B1/B2
Purpose: Tourism, Visit, and Business Visas
- B1: Business purposes (meetings, conferences, contracts)
- B2: Tourism, visiting friends/family, medical treatment, recreation
- Validity: Temporary, usually up to 6 months
F1
Purpose: Academic Student Visas
- For international students at accredited U.S. institutions
- Must enroll full-time, maintain student status
M1
Purpose: Vocational Student Visas
- For students pursuing non-academic/vocational programs
- Must enroll full-time
J1
Purpose: Exchange Visitor Visas
- For cultural exchange programs (academic studies, internships, research)
- Sponsored by educational/non-profit organizations
- Adjustable-length stays
H1B
Purpose: Specialty Occupation Visas
- For foreign professionals in specialty occupations (IT, engineering, healthcare)
- Employer-sponsored, typically granted for 3 years (extension possible)
H1B1
Purpose: Free Trade Agreement Visas (Singapore, Chile)
- Similar to H1B, for professionals from Singapore and Chile
- Streamlined application process, valid for 1 year (extensions possible)
H2A
Purpose: Temporary Agricultural Worker Visas
- For foreign nationals performing temporary agricultural labor
- Seasonal program, employers must prove no adverse effect on local workers
H2B
Purpose: Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visas
- For foreign workers in temporary/non-agricultural jobs (hospitality, construction)
- Employers must demonstrate need for foreign labor, cannot displace U.S. workers
L1
Purpose: Intra Company Transferee Visas
- For companies transferring employees from foreign offices to U.S. locations
- Two types: L1A (managers/executives), L1B (specialized knowledge)
- Validity: L1A (up to 7 years), L1B (up to 5 years)
O1
Purpose: Extraordinary Ability Visas
- For individuals with extraordinary ability in their field (arts, sciences, business)
- Must demonstrate sustained national/international acclaim, provide substantial evidence
- Validity: Duration of event/performance/activity (typically up to 3 years, extensions available)
P1
Purpose: Internationally Recognized Athlete or Entertainment Group Visas
- For athletes/entertainers with extraordinary ability, participating in international competitions/events
Q1
Purpose: International Cultural Exchange Visas
- For participants in established international cultural exchange programs
R1
Purpose: Temporary Nonimmigrant Religious Worker Visas
- For religious workers performing temporary religious duties
- Must be members of a religious denomination with a U.S. nonprofit organization