U.S. Visas
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to travel to the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa. Visas are placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The visa section of this website contains information on U.S. visas for foreign citizens seeking to travel to the United States.
U.S. Tourist Visa
To travel to the United States, either a tourist visa or an ESTA permit is required.
Nationals of countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a tourist visa.
Tourist visas are classified as B1, B2, or B1/B2, with the latter being the most commonly requested, as it combines the benefits of both.
This visa allows travel for purposes such as visiting family or friends, tourism, business, participation in events or competitions, or undergoing medical procedures.
This visa does not permit any form of employment, extended stays, marriage, or the registration of a domestic partnership.
It is advisable to apply for a U.S. tourist visa at least three months prior to the intended travel date.
Tourist visas are granted at the discretion of the consular officer during the interview, with the most common validity periods being 2, 5, or 10 years.
Requirements for a U.S. Tourist Visa
- A passport valid for at least one year. This requirement may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, so it is important to confirm before starting the application process.
- Demonstrable reasons to return to the country of origin or residence. Common reasons include employment, immediate family, property ownership, or ongoing studies.
- Financial means to cover travel expenses. This is a crucial requirement, and each supporting document must be carefully assessed.
If the applicant has had previous visa denials, it is important to demonstrate that their circumstances or profile have changed since the last application.
This can be done by correctly completing the application form and submitting the appropriate supporting documents.
U.S. Work Visa
The U.S. work visa offers exceptional opportunities for individuals seeking to begin a new chapter in life.
This legal permit provides more than just employment—it opens doors to new experiences, personal growth, and professional development in a country renowned for its dynamic labor market. We facilitate the process, streamlining the path to securing your visa.
Non-Immigrant Work Visas
To legally enter the United States for temporary employment as a non-immigrant, a U.S.-based employer must file a petition on your behalf to initiate the process.
H1 visas are designed for individuals who do not qualify for E (investors and traders) or L (intra-company transferee) visas due to specific circumstances.
H-1B Visas
These visas are intended for individuals seeking to work temporarily in the United States in specialized fields. To apply, the applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer.
It is crucial to ensure that the application meets all necessary criteria, which will depend on both the professional profile and the job offer.
This visa category typically applies to positions requiring specific academic qualifications. The job offer must also reflect a salary that aligns with industry standards.
Depending on the situation, relevant professional experience may be used to meet certain criteria. Common occupations under this visa include engineering, sciences, education, technology, and related sectors.
The standard duration of this visa is three years, with the possibility of renewal up to six years, subject to certain exceptions.
H-2B Visas
These visas are available to foreign nationals seeking to work temporarily in agricultural or non-agricultural roles in the United States. In some cases, no prior experience is required.
Such visas must be requested by the U.S.-based employers offering the job.
- H-2A Visa: Allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals for temporary agricultural work.
- H-2B Visa: Intended for non-agricultural temporary positions filled by foreign nationals who meet the specified requirements.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Another way to work legally in the United States is by applying for an Employment Authorization Document through a qualifying visa.
This document certifies that an individual is authorized to work legally and may be hired by U.S. employers.
To apply for the EAD, the following criteria must be met:
- The applicant must be eligible to work in the U.S., depending on their specific circumstances.
- The applicant must be lawfully present in the United States and seek authorization to work.
Note: Individuals with lawful permanent resident status do not require a separate work authorization. Likewise, non-immigrant visa holders authorized for a specific type of employment may not need to apply for the EAD.
Let me know if you’d like this content styled for a brochure, website section, or information packet—I’d be glad to shape it accordingly.
U.S. Student Visa
If you have been accepted by an educational institution in the United States—be it a university, English language courses, or other academic programs—you are eligible to study in the country. It is essential to ensure that all requirements for obtaining a student visa are met in order to make the most of this academic opportunity.
Depending on your specific goal for studying in the U.S., there are different types of visas to consider:
F-1 Visa – Full-Time Students
The F-1 visa is intended for international students pursuing full-time academic studies in the United States, typically involving more than 18 classroom hours per week. Enrollment is permitted at both public and private institutions.
This is the most common visa type for students wishing to complete their academic programs in the U.S. Key requirements include:
- Acceptance by an accredited school, college, or university
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover stay and study expenses
- Strong ties to the home country to ensure return upon completion of studies
Employment Limitations for F-1 Visa Holders:
- Work is permitted only on-campus during the first year of studies
- Maximum of 20 working hours per week during the academic term
M-1 Visa – Vocational Students
The M-1 visa is for students enrolled in vocational or technical programs, generally short and skill-specific in nature. It comes with several limitations:
- Maximum duration of one year
- No changes allowed to the course of study once approved
- Up to 30 days permitted in the U.S. after program completion
J-1 Visa – Exchange Visitors
Designed for non-immigrants authorized to travel to the United States as part of exchange programs. The length of stay may range from a few weeks to several years.
This visa grants foreigners the opportunity to teach, study, conduct research, or work as an au pair with American host families. For student-related J-1 visas, it is essential to apply well in advance, as the process may be time-consuming.
Common reasons for applying for a U.S. study visa include:
- Full-time studies
- Doctoral programs
- Training activities
- Unpaid internships
- Volunteer services
- Au pair programs
- Language assistant or conversation partner roles
U.S. Trade and Investment Visas
Trade and investor visas are established to promote and enhance economic interaction between the United States and other nations.
These visas are temporary and are issued for specific types of activities. Extensions are only possible if the investment continues to meet all applicable U.S. regulations and requirements.
E-1 Visa – Treaty Trader
The E-1 visa, commonly referred to as the Treaty Trader Visa, is designed to facilitate the exchange of goods and services between the United States and countries with which it maintains a trade treaty. This visa is intended for applicants seeking to engage in long-term commercial transactions.
To qualify for this visa, the applicant must:
- Be a national of a country that maintains a trade treaty with the United States
- Engage in substantial trade of goods or services with the U.S.
- Be essential to the operation and management of the trade activity
E-2 Visa – Treaty Investor
The E-2 visa is intended for individuals who have made, or are in the process of making, a substantial investment in a U.S.-based business. The applicant must maintain operational control and direction of the enterprise.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- Citizenship of a treaty country
- Investment of capital in a bona fide U.S. enterprise
- Possession of substantial funds to demonstrate financial commitment
- The business must be real, active, and profit-oriented, offering goods or services
Benefits of the E-2 Visa include:
- Authorization to live and work in the United States
- Ability to bring foreign employees to support the business
- Support for international expansion of the business
- Option to renew the visa indefinitely, as long as conditions are met
- Greater flexibility in the visa application process
Golden Visa – USA
If your objective is to reside in the United States through a significant financial investment, investor visas provide the ideal path to achieve it.
Our team offers personalized guidance to help secure a U.S. Investor Visa. This visa is granted to individuals who make substantial investments in assets or businesses located in the country.
You can rely on our team of international immigration experts to streamline the Golden Visa application process in the U.S. We are committed to delivering a professional, high-quality service to support your investment and residency goals in a country full of opportunity.
As specialists in investor and investment-based residency visa processing, our mission is to provide comprehensive, professional support and all the necessary information to help applicants successfully obtain the U.S. Golden Visa.