US Visa Options

Explore the main US visa categories by purpose. Each guide explains who a category is generally for, what it typically requires, and what the process involves — so you can decide which routes are worth investigating.

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Employment & Professional

Routes for professionals, specialists and people transferring within an international employer.

H-1B
H-1B — Specialty Occupation
For professionals hired into roles that normally require a specific bachelor’s degree or higher.
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L-1
L-1 — Intracompany Transferee
For managers, executives and specialised-knowledge staff transferring to a related US office of their employer.
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O-1
O-1 — Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
For people with demonstrated national or international recognition in their field.
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EB-1
EB-1 — Priority Workers
Permanent residence for people at the top of their field, outstanding researchers, and multinational executives.
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EB-2 / NIW
EB-2 and the National Interest Waiver
Permanent residence for advanced-degree professionals — and, via the NIW, without an employer sponsor.
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EB-3
EB-3 — Skilled Workers and Professionals
Employer-sponsored permanent residence for professionals, skilled workers and certain other workers.
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Study & Exchange

Routes for academic study, vocational training and designated exchange programmes.

F-1
F-1 — Academic Student
For full-time academic study at an approved US college, university, school or language programme.
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M-1
M-1 — Vocational Student
For vocational and non-academic training programmes, such as technical or trade courses.
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J-1
J-1 — Exchange Visitor
For approved exchange programmes: research scholars, professors, trainees, interns and others.
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Business & Investment

Routes for traders, investors and people establishing or acquiring a US business.

E-2
E-2 — Treaty Investor
For nationals of treaty countries investing a substantial amount in a US business they will direct.
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E-1
E-1 — Treaty Trader
For nationals of treaty countries carrying on substantial trade principally between that country and the US.
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EB-5
EB-5 — Immigrant Investor
Permanent residence through a qualifying investment that creates jobs for US workers.
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Family Immigration

Routes for close relatives of US citizens and lawful permanent residents.

IR
Immediate Relative of a US Citizen
Permanent residence for spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of US citizens.
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F1–F4
Family Preference Categories
Permanent residence for other qualifying relatives of citizens and permanent residents, subject to annual limits.
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K-1
K-1 — Fiancé(e) of a US Citizen
For fiancé(e)s of US citizens travelling to marry within 90 days of arrival.
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Visitor

Short-term routes for business trips, tourism, family visits and medical treatment.

B-1
B-1 — Business Visitor
For short business trips: meetings, negotiations, conferences and professional consultations.
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B-2
B-2 — Tourism, Family and Medical Visitor
For tourism, visiting family and friends, and travelling for medical treatment.
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General information on this page is drawn from published guidance by USCIS and the U.S. Department of State. Always verify current requirements at the official source before acting.

Your next step

Answer a few questions about your situation and a consultant will review your responses and explain the options worth exploring.

Takes about 7–10 minutes

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