US Visa Types and Requirements
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
- Valid for short-term visits for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2).
- Typically valid for 6 months, extendable in certain cases.
- Requires a valid passport, visa application form (DS-160), visa fee, and supporting documents.
F-1 Student Visa
- For academic students pursuing full-time studies in the US.
- Requires acceptance at a US school, a valid passport, visa application form (DS-160), visa fee, I-20 form, and supporting documents.
- Allows for on-campus employment and certain off-campus employment options.
H-1B Work Visa
- For professionals in a specialty occupation that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Requires a job offer from a US employer, a valid passport, visa application form (DS-160), visa fee, Labor Condition Application (LCA), and supporting documents.
- Typically valid for 3 years, extendable up to 6 years.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
- For individuals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs.
- Requires a program sponsor, a valid passport, visa application form (DS-160), visa fee, DS-2019 form, and supporting documents.
- Duration depends on the specific program.
L-1 Intra-Company Transferee Visa
- For managers, executives, or specialized knowledge employees transferring to a US branch of their current employer.
- Requires a job offer from a US employer, a valid passport, visa application form (DS-160), visa fee, and supporting documents.
- L-1A visa (for managers and executives) is valid for up to 7 years; L-1B visa (for specialized knowledge employees) is valid for up to 5 years.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
- For individuals with extraordinary ability in the fields of science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- Requires a job offer from a US employer, a valid passport, visa application form (DS-160), visa fee, and extensive documentation of accomplishments.
- Initially valid for up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension.