The U.S. government requires all individuals entering or departing the United States by air, or entering the United States by sea from outside the Americas, to hold one of the following documents:[1]
U.S. or Canadian birth certificate, U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad, U.S. naturalization certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate, only for children under age 16, or under age 19 in a supervised group[3]
Government-issued photo identification along with U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or naturalization certificate, only for travel by cruise ship returning to the same place of departure in the United States[4]
Nationals of Mexico may use a Border Crossing Card, which serves as a visa when presented with a passport. Without a passport, the card on its own also allows entry by land or sea while remaining within 25 miles (40km) from the Mexico–United States border (up to 75 miles in Arizona and 55 miles in New Mexico) for a stay of up to 30 days.[5][6]
Children born to a U.S. permanent resident mother during a temporary visit abroad do not need a passport or visa at the mother's first re-entry to the United States within two years after birth. Similarly, children born abroad to a parent with a U.S. immigrant visa after its issuance do not need a passport or visa if listed in the parent's passport with a birth certificate.[1]
Visas
While there are about 185 different types of U.S. visas,[7] there are two main categories:
Nonimmigrant visa, for temporary stays such as for tourism, business, family visits, study, work or transit;
Immigrant visa: for permanent residence in the United States. At the port of entry, upon endorsement with an I-551 admission stamp, the visa serves as evidence of permanent residence for one year, and the visa holder is processed for a green card. A child with an IR-3 or IH-3 visa automatically becomes a U.S. citizen upon admission and is processed for a certificate of citizenship (N-560).
A U.S. visa does not authorize entry into the United States or a stay in a particular status, but only serves as a preliminary permission to travel to the United States and to seek admission at a port of entry. The final admission to the United States is made at the port of entry by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. For those entering in a nonimmigrant visa status, the admission details are recorded by the CBP officer on a Form I-94 (or Form I-94W for nationals of the Visa Waiver Program countries for short visits), which serves as the official document authorizing the stay in the United States in a particular status and for a particular period of time.[8] In order to immigrate, one should either have an immigrant visa or have a dual intent visa, which is one that is compatible with making a concurrent application for nonimmigrant and immigrant status.
Entering the United States on an employment visa may be described as a three-step process in most cases. First, the employer files an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requesting a particular type of category visa for a specific individual. If the employer's application is approved, it only authorizes the individual to apply for a visa; the approved application is not actually a visa. The individual then applies for a visa and is usually interviewed at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the native country. If the embassy or consulate grants the visa, the individual is then allowed to travel to the United States. At the airport, border crossing or other point of entry, the individual speaks with an officer from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to request admission, and if approved, the individual may then enter the United States.[7]
In addition to immigration sponsored by a U.S. family member or employer, about 55,000 immigrant visas are available each year to natives of certain countries under the Diversity Immigrant Visa program, also known as the green card lottery.
Under Compacts of Free Association, citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau may enter, reside, study and work in the United States indefinitely without a visa. These benefits are granted to citizens from birth or independence, and to naturalized citizens who have resided in the respective country for at least five years, excluding those who acquired citizenship by investment.[9][10]
Nationals of neighboring jurisdictions
The United States grants visa-free entry to nationals of two neighboring jurisdictions under most circumstances:[5]
Canada– Citizens of Canada do not need a visa to visit the United States under most circumstances.[11] In addition, under the USMCA (and previously the NAFTA), they may obtain authorization to work under a simplified procedure.
