U.S. Visa Types, Eligibility, Supporting Documents and How to Apply

A U.S. visa category is determined mainly by the purpose of travel. This guide explains common temporary visa classifications for business, tourism, employment, study, exchange programs, domestic employees, media representatives, religious workers, transit and crewmembers.

Business and Tourist Visitor Visas - B-1, B-2 and B-1/B-2

Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for temporary travel to the United States. B-1 is generally used for qualifying temporary business activities, while B-2 is generally used for tourism, vacation, visiting family or friends, and qualifying medical treatment. A combined B-1/B-2 visa may be issued for both purposes.

A visitor visa does not authorize ordinary employment or regular academic study in the United States. Applicants must establish that they qualify for the visa classification and otherwise satisfy the applicable requirements of U.S. immigration law.

Official information: Visitor Visa

Temporary Work Visas for the United States

Foreign nationals who intend to work temporarily in the United States must qualify for the visa classification appropriate to the proposed employment. Common petition-based temporary worker classifications include H, L, O, P and Q. Depending on the category, the U.S. employer or other qualifying petitioner generally must first obtain approval of the required petition from USCIS before the worker applies for the visa.

Official information: U.S. temporary employment visas

Student Visas - F-1 and M-1

The United States uses the F visa classification for qualifying academic study and the M classification for qualifying vocational or other recognized non-academic study. Before applying for a student visa, the applicant must generally be accepted by an eligible school and receive the required SEVIS documentation.

Official information: Student Visas

Exchange Visitor Visa - J

The J visa is used by eligible participants in approved exchange visitor programs. Before applying, an exchange visitor must generally be accepted into an approved program and receive the required program documentation. Some exchange visitors may also be subject to additional statutory requirements depending on their program and circumstances.

Official information: Exchange Visitor Visa

Domestic Employee Visas

Domestic employees may qualify for different visa classifications depending on whom they accompany or work for. Certain personal or domestic employees accompanying qualifying employers may be eligible for a B-1 visa, while domestic employees of qualifying diplomats or officials may fall under A-3 or G-5. The applicable requirements include specific employment and contractual conditions.

Official information: Visitor Visa and qualifying B-1 activities

Media and Journalist Visa - I

The I visa is for qualifying representatives of foreign media, including certain members of the press, radio, film and print industries, travelling temporarily to the United States to perform qualifying media activities for an organization with its home office outside the United States.

Official information: Media Visa (I)

Temporary Religious Worker Visa - R-1

The R-1 visa is for qualifying temporary religious workers. The applicant must satisfy the requirements for religious-worker classification, and a qualifying U.S. organization generally must first file the required petition with USCIS and obtain approval before the visa application proceeds.

Official information: Temporary Religious Worker Visa

Transit and Crewmember Visas - C and D

A C visa is generally used for immediate and continuous transit through the United States to another country. A D visa is generally used by qualifying crewmembers serving aboard commercial sea vessels or international airlines. A person travelling through the United States to join a vessel may require both transit and crewmember classifications and may, where permitted, receive a combined C-1/D visa.

Official information: Other U.S. Visa Categories

Common Supporting Documents for a U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa

The documents required depend on the visa classification, embassy or consulate instructions and the applicant's individual circumstances. Applicants should use the current official checklist for their visa category.

• A passport valid for travel to the United States, subject to the applicable passport-validity rules.
• DS-160 confirmation page for nonimmigrant visa applications.
• Visa application fee receipt where required.
• A photograph meeting current U.S. visa photograph requirements if required by the application process.
• Documents establishing the purpose of travel and eligibility for the requested classification.
• Evidence of employment, business, studies, exchange program, petition approval, sponsorship or other qualifying basis where applicable.
• Form I-20 for qualifying F or M student applicants, or Form DS-2019 for qualifying J exchange visitors.
• Petition approval information for petition-based worker or religious-worker categories where applicable.
• Additional evidence requested by the U.S. embassy or consulate or by a consular officer.

How to Apply for a U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa

1. Identify the correct visa classification. The category must match the main purpose of travel.
2. Complete any required preliminary process. Students and exchange visitors generally need approved school or program documentation; many temporary workers need an approved USCIS petition before visa application.
3. Complete Form DS-160. Submit the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application electronically and retain the confirmation page.
4. Follow the embassy or consulate instructions. Nonimmigrant applicants should follow current Department of State rules on where to schedule and apply.
5. Pay the applicable visa application fee. Fees depend on the visa category and may change.
6. Schedule an interview when required. Interview requirements and appointment procedures are governed by current Department of State rules and post-specific instructions.
7. Prepare the required supporting documents. Bring or submit the documents required for the particular visa classification and consular post.
8. Attend the interview if required. A consular officer determines visa eligibility under applicable U.S. law.
9. Wait for the visa decision. A visa is not guaranteed merely because an application has been submitted or an interview has occurred.

Common U.S. Visa Categories at a Glance

This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for the Immigration and Nationality Act, applicable federal regulations, USCIS requirements, Department of State guidance or instructions issued by the U.S. embassy or consulate handling a particular application.