United States Visas & Immigration
Explore 10 visa and residency pathways for United States, with requirements, costs, and processing times.
B-1 / B-2 Visitor Visa
Proof of temporary intent (ties to home country), evidence of funds to cover the trip, valid travel purpose (business meetings for B-1, tourism or medical treatment for B-2), and a clean immigration record. No employment in the U.S. is permitted.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Invest $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area) in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time US jobs, with lawfully sourced funds.
EB-2 Employment-Based Green Card
Advanced degree or exceptional ability, a labor certification (PERM) in most cases, and an employer sponsor.
F-1 Student Visa
Acceptance at a SEVP-approved school, proof of funds, and intent to return after studies.
Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery)
Be born in an eligible (low-immigration) country, hold at least a high-school education or two years of qualifying work experience, and be selected in the annual random draw. Selection alone does not guarantee a visa.
H-1B Specialty Occupation
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specialty field, a sponsoring U.S. employer, and a role that qualifies as a specialty occupation.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Acceptance into a designated exchange-visitor program (Form DS-2019), sufficient funds, English ability, and intent to return home after the program.
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
U.S. citizen petitioner, a genuine intent to marry within 90 days of the foreign fiancé(e)'s entry, both parties legally free to marry, and (in most cases) having met in person within the two years before filing.
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
At least one continuous year of employment abroad within the past three years with a qualifying related company, and a transfer to the U.S. office in a managerial/executive (L-1A) or specialized-knowledge (L-1B) role.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
Demonstrated extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (O-1A), or extraordinary achievement in the arts, film, or TV (O-1B), shown through sustained national or international acclaim and a U.S. petitioner or agent.
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Rules change, always verify on the official government site before applying.