Bermuda–British Overseas Territories citizens of Bermuda do not need a visa to visit the United States under most circumstances for up to 180 days.[11] They may also enter to study there without a visa.[12] To qualify for the visa exemption, they must present a British passport with "Government of Bermuda" on the cover, with the nationality listed as "British Overseas Territories Citizen" or "British Dependent Territories Citizen", and containing an endorsement stamp of "Holder is registered as a Bermudian", "Holder possesses Bermudian status" or "Holder is deemed to possess Bermudian status".[12]
The United States also grants visa-free entry to nationals of some other neighboring jurisdictions under certain conditions:[5]
Bahamas– Nationals of the Bahamas do not need a visa to the United States if they apply for admission at a U.S. preclearance facility located in the Bahamas. In addition to a Bahamian passport, applicants 14 years of age or older must present a police certificate issued by the Royal Bahamas Police Force in the previous six months indicating no criminal record.[13]
Cayman Islands– British Overseas Territories citizens of the Cayman Islands may travel without a visa to the United States. To qualify, they must receive a visa waiver from the Cayman Islands Passport and Corporate Services Office, for which they must present a Cayman Islands passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure from the United States, a fee of 25 Cayman Islands dollars, and a police clearance certificate for applicants age 13 or older.[15] The visa waiver is valid for only one entry and for travel directly from the Cayman Islands to the United States.[16]
Turks and Caicos Islands–British Overseas Territories citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands may travel to the United States without a visa for short stays for business or pleasure. To qualify, they must travel directly from the territory to the United States, present a Turks and Caicos Islands passport or another travel document stating that they are British Overseas Territory citizens with the right of abode in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and applicants 14 years of age or older must also present a police certificate issued in the previous six months indicating no criminal record.[17]
Visa-free entry is also granted to limited categories of nationals of another neighboring country:
Mexico– Some nationals of Mexico do not need a visa to travel to the United States: government officials not permanently assigned to the United States and their accompanying family members, holding diplomatic or official passports, for stays of up to 6 months; members of the Kickapoo tribes of Texas or Oklahoma, holding Form I-872, American Indian Card; and crew members of Mexican airlines operating in the United States.[5] Other nationals of Mexico may travel to the United States with a Border Crossing Card, which functions as a visa and has similar requirements.[18] Under the USMCA (and earlier NAFTA), they may also obtain authorization to work under a simplified procedure.
As of 2024, 42 countries[a] have been selected by the U.S. government for inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).[20][22] Their nationals do not need a U.S. visa for short stays, but they are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to arrival.[23] Visitors may stay for up to 90 days in the United States, which also includes time spent in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the islands in the Caribbean if the arrival was through the United States.[1]
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is not considered a visa,[48] but a prerequisite to traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA has an application fee of 4 USD, and if approved, an additional fee of 17 USD is charged, for a total of 21 USD. Once obtained, the authorization is valid for up to two years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first, and is valid for multiple entries into the United States.[d][b] Passengers are advised to apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before departure.[49][25]
Travel by air or sea with ESTA must be made on a participating commercial carrier. The VWP does not apply at all if arriving by air or sea on an unapproved carrier (e.g. a private ship or plane), in which case a standard visa is required.[25] ESTA is also required for entry by land.[50]
As of 2024, those who have previously been in Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, or who are dual nationals of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan or Syria, are not eligible to travel under the VWP and must obtain a standard visa.[20] However, those who traveled to such countries for diplomatic, military, humanitarian, reporting or legitimate business purposes may have this ineligibility waived.[51]
Visa waiver program of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands
Although the visa policy of the United States also applies to the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, both territories have an additional visa waiver program for certain nationalities. The Guam–CNMI Visa Waiver Program, first enacted in October 1988 and periodically amended, permits nationals of 12 countries to visit Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands for up to 45 days, and nationals of China to visit the Northern Mariana Islands for up to 14 days, for tourism or business, without the need to obtain a U.S. visa.[5]
July 15, 1993: For Guam, visa waiver added for nationals of Taiwan with national identification card on nonstop flights from Taiwan[52]
July 13, 1994: For Guam, visa waiver added for nationals of Taiwan with national identification card on flights from Taiwan with stop in another U.S. territory[52]
January 10, 2001: For Guam, visa waiver removed for nationals of Myanmar[54]
November 28, 2009: Visa waiver program of Guam extended to the Northern Mariana Islands; visa waiver removed for nationals of Indonesia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and added for holders of Hong Kong SAR passport with Hong Kong identity card;[55][56] for the Northern Mariana Islands only, visa waiver also added under parole policy for nationals of China and Russia[57]
January 15, 2012: Visa waiver under parole policy for nationals of Russia extended to Guam[57]
October 3, 2019: Visa waiver under parole policy removed for nationals of Russia;[58] for the Northern Mariana Islands only, period of stay with visa waiver under parole policy for nationals of China reduced from 45 to 14 days[59]
July 14, 2020: Visa waiver removed for holders of Hong Kong SAR and British National (Overseas) passports[60][61]
July 9, 2021: Visa waiver restored for holders of Hong Kong SAR and British National (Overseas) passports[62][63]
November 29, 2024: Electronic authorization required before travel under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program; visa waiver for nationals of China, for the Northern Mariana Islands only, implemented as a sub-program of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program rather than a parole policy, requiring the same electronic authorization[63][64]
Travelers with a visa or ESTA are admitted to the territories in accordance with the terms of the visa or ESTA.
