US Non-Immigrant Visas
The following is a list of visas that can be used to enter the United States. If you are not sure which type of visa you need for your visit to the U.S., read through the descriptions and then contact us. All of the visas listed on this page are only for TEMPORARY stays in the U.S. If you would like information about immigrating to the United States, click here.
BUSINESS VISAS
Temporary Visitor for Business (B-1): This visa is for individuals who are coming to America to conduct business (such as planning meetings or calling on a customer). This visa does not allow one to work on an on-going basis, or allow you to do any "labor".
Temporary Worker 1(H1-B): Available to individuals who are coming to America to work on a temporary basis. The person must be coming to the U.S. to do a job that requires a highly specialized skill and usually a college degree.
Treaty Trader/Investor (E1 & E2): These visas are available to nationals of countries with a "treaty of commerce" with the United States (Japan has such a treaty); who are going to the U.S. to manage a U.S. company having substantial international trade with the foreigner’s country (E-1), or are going to work for a U.S. company where a foreign business or person has invested a substantial amount of money into a new or existing, active U.S. business (E-2).
Intra-Company Transferees (L): This visa is for individuals working for a multinational corporation (with an affiliate in the United States); it is available to employees who have already worked for one year with a related foreign entity (non-U.S. entity) and who will work in a "managerial", "executive" capacity or who possess "specialized knowledge".
STUDENT VISAS
Students (F-1): Available to individuals intending to study in the U.S. in either high school or college (not primary school).
Vocational Students (M): For individuals who study in the U.S. in a vocational or other non-academic schools, and also for those who have completed college in the U.S. and wish to extend their training by working for one year (called “Practical Training”).
Cultural Exchanges (J): This visa is for individuals who are coming to receive training in a broad range of fields that will benefit their country.
TOURIST VISAS
Tourists (B-2): For individuals who are coming to the U.S. for a short period for pleasure, or for business of a limited nature, and who have no intention of abandoning their residence in their foreign country.
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