Introduction
The United States offers one of the world’s most complex but comprehensive visa systems. Whether you’re travelling for tourism, studying, working, or even seeking permanent residency, there’s a specific visa category tailored to your purpose. But with so many options — B1, B2, F1, H1B, L1, J1, and beyond — it’s easy to get confused.
This guide helps you understand the major categories of U.S. visas, their eligibility, and what they’re used for — so you can choose the right one for your travel needs.
Two Main U.S. Visa Categories
All U.S. visas fall into two broad categories:
- Non-immigrant Visas – For temporary visits (e.g., tourism, study, work)
- Immigrant Visas – For permanent residence (green card pathways)
Most Common Non-Immigrant Visas
🧳 B1/B2 Visa – Visitor Visa
- B1: Business visitors
- B2: Tourists or visiting family/friends
- Duration: Up to 6 months (can request extension)
- Interview required; strong ties to home country must be shown
🎓 F1 Visa – Student Visa
- For academic study at U.S. universities or colleges
- Requires Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school
- Can include Optional Practical Training (OPT) post-graduation
🏥 J1 Visa – Exchange Visitor Visa
- For researchers, interns, scholars, and Au Pairs
- Often includes a 2-year home country residency requirement
💼 H1B Visa – Skilled Workers
- For professionals with a job offer in a speciality occupation
- Requires employer sponsorship
- Lottery-based due to demand
- Valid for 3–6 years
🏢 L1 Visa – Intra-company Transfer
- For employees transferring within a multinational company
- Includes L1A (executives) and L1B (specialised knowledge staff)
Common Immigrant Visa Pathways
👨👩👧 Family-Based Visas
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (IR1, IR2, etc.)
- Family preference categories (F1-F4) for extended relatives
🧑🔧 Employment-Based Visas
- EB1 to EB5 categories (for researchers, professionals, investors)
🧑💼 Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery)
- For nationals of countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
- Selection is random but limited by quota
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
If you’re from a participating country (e.g., UK, Japan, Germany, Australia), you can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa using ESTA (Electronic System
