If you want to travel to the United States, you will need a visa. The type of visa you need depends on why and how long you want to visit the United States. Learn about the four types of US visas in 2023 below and contact us if you need assistance with your visa needs.
Tourist Visas
A B-2 tourist visa to the United States allows you to visit the US temporarily. Tourist visas have a definitive end date when you must leave the country or you are in the US illegally. As the name suggests, this type of visa is usually for tourists who want to visit the country and then leave for their home country. Obtaining a tourist visa requires you to apply for it in your home country and go to an interview at an American consulate or embassy.
If you are in the United States on a tourist visa and want to extend your stay, you have to file Form I-539 before your visa expires. If you stay in the US past the date on your visa, you could be barred from coming back or you could even be deported.
Immigration Visas
An immigration visa to the United States authorizes you to live and work in the US permanently. Obtaining an immigration visa usually results in the person receiving a green card after they have been in the US for a few months. Obtaining a green card is necessary if you want to eventually apply for US citizenship.
There are several ways you can get an immigration visa, and some are easier than others:
- Family connections
- Employment
- Investment
- Diversity lottery
- Refugee or asylum status
One of the most frequent ways people get an immigration visa to the US is through marriage. Suppose you’re a US citizen living overseas and you marry your fiancée there. You can sponsor her for an immigrant visa and once she is approved and in the US, she can eventually get a green card. US citizens are also allowed to file an immigrant visa petition for their sons, daughters, parents, brothers, and sisters.
If you are a US permanent resident, you can file an immigrant visa petition for your spouse or unmarried children. The waiting period to obtain the visa is longer for permanent residents than for US citizens. You also may get an immigration visa if you want to adopt a child from another country.
Student Visas
Student visas to the US are categorized under the letters F and M and are intended for those who want to study in the United States for a few months or years. It is estimated that at least one million students from other countries studied in the United States in 2020.
Work Visas
The last type of US visa is the work visa and are generally the most difficult to obtain. The US is usually fairly strict on issuing these types of visas and they are usually categorized under the letters H, L, O, P, and Q. You need to have a US company sponsor your visa if you want to work in the United States. Many of these visas are reserved for technical jobs where there are not enough US citizens doing that type of work.
Changing Status
If your plans change when you are in the US, you can contact the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and request a change of status from nonimmigrant to another status. For example, you might marry a US citizen when in the country and want to get an immigrant visa and eventually a green card.
While you are in the US, having a visa status change doesn’t require you to apply for a new visa. But once you leave the US, you have to apply for another visa at the US consulate or embassy in your country.
Types of US Visas in 2023 Conclusion
Finally, if you’re planning a trip to the United States, you should figure out what kind of visa you’ll need based on the purpose and duration of your visit. Tourist visas, work visas, student visas, and business visas are the four types of US visas available. Each visa has its own set of requirements as well as its own application process. It is essential that you get expert guidance from a reputable immigration firm or attorney to guarantee a successful visa application. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require assistance with your visa application.