Nonimmigrant Visas

The ABCs of Nonimmigrant Visas

In the American nonimmigrant visa system, A is for diplomats, E is for investors, F is for students, and O is for individuals of extraordinary ability or achievement in certain fields. The options available for nonimmigrants have been compared to an alphabet soup.

A nonimmigrant visa allows a foreign national to travel to the United States for a period and a specific purpose. For example, a visitor for pleasure would need a B-2 visa to enter the United States as a tourist. This visa allows the visitor to remain in the United States for up to 6 months. However, compensated employment is not authorized. The B-1 visa is for individuals coming to the United States for business, such as attending business meetings or signing contracts.

People who wish to come to the United States to engage in specialty occupations or modeling for the fashion industry may qualify for an H1-B visa. The H program authorizes workers to come to the United States with their spouses and unmarried children under 21.

Foreign investors, executives, and entrepreneurs are welcome in the United States under various programs, including E visas (Treaty traders and investors), and L visas (intracompany transferees). Other visa categories, such as the O-1, may also apply. The period of authorized stay in the country and the availability or length of extensions will depend on the visa category and country of nationality.

The P visa category is appropriate for certain athletes, artists, and entertainers, whether individually or as a team or group member.

Individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics and those with a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry may come to the United States under O visa classifications.

Each visa category has a set of requirements and qualifications that can be quite rigorous. A thorough consultation with an experienced immigration practitioner is essential for a smooth process.