The definitive list of types of non-immigrant visas for the US
You want to come to the US. There are too many options! Where does one start? How many visas can there possibly be? What visa do I need to come to the United States!?
Here is a definitive list of every single visa there is. If you still don’t know, try our visa wizard at whatvisadoineed.us - it only takes one minute.
B-1: Visitor Visa
Who’s it for: Athletes (competing for prize money), businessmen attending a conference or meetings.
How long does it last: Depending on the country, but generally a B-1 visa will allow you to come for 6 months. It is multiple entry so it can be used over a long period of time.
B-2: Visitor Visa
Who’s it for: vacationers, tourists, persons seeking medical treatment.
How long does it last: Depending on the country, but generally a B-1 visa will allow you to come for 6 months. It is multiple entry so it can be used over a long period of time.
J: Exchange Visitor Visa
Who’s it for: Au pair, camp counselor, government visitor, intern, physicians, professor or research scholar on exchange, short-term scholar, specialist, student (on exchange), summer work travel, teachers, trainees.
How long does it last: A J visa can last up to 18 months.
E-3: Australian Specialty Visa
Who’s it for: Australian citizens with work in the United States.
How long does it last: Up to 24 months.
BCC: Border Crossing Card
Who’s it for: Similar to a B1/2 Visa, this is a card issued to Mexican nationals only.
D: Crewmember Visa
Who’s it for: pilots and flight attendants, captain, engineer, or deckhand on a sea vessel, lifeguard, cook, waiter, beautician, or other service staff on a cruise ship, and trainee on board a training vessel
A: Diplomat
Who’s it for: All those on diplomatic trips.
How long does it last: Varies.
O: Persons of Extraordinary Ability
Who’s it for: For persons with extraordinary ability or achievement in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or extraordinary recognized achievements in the motion picture and television fields, demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim, to work in their field of expertise. Includes persons providing essential services in support of the above individual.
How long does it last: 3 years
Q: Cultural Exchange
Who’s it for: For practical training and employment and for sharing of the history, culture, and traditions of your home country through participation in an international cultural exchange program.
L: Intracompany Transfer
Who’s it for: To work at a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the current employer in a managerial or executive capacity, or in a position requiring specialized knowledge. Individual must have been employed by the same employer abroad continuously for 1 year within the three preceding years.
How long does it last: 3 months up to 5 years.
I: Foreign Media
Who’s it for: Representatives of the foreign media, including members of the press, radio, film, and print industries, traveling temporarily to the United States to work in their profession engaged in informational or educational media activities, essential to the foreign media function.
How long does it last: the duration of your assigment
P: Athlete and Performer
Who’s it for: Artists and entertainers as well as personal or team athletes .
H-1b: Temporary Worker in a Specialty Occupation
Who is it for: This visa is for persons in the skilled labor force. They must be sponsored by an american employer on a petition to be eligible.
How long does it last: 3 years, renewable
R: Religious Worker
Who is it for: Members of the religious order coming to the United States to work as a minister or in a religious occupation.
M: Vocational Student
Who is it for: Students undergoing vocational training
How long does it last: For the duration of your training
C: Transit Visa
Who is it for: Persons from non-waiver countries who are transiting through the United States on their way to another country.
There you have it. Everything you need to know about non-immigrant visas. Got any other questions? Email us!