Travelers using the Guam–CNMI Visa Waiver Program are required to obtain a Guam–CNMI Electronic Travel Authorization (G-CNMI ETA), similar to ESTA. This authorization is valid for up to two years (one year for nationals of China), or until the traveler's passport expires (six months before the passport expires, for nationals of Brunei, China and Nauru), whichever comes first, and it is valid for multiple entries during this period. This authorization does not require a fee.[63][64]
Travelers using this program must also hold a machine-readable passport and nonrefundable return ticket, and are not permitted to travel to other parts of the United States. Because of work visas and waivers specific to the Northern Mariana Islands, traveling between Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands still requires a full immigration inspection, and all visitors departing Guam or Northern Mariana Islands are inspected regardless of final destination.[65]
U.S. visa policy does not apply to the territory of American Samoa, as it has its own entry requirements and maintains control of its own borders. Hence, neither a U.S. visa nor an ESTA can be used to enter American Samoa. If required, an entry permit or an electronic authorization called "OK Board" must be obtained from the Department of Legal Affairs of American Samoa.[66]
To travel to American Samoa, U.S. nationals must present a valid U.S. passport, a valid American Samoan certificate of identity, or a certified birth certificate in combination with a valid identification card.[67] Alternatively, they may apply online for an electronic authorization providing a copy of their birth certificate or expired travel document, a copy of their identification card, itinerary, and a fee of 50 USD for verification of vital records.[68]
In addition to their identification document or electronic authorization, U.S. nationals must also show proof of residence or employment in American Samoa or a ticket for future departure from the territory.[69] However, after entering American Samoa, U.S. nationals may reside there indefinitely and cannot be deported.[70]
Nationals of countries in the American Samoa Entry Permit Waiver Program may visit the territory for up to 30 days without an entry permit. However, if arriving by air, they must apply online for an electronic authorization called "OK Board", at least 3 business days before travel, providing a copy of their passport valid for at least 6 months after their planned departure from the territory, a ticket for such departure, proof of accommodation, and a fee of 40 USD.[71]
Nationals of Samoa may also apply for a similar electronic authorization to visit American Samoa for up to 10 days, for a fee of 10 USD. Up to 400 such authorizations are granted per month.[72]
March 28, 2007: Added or retained Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom[73]
September 18, 2017: Added Chile, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia, South Korea, Taiwan; removed Ireland, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau[74]
October 2019: Added Ireland, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau[75]
October 19, 2023: Added Croatia, Poland; added Samoa for stays of up to 7 days, up to 400 authorizations per month[76]
August 12, 2024: period of stay with entry permit waiver for nationals of Samoa increased from 7 to 10 days[77]
Other visitors need an entry permit. To apply, they must have a local sponsor, who must appear in person at the Immigration Office of the Department of Legal Affairs. The application must be signed by the sponsor's saʻo (head chief), unless the sponsor provides a deed of private land, and by the sponsor's pulenuʻu (village mayor). Applicants must also provide a copy of their passport or identity document valid for at least 6 months after their planned departure from the territory, a ticket for such departure, clearances from the District Court of American Samoa and Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center, police and medical clearances from the country of origin (medical clearance not required for nationals of Samoa), and a fee of 40 USD (no fee if under age 5). The application for an entry permit must be made at least 3 business days before travel, and the permit is valid for a stay of up to 30 days, but an extension may be requested for a fee of 50 USD.[78]
Business travelers may apply for a multiple-entry permit, for a fee of 50 USD per month, up to one year.[79] Nationals of Samoa traveling on business may also apply for an entry permit for a stay of up to 14 days, for a fee of 10 USD.[80]
Transit travelers of any nationality may apply for an electronic authorization free of charge, allowing a stay of up to 24 hours.[81]
Alaska
Residents of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug in Russia who are members of the indigenous population do not need a visa to visit Alaska if they have relatives (blood relatives, members of the same tribe, native people who have similar language and cultural heritage) in Alaska. Entry points are in Gambell and Nome. Individuals must be invited by a relative in Alaska, must notify local authorities at least ten days before traveling to Alaska, and must leave Alaska within 90 days.
