A non-immigrant visa lets a non-U.S. citizen enter the United States for a temporary period and a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, work, study, or a visit to a fiancé(e). A U.S. consular officer usually issues the visa in the applicant’s country of residence. U.S. immigration law defines many non-immigrant visa categories, and each has its own eligibility rules, time limits, and filing steps.
The Law Firm of Alena Shautsova is a New York immigration law firm that helps individuals, families, and employers choose the right non-immigrant visa and file a strong application. We represent clients across the United States and abroad.
Need help with a US non-immigrant visa? Call 917-885-2261 or contact us online for a consultation. Our lawyers speak English and Russian.
US non-immigrant visa types by category
Business and Tourist Visas (B-1 and B-2)
B-1 Business Visitor Visa: For travelers coming to the U.S. for temporary business, such as negotiating contracts, consulting with business associates, or attending conventions and conferences.
B-2 Tourist Visa: For travelers visiting for pleasure, including tourism, social visits to family and friends, and medical treatment.
Treaty Trader and Investor Visas (E-1 and E-2)
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa: For nationals of a treaty country who carry on substantial trade between the U.S. and their home country under a qualifying treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation, bilateral investment treaty, or similar agreement.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: For nationals of a treaty country who have invested, or are actively investing, in a U.S. business.
Temporary Work Visas (H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3)
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa: For professionals working in a specialty occupation that normally requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
H-2A Agricultural Worker Visa: For temporary or seasonal agricultural labor and services.
H-2B Seasonal Worker Visa: For temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work.
H-3 Trainee Visa: For people entering the U.S. to receive instruction and training that is not available in their home country.
Intracompany Transfer Visas (L-1A and L-1B)
L-1A Manager and Executive Visa: Lets a multinational company transfer a manager or executive from an affiliated foreign office to the U.S.
L-1B Specialized Knowledge Visa: Lets a company transfer an employee with specialized knowledge to an affiliated U.S. company.
Extraordinary Ability, Athlete and Artist Visas (O and P)
O Visa for Extraordinary Ability: For individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
P-1 Visa: For internationally recognized athletes, individually or as part of a team, and for members of entertainment groups.
P-2 Visa: For artists and entertainers entering under a reciprocal exchange program between U.S. and foreign organizations.
P-3 Visa: For artists and entertainers who perform, teach, or coach in a culturally unique program.
Student and Exchange Visitor Visas (F, M, J, Q)
F Student Visa: For bona fide students pursuing a full course of study at an academic institution.
M Vocational Student Visa: For students attending a vocational or other non-academic institution.
J Exchange Visitor Visa: For participants in a State Department-designated exchange program. Some J-1 holders are subject to a two-year home-country residency requirement.
Q Cultural Exchange Visa: For participants in an approved international cultural exchange program.
Fiancé(e) and Spouse Visas (K-1 and K-3)
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa: For foreign fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens who plan to marry in the U.S.
K-3 Spouse Visa: For spouses of U.S. citizens who wait in the U.S. while their family-based petition is processed.
Government, International Organization and Media Visas (A, G, I)
A Diplomat Visa: For diplomats, officials, and employees of foreign governments recognized by the U.S., traveling on official business.
G Visa: For staff of designated international organizations, such as the United Nations or the IMF, assigned on a resident basis.
I Media Visa: For representatives of foreign press, radio, film, and other information media.
Religious Worker Visa (R)
R Visa: For ministers and other people working in a religious occupation or vocation, including in a professional capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions About US Non-Immigrant Visas
What is the difference between a non-immigrant visa and an immigrant visa? A non-immigrant visa allows a temporary stay for a specific purpose, such as work, study, or travel. An immigrant visa leads to lawful permanent residence (a green card).
Which non-immigrant visa is right for me? The right visa depends on your purpose of travel, your qualifications, how long you plan to stay, and your country of citizenship. An immigration lawyer can compare your options and identify the strongest path.
Can I extend or change my non-immigrant status inside the U.S.? In many cases, yes. Eligibility depends on your visa category and on filing before your authorized stay expires, so speak with a lawyer before your deadline.
Can a non-immigrant visa lead to a green card? Some categories, such as H-1B and L-1, allow you to pursue permanent residence while holding the visa. Others, such as B-2 and F-1, generally require you to show that you intend to return home, so the timing of any green card plan matters.
Do you represent clients outside New York? Yes. Our New York immigration lawyers handle non-immigrant visa cases for clients throughout the United States and abroad, in English and Russian.
Talk to a New York Non-Immigrant Visa Lawyer
Choosing the wrong visa category can cause delays, denials, or problems with future applications. The Law Firm of Alena Shautsova can review your situation, explain your options, and prepare your case. Call 917-885-2261 or fill out our contact form today.
