fee.

The E-3 visa

is for people who want to come to the United States to work in a specialty occupation. This is for people from Australia only.

How to Apply for an E-3 Visa:

Australian Specialty Occupation Visa

The process of applying for an E-3 visa is very similar to applying for an H-1B visa. Refer to the H-1 B visa application below.

H-1B Visa

is for people who want to come to the United States to work in a specialty occupation. This is for people from all countries.

How to Apply for an H-1B Visa

To apply for an H-1B visa, you should submit Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. You will also need to submit evidence that you qualify for the visa. This may include documents such as an invitation letter from the business you are visiting in the United States or a copy of your contract.

Similar Applications as the H-1B Visa Apply to the Visas Below

The O-1 visa

is for people who want to come to the United States to work in an occupation that requires extraordinary ability.

The R-1 visa

is for people who want to go to the United States to work as religious workers.

The TN visa

is for people who want to go to the United States to work in a profession listed on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) list.

What About Spouses and Children

The spouse and children of people who have E-1, E-2, L-1, F-1, H-1B, J-1, O-1, or R-1 visas can also come to the United States with them. They will need to apply for a visa in their own right. The spouse and children of people who have a TN visa cannot come to the United States. They will need to apply for their visa.

For more information on visas, please visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website or contact them at 1-800-375-5283.

Ask an Immigration Lawyer for More Detailed Information

Contact Ruby Powers Law if you would like more detailed information on the visas mentioned in this article or if you would like assistance filing for a visa. Ruby Powers Law is an immigration law firm that can help you with all of your visa needs. You can contact them at (713) 574-9922 or info@rubypowerslaw.com.