The agreement establishing this policy was signed by Russia (then the Soviet Union) and the United States on September 23, 1989. The United States made it effective as of July 17, 2015.[82][83]
American Indians born in Canada
Members of certain indigenous peoples born in Canada may enter and remain in the United States indefinitely "for the purpose of employment, study, retirement, investing, and/or immigration" or any other reason by virtue of the Jay Treaty of 1794, as codified in Section 289 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act.[84]
In order to qualify, an individual must possess "at least 50 per centum blood of the American Indian Race".[84][85] Tribal membership alone does not qualify an individual.[84] The individual bears the burden of proof in establishing eligibility, typically by way of presenting identification based on reliable tribal records, birth certificates, and other documents establishing the percentage of indigenous ancestry.[86] A Canadian Certificate of Indian Status is insufficient proof because it does not indicate the percentage of indigenous ancestry.[86]
This provision does not extend to family members unless they qualify in their own right.[84][86][87] However, qualifying American Indians residing in the United States are considered to be lawfully admitted for U.S. permanent residence and therefore may file a petition for their spouse and dependent children, subject to statutory numerical limitations and a potential backlog of applications.[84][88][89]
The United States has suspended the issuance of certain types of visas for certain people from certain countries as sanctions for their lack of cooperation in accepting the return of their nationals deported from the United States.[90][91] As of 2024, these sanctions apply to certain government officials of Cambodia,[92]Eritrea,[93]Laos,[94]Myanmar,[95] and their family members.
The United States has also prohibited visas for certain people as sanctions for many other reasons, such as government officials allegedly violating human rights or undermining democracy.[96]
The typical process for issuing a United States visa, possibly including a Visas Mantis check
Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The presumption in the law is that every nonimmigrant visa applicant (except certain employment-related applicants, who are exempt) is an intending immigrant unless otherwise proven. Therefore, applicants for most nonimmigrant visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:
The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for a specific, intended purpose;
They plan to remain for a specific, limited period; and
They have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will ensure their return at the end of their stay.
All visit, business, transit, student, and exchange visitor visa applicants must pay an application fee of 185 USD[107] to the consular section at a U.S. embassy or consulate in order to be interviewed by a consular officer who will determine if the applicant is qualified to receive a visa to travel to the United States (additionally, the officer may also ask the United States Department of State for a Security Advisory Opinion, which can take several weeks to resolve). The application fee is increased to 205 USD for most work visas and can be even higher for certain categories.[107]
If the applicant is rejected, the application fee is not refunded. If the application is approved, nationals of certain countries must also pay a visa issuance fee, based on reciprocity.[108] Amongst the items included in the qualification decision are financial independence, adequate employment, material assets and a lack of a criminal record in the applicant's native country.
Admission statistics
United States
Number of non-immigrant admissions for tourist and business purposes into the United States in fiscal year 2017: Over 2 millionOver 1 millionOver 500 thousandOver 250 thousandOver 100 thousandOver 15 thousandUnder 15 thousand
The highest number of non-immigrant admissions for tourists and for business purposes into the United States in fiscal year 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 was from the following countries (listed over 700,000 admissions):[109][110][111][112]
A visas are issued to representatives of a foreign government traveling to the United States to engage in official activities for that government. A visas are granted to foreign government ambassadors, ministers, diplomats, as well as other foreign government officials or employees traveling on official business (A-1 visa). Certain foreign officials require an A visa regardless of the purpose of their trip.
The A visa is also granted to immediate family members of such foreign government officials, defined as "the principal applicant's spouse and unmarried sons and daughters of any age who are not members of some other household and who will reside regularly in the household of the principal alien" (A-2 Visa) and which "may also include close relatives of the principal alien or spouse who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption who are not members of some other household; who will reside regularly in the household of the principal alien; and who are recognized as dependents by the sending government (A-3 Visa).[121]
The most common non-immigrant visa is the multiple-purpose B-1/B-2 visa, also known as the "visa for temporary visitors for business or pleasure."
Visa applicants sometimes receive either a B-1 (temporary visitor for business) or a B-2 (temporary visitor for pleasure) visa, if their reason for travel is specific enough that the consular officer does not feel they qualify for combined B-1/B-2 status.[122]
Holders may also attend short non-credit courses. Mexican citizens are eligible for Border Crossing Cards.[123]
From November 29, 2016, all holders of Chinese passports who also hold 10-year B visas are required to enroll in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) before traveling to the United States.
This requirement may be extended to other nationalities in the future.[124][125]
In addition, B visa applicants seeking medical treatment in the United States must demonstrate their arrangements for the medical treatment and sufficiently establish their ability to pay for it.[126]
Validity period
US B visa validity period per country:
10 years
4–5 years
2–3 years
12–15 months
3–6 months
1 month–5 years (depending on issuance fee or visa subtype)
The Adjusted Refusal Rate is based on the refusal rate of B visa applications.
