Types of visas

People come to America for various reasons: as visitors, on business, as students or as immigrants. For all these reasons, a specific visa exists. In general, one distinguishes between four types of visas: visa for visit, study, work and immigration.

Most people come to the U.S. as visitors, either for pleasure or for business. They will stay only for a short period of time with no intention to immigrate. Tourists will need to apply for a B-2 (for Tourist Visa ", businessmen for a B-1 visa.

Student Visas and work permits

Foreign Citizens who study at an American University are usually holders of a student visa. In general. A F-1 visa is required for foreign students enrolled in an American University and also called student visa, a J-1 visa for  Exchange Visitors and a M-1 visa for students pursueing non-academic studies.

Students are commonly not eligible to work off-campus. People who want to work temporarely in the U.S. as nonimmigrants have to apply for a Work Visa. There are several visas depending on the certain field and country of the workers e.g. Foreign Media Workers, Religious Workers, Treaty Traders, Treaty Investors or NAFTA Workers.

The American Dream

Some people dream to live and work forever in the U.S. They will need to apply for the Permanent Resident Card commonly known as the Green Card. All types of visas require an application; yet, there are two ways to receive the Green Card: either through application or by applying for Green Card Lottery.

More about Immigration Lottery, Passports Visas, United States Immigration, Visa Lottery, Greencard Lottery

Links: Travel Visas | American Green Card Lottery | H3 Visa | Green Card Lottery Application |