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B-1/B-2 Visitor's Visas.
A visitor's visa allows one to visit the U.S. for business (B-1) or pleasure
(B-2). Most often, the consular officer will issue the visa as a combined B-1/B-2 visa.
A visitor in this category is allowed to remain in the U.S. for periods up to six months.
An extension of stay in this category is usually obtainable. |
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E-1/E-2 Treaty Trader and Investor Visas.
Nationals of countries having treaties of trade and/or investment with the U.S. may
receive this type of visa to invest a substantial amount in the U.S. or conduct a substantial
amount of trade between the U.S. and another country. These visas are issued for up
to 5 years, depending upon the treaty country. However, the visas may be renewed indefinitely,
making this a very favorable visa category.
Please see our in-depth analysis of E-1 / E-2 Visas
by clicking here |
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F-1 and M-1 Student Visas.
Persons seeking to pursue a full course of study at a school in the United States may
be eligible for an academic student (F-1) visa, or a vocational student (M-1) visa.
The F-1 allows the student to work up to 20 hours per week on campus and provides for
limited opportunities for outside employment relating to the field of study. |
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H-1B Specialty Occupation (Professionals) Visas.
Workers with at least a bachelor's degree or the equivalent may be eligible for an
H-1B visa if the job is one that normally requires a bachelors degree. The foreign
worker must also be paid at least the average wage paid to similar workers. H-1B visa
holders can stay in the U.S. up to 6 years. (Extensions are available in limited circumstances.) |
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K-1 Fiancée/ K-3 Spouse Visas.
A fiancée of a U.S. citizen may receive a K-1 visa to travel to the U.S. to
marry that U.S. citizen within 90 days of entering the U.S. A spouse of a U.S. citizen
may apply for a K-3 for permission to travel to the U.S. to reunite with the spouse
while an immigrant visa petition is pending. For both the K-1 and K-3, the couple
must then file additional paperwork in order to obtain Permanent Resident status.
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L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visas.
L-1 visas may be obtained by executives/managers (L-1A) and specialized knowledge
employees (L-1B) transferring to their employer's U.S. affiliate.
L-1A visa holders may be eligible for permanent residency without having to go through
a lengthy labor certification process, making this perhaps the most coveted type
of visa.
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O-1 Extraordinary Ability Worker Visas.
Foreign nationals with extraordinary ability or achievement in the sciences, arts,
business and education may qualify for an 0-1 visa, which may be initially granted
for up to a 3 year period, with possible extensions in one year increments. O-1 holders
often qualify for permanent residency without having to go through a lengthy labor
certification process. |
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P-1 Artists and Athletes Visas.
Athletes, artists and entertainers who compete individually or as part of a team at
an internationally recognized level may be eligible for a P-1 visa. Their approved
period of stay in the U.S. varies depending upon the purpose of their visit. |
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R-1 Religious Worker Visas.
Members of a religious denomination having a bona fide nonprofit, religious organization
in the United States may be eligible for an R-1 visa to come to the U.S. to work in
a religious capacity. A showing of at least two years membership in the religious organization
is required. Permanent Resident status may be acquired in certain cases after completing
two years of religious work. |
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TN (North American Free Trade Agreement) Visa.
Pursuant to NAFTA, Canadian and Mexican professionals in specific occupations may be
able to obtain TN visas if they can show they are qualified and they have a job offer
in the U.S. Mexicans must meet more stringent requirements than Canadians, such as
obtaining an approved Labor Condition Application. TN holders are admitted for one
year, but can renew their visas indefinitely. |
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V Visa.
This new type of visa allows the spouse or unmarried child of a legal U.S. Permanent
Resident to obtain work authorization and permission to travel if an immigrant petition
was filed on their behalf on or before December 21, 2000 and they have been waiting
for at least three years but have not yet received an approval.
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