B visas are adjudicated based on applicant interviews; the interviews generally last between 60 and 90 seconds.[128] Due to time constraints, adjudicators profile applicants.[128]
Certain demographics, such as young adults who are single and unemployed, almost never receive visas, unless they articulate a compelling reason.[128] Adjudicators are evaluated on how fast they carry out interviews, not the quality of adjudication decisions.[129] The validity of B visa decisions is not evaluated.[129]
To qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, a country must have had a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate of less than 3% for the previous year or an average of no more than 2% over the past two fiscal years with neither year going above 2.5%.[130]
In addition, the country must provide visa-free access to United States citizens and has to be either an independent country or a dependency of a VWP country (which has precluded Hong Kong and Macau from participating in the program). (Until April 4, 2016, Argentina charged 160 USD to U.S. citizens to enter.)
The Adjusted Visa Refusal Rates for B visas were as follows:
A number of visitors overstay the maximum period of allowed stay on their B-1/B-2 status after entered the U.S. on their B-1/B-2 visas.
The Department of Homeland Security publishes annual reports that list the number of violations by passengers who arrive via air and sea. The table below excludes statistics on persons who left the United States later than their allowed stay or legalized their status and shows only suspected overstays who remained in the country.
The top 20 nationalities by the number of suspected in-country B-1/B-2 overstays in 2022 were:[139]
Overstay number
Country
Number of suspected in-country overstays
In-country overstay rate (against total number of expected departures)
Venezuela
171,627
44.01%
Mexico
125,658
3.46%
Colombia
59,146
5.19%
Dominican Republic
24,942
6.11%
China
19,966
22.97%
Jamaica
16,061
9.18%
India
15,266
4.18%
Brazil
15,246
3.65%
Canada
14,917
0.51%
Ecuador
13,906
3.40%
Nigeria
9,049
20.96%
Honduras
8,920
3.55%
Peru
8,711
2.09%
Haiti
7,953
12.42%
Bahamas
7,256
4.42%
Guatemala
7,009
2.42%
Russia
6,959
8.66%
Philippines
6,080
7.04%
Costa Rica
5,226
1.88%
Total (all nationalities)
487,809
6.94%
In 2016 the total number of suspected overstays in country was 280,559 with a corresponding rate of 1.91%.
The top 10 nationalities by in-country B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate in 2022 were:[139]
Overstay rate
Country
In-country overstay rate (against total number of expected departures)
Myanmar
62.59%
Bhutan
58.41%
Turkmenistan
55.07%
Djibouti
53.44%
Venezuela
44.01%
Liberia
49.48%
Angola
39.60%
Mauritania
39.36%
Eritrea
38.68%
Belarus
37.65%
Use for other countries
U.S. tourist visas that are valid for further travel are accepted as substitute visas for national visas in the following territories:
Canada – up to 6 months; Nationals of certain countries who hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa may apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for travel to Canada by air.[140]
Oman – Indian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival to Oman if holding a valid U.S. visa.[144]
Panama – 30/180 days; Visa must be multiple-entry; Visa must have a validity of at least 6 months after date of arrival in Panama; Visa must have been used at least once prior to arriving in Panama.
Peru – 180 days; For nationals of China and India only.[145]
Philippines – 7 days for nationals of China and 14 days for nationals India only.
Qatar – Citizens of all nationalities who hold valid USA visa can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization for up to 30 days. The visa may be extended online for 30 additional days
Saudi Arabia – Citizens of all nationalities who hold valid U.S. visa can get their visa upon arrival for 90 days within any 365-day period, provided it has been used at least once.[146]
Taiwan – Certain nationalities can obtain an online travel authority if holding a valid U.S. visa.
Turkey – Certain nationalities can obtain an electronic Turkish visa if holding a valid U.S. visa.
United Arab Emirates – Indian nationals can obtain a 14-day visit visa to UAE upon arrival if holding a U.S. visa or green card that is valid for at least 6 months.[147]
C visa
The C-1 visa is a transit visa issued to individuals who are traveling in "immediate and continuous transit through the United States en-route to another country". The only reason to enter the United States must be for transit purposes.
