Visa Information

U.S. Visa Overview

The United States issues a variety of visas, divided mainly into nonimmigrant and immigrant categories. Nonimmigrant visas are intended for temporary stays, such as the B1/B2 tourist visas, F1/F2 student visas, and H1B employment visas. Immigrant visas are for those seeking permanent residency.

In 2023, the U.S. issued over 10.4 million nonimmigrant visas worldwide. The B-category visas for business and tourism were the most common, with over 700,000 approvals. Over 140,000 student visas were issued, with India leading the way in F1 visa applications. Employment visas saw significant issuance, with more than 380,000 H-category visas granted to Indian nationals alone.

In 2023, about 1.4 million immigrant visas and status adjustments were granted, including 240,927 employment-based preferences and 194,419 family preferences.

The United States issues a variety of visas, divided mainly into nonimmigrant and immigrant categories. Nonimmigrant visas are intended for temporary stays, such as travel, business, study, and work, while immigrant visas are for those seeking permanent residency.

Nonimmigrant Visas

  • B-1/B-2: Business/Tourist Visa (Short-term stay)
  • F-1: Student Visa
  • J-1: Exchange Visitor Visa
  • H-1B: Specialty Occupation Visa
  • L-1: Intra-Company Transfer Visa
  • O-1: Extraordinary Ability Visa

Immigrant Visas

  • Family-Based Immigrant Visas: Spouses, parents, children of U.S. citizens/permanent residents
  • Employment-Based Immigrant Visas: For individuals with extraordinary abilities, etc.
  • DV Program: Green Card Lottery Program

Work Visas

  • H-1B: Specialty Occupation Visa
  • L-1: Intra-Company Transfer Visa
  • O-1: Extraordinary Ability Visa
  • H-2A: Agricultural Worker Visa
  • H-2B: Seasonal Worker Visa

Study Visas

  • F-1: Student Visa
  • M-1: Vocational Training Visa

Family Visas

  • Spouse: IR1/CR1 Visa
  • Fiancé(e): K-1 Visa
  • Parent: IR5 Visa
  • Child: IR2/CR2/F2A/F2B Visa

Humanitarian Visas

  • Refugee Visa
  • Asylum Visa
  • Victims of Trafficking Visa

Tourist Visas

  • B-2: Tourist Visa
  • Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Allows nationals of certain countries to travel for tourism/business for up to 90 days without a visa.

Business Visas

  • B-1: Business Visa

Other Visas

  • Digital Nomad Visa: The U.S. does not yet offer a visa for digital nomads.
  • Golden Visa: The U.S. does not have a citizenship/permanent residency program based on investment.
  • Visa-Free Entry: Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), nationals of certain countries can enter for tourism/business for up to 90 days without a visa.

Note: Visa types and application procedures may change frequently. For the latest information, please consult the official website of the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.