A subtype C-2 visa is issued to diplomats transiting to and from the Headquarters of the United Nations and is limited to the vicinity of New York City. A subtype C-3 visa is issued to diplomats and their dependents transiting to and from their posted country.[148]
D visa
D visa is issued to crew members of sea-vessels and international airlines in the United States. This includes commercial airline pilots and flight attendants, captain, engineer, or deckhand of a sea vessel, service staff on a cruise ship and trainees on board a training vessel. Usually a combination of a C-1 visa and D visa is required.[149]
E visa
Treaty Trader (E-1 visa) and Treaty Investor (E-2 visa) visas are issued to citizens of countries that have signed treaties of commerce and navigation with the United States.[150]
They are issued to individuals working in businesses engaged in substantial international trade or to investors (and their employees) who have made a 'substantial investment' in a business in the United States.[151]
The variant visa issued only to citizens of Australia is the E-3 visa (E-3D visa is issued to spouse or child of E-3 visa holder and E-3R to a returning E-3 holder).[152]
These visas are issued for foreign students enrolled at accredited US institutions.
F-1 visas are for full-time students, F2 visas are for spouses and children of F-1 visa holders and F-3 visas are for "border commuters" who reside in their country of origin while attending school in the United States.[153] They are managed through SEVIS.[154]
G visas are issued to diplomats, government officials, and employees who will work for international organizations in the United States. The international organization must be officially designated as such.[155]
The G-1 visa is issued to permanent mission members; the G-2 visa is issued to representatives of a recognized government traveling temporarily to attend meetings of a designated international organization; the G-3 visa is issued to persons who represent a non-recognized government; the G-4 visa is for those who are taking up an appointment; and the G-5 visa is issued to personal employees or domestic workers of G1–G4 visa holders.[156] G1–G4 visas are also issued to immediate family members of the principal visa holder, if they meet certain criteria.[156]
The NATO-1 visa is issued to permanent representatives of NATO and their staff members, NATO-2 visa is issued to a representative of member state to NATO or its subsidiary bodies, advisor or technical expert of the NATO delegation visiting the United States, a member of the NATO military forces component or a staff member of the NATO representative, NATO-3 visa is issued to official clerical staff accompanying the representative of a NATO member state, NATO-4 visa is issued to foreign national recognized as a NATO official, NATO-5 visa is issued to a foreign national recognized as a NATO expert and NATO-6 visa is issued to a member of the civilian component of the NATO. All NATO visas are issued to immediate family members as well. NATO-7 visas are issued to personal employees or domestic workers of a NATO-1 – NATO-6 visa holders.[156]
Specialty occupations, DOD Cooperative Research and Development Project Workers, and fashion models
The discontinued H-1A and H-1C visas existed during periods when the US experienced a shortage of nurses from 1989. The H-1A classification was created by the Nursing Relief Act of 1989 and ended in 1995.
The H-1C visa was created by the Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Area Act of 1999 and expired in 2005. Currently nurses must apply for H-1B visas.[157]
The H-1B classification is for professional-level jobs that require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a specific academic field. In addition, the employee must have the degree or the equivalence of such a degree through education and experience.
There is a required wage, which is at least equal to the wage paid by the employer to similarly qualified workers or a prevailing wage for such positions in the geographic regions where the jobs are located.
This visa also covers fashion models of distinguished merit and ability.[158][159] The H-1B1 visa is the variant issued to citizens of Singapore and Chile.
The H-2A visa allows a foreign national entry into the US for temporary or seasonal agricultural work for eligible employers under certain conditions (seasonal job, no available US workers).[160]
The H-2B visa allows a foreign national entry into the US for temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work for eligible employers under certain conditions (seasonal job, no available US workers).[161]
Nonimmigrant trainee or special education exchange Visitor
The H-3 visa is available to those foreign nationals looking to "receive training in any field of endeavor, other than graduate medical education or training, that is not available in the foreign national's home country" or " participate in a special education exchange visitor training program that provides for practical training and experience in the education of children with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities".[162]
The I-1 visa is issued to representatives of the foreign media, including members of the press, radio, film, and print industries travelling to temporarily work in the United States in the profession.[164]
The J-1 visa is issued to participants of work-and study-based exchange visitor programs.[165]
The Exchange Visitor Program is carried out under the provisions of the Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961, officially known as the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Pub. L.87–256, 75Stat.527). The purpose of the act is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges. The Exchange Visitor Program is administered by the Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
In carrying out the responsibilities of the Exchange Visitor Program, the department designates public and private entities to act as exchange sponsors. Spouses and dependents of J-1 exchange visitors are issued a J-2 visa.[166]
A K-1 visa is a visa issued to the fiancé or fiancée of a United States citizen to enter the United States. A K-1 visa requires a foreigner to marry his or her U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of entry, or depart the United States. Once the couple marries, the foreign citizen can adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States (Green Card holder).[185]
A K-2 visa is issued to unmarried children under the age of 21. Foreign same-sex partners of United States citizens are currently recognized by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and accordingly can be sponsored for K-1 visas and for permanent resident status.[186]
K-3/K-4 visas are issued to foreign spouses and children of US citizens.[187]
The L-1 classification is for international transferees who have worked for a related organization abroad for at least one continuous year in the past three years and who will be coming to the United States to work in an executive or managerial (L-1A) or specialized knowledge capacity (L-1B).[188][189][190] The L-2 visa is issued to dependent spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age of qualified L-1 visa holders.
The M-1 visa is a type of student visa reserved for vocational and technical schools.
Students in M-1 status may not work on or off campus while studying, and they may not change their status to F-1. The M-2 visa permits the spouse and minor children of an M-1 vocational student to accompany him or her to the United States.[153]
The O visa is a classification of non-immigrant temporary worker visa granted to an alien "who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (O-1A visa), or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements," (O-1B visa) and to certain assistants (O-2 visa) and immediate family members of such aliens (O-3 visa).[191]
P visas are issued to individuals or team athletes, or member of an entertainment group including persons providing essential support services (P-1 visa), artists or entertainers (individual or group) under a reciprocal exchange program (P-2 visa) and artists or entertainers (individual or group) visiting to perform, teach or coach under a program that is culturally unique (P-3 Visa).[192]
P-4 visas are issued to spouses, or children under the age of 21, of a P-1, P-2, or P-3 alien and who is accompanying, or following to join.
Q visa
The Q visa is issued to participants in an international cultural exchange program.[192]
The R-1 visa is issued to temporary religious workers. They must have been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States for at least 2 years.[193] R-2 visa is issued to dependent family members.[194]
S visa
S visas are nonimmigrant visas issued to individuals who have assisted law enforcement as a witness or informant. There is a limit of 200 S visas a year.[195]
A law enforcement agency can then submit an application for resident alien status, i.e. a green card on behalf of the witness or informant once the individual has completed the terms and conditions of his or her S visa.[196]
NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico whose profession is on the NAFTA list[197] and who must hold a bachelor's degree to work in the United States on a prearranged job. Canadian citizens usually do not need a visa to work under the TN status (unless they live outside Canada with non-Canadian family members) while Mexican citizens require a TN visa.
Spouse and dependent children of a TN professional can be admitted into the United States in the TD status.[198]
T and U visas
The T-1 visa is issued to victims of severe forms of human trafficking.
Holders may adjust their status to permanent resident status.[199]
Subtypes of this visa are T-2 (issued to spouses of T-1), T-3 (issued to children of T-1), T-4 (issued to parents of T-1 under the age of 21), and T-5 (issued to unmarried siblings under the age of 18 of T-1 who is under 21).
The U-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa which is set aside for victims of crimes (and their immediate family members) who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.[200]
Subtypes of this visa are U-2 issued to spouses of U-1, U-3 issued to children of U-1, U-4 issued to parents of U-1 under the age of 21 and U-5 issued to unmarried siblings under the age of 18 of U-1 who is under 21.
The V visa is a temporary visa available to spouses and minor children (unmarried, under 21) of U.S.lawful permanent residents (LPR, also known as green card holders).
It allows permanent residents to achieve family unity with their spouses and children while the immigration process takes its course. It was created by the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act of 2000.[201]
The Act is to relieve those who applied for immigrant visas on or before December 21, 2000. Practically, the V visa is currently not available to spouses and minor children of LPRs who have applied after December 21, 2000.[202]
List of US visa types
All US visa types and subtypes are listed below:[203][204]
The Trump administration issued new rules on August 12, 2019, that will reject applicants for temporary or permanent visas for failing to meet income standards or for receiving public assistance such as welfare, food stamps, public housing or Medicaid.[205]
Critics[who?] feared the new law, which was set to go into effect in October 2019, could negatively impact the lives of children who are U.S. citizens.[206]
Symbol
Description
Immediate Relatives
IR-1
Spouse of U.S. citizen
IR-2
Child of U.S. citizen
IR-3
Orphan from a non-Hague country (i.e., not a party to the Hague Adoption Convention) adopted abroad by U.S. citizen
IR-4
Orphan from a non-Hague country to be adopted in the United States by U.S. citizen
IR-5
Parent of U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age
IH-3
Orphan from a Hague country adopted abroad by U.S. citizen
IH-4
Orphan from a Hague country to be adopted in the United States by U.S. citizen
CR-1
Spouse of U.S. citizen (conditional status)
CR-2
Child of U.S. citizen (conditional status)
IW-1
Certain spouses of deceased U.S. citizens
IW-2
Child of IW-1 IB-1
IB-1
Self-petition spouse of U.S. citizen
IB-2
Self-petition child of U.S. citizen
IB-3
Child of IB-1
VI-5
Parent of U.S. citizen who acquired permanent resident status under the Virgin Islands Nonimmigrant Alien Adjustment Act
Vietnam Amerasian Immigrants
AM-1
Vietnam Amerasian principal
AM-2
Spouse/Child of AM-1
AM-3
Natural mother of AM-1 (and spouse or child of such mother), or person who has acted in effect as the mother, father, or next-of-kin of AM-1 (and spouse or child of such person)
Special Immigrants
SB-1
Returning resident
SC-1
Certain persons who lost U.S. citizenship by marriage
SC-2
Certain persons who lost U.S. citizenship by serving in foreign armed forces
Family-Sponsored Immigrants: First Preference
F11
Unmarried son or daughter of U.S. citizen
F12
Child of F11
B11
Self-petition unmarried son or daughter of U.S. citizen
B12
Child of B11
Family-Sponsored Immigrants: Second Preference (Subject to Country Limitations)
F21
Spouse of permanent resident
F22
Child of permanent resident
F23
Child of F21 or F22
F24
Unmarried son/daughter of permanent resident
F25
Child of F24
B21
Self-petition spouse of permanent resident
B22
Self-petition child of permanent resident
B23
Child of B21 or B22
B24
Self-petition unmarried son/daughter of permanent resident
B25
Child of B24
Family-Sponsored Immigrants: Second Preference (Exempt from Country Limitations)
FX1
Spouse of permanent resident
FX2
Child of permanent resident
FX3
Child of FX1 or FX2
BX1
Self-petition spouse of permanent resident
BX2
Self-petition child of permanent resident
BX3
Child of BX1 or BX2
Family-Sponsored Immigrants: Third Preference
F31
Married son or daughter of U.S. citizen
F32
Spouse of F31
F33
Child of F31
B31
Self-petition married son or daughter of U.S. citizen B32
B32
Spouse of B31
B33
Child of B31
Family-Sponsored Immigrants: Fourth Preference
F41
Brother or sister of U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years of age
F42
Spouse of F41
F43
Child of F41
Employment-Based Immigrants: First Preference (Priority Workers)
E11
Person with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
E12
Outstanding professor or researcher
E13
Multinational executive or manager
E14
Spouse of E11, E12, or E13
E15
Child of E11, E12, or E13
Employment-Based Immigrants: Second Preference (Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability)
E21
Professional holding advanced degree or person of exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business
E22
Spouse of E21
E23
Child of E21
Employment-Based Immigrants: Third Preference (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers)
E31
Skilled worker
E32
Professional holding baccalaureate degree
E34
Spouse of E31 or E32
E35
Child of E31 or E32
EW3
Other workers
(subgroup numerical limit)
EW4
Spouse of EW3
EW5
Child of EW3
Employment-Based Immigrants: Fourth Preference (Certain Special Immigrants)
BC-1
Certain international broadcasters
BC-2
Spouse of BC-1
BC-3
Child of BC-1
SD-1
Minister of religion
SD-2
Spouse of SD-1
SD-3
Child of SD-1
SE-1
Certain employees or former employees of the U.S. Government abroad
SE-2
Spouse of SE-1
SE-3
Child of SE-1
SF-1
Certain former employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government
SF-2
Spouse or child of SF-1
SG-1
Certain former employees of the U.S. Government in the Panama Canal Zone SG-2
SH-2
Spouse or child of SH-1
SJ-2
Spouse or child of SJ-1 (certain foreign medical graduates)
SK-1
Certain retired international organization employees
SK-2
Spouse of SK-1 SK-3
SK-4
Certain surviving spouses of deceased international organization employees SL-1
SM-1
Person recruited outside the United States who has served, or is enlisted to serve, in the U.S. Armed Forces for 12 years (became eligible after October 1, 1991)
SM-2
Spouse of SM-1
SM-3
Child of SM-1
SM-4
Person recruited outside the United States who has served, or is enlisted to serve, in the U.S. Armed Forces for 12 years (eligible as of October 1, 1991)
SM-5
Spouse or child of SM-4
SN-1
Certain retired NATO-6 civilian employees
SN-2
Spouse of SN-1
SN-3
Certain unmarried sons or daughters of NATO-6 civilian employees
SN-4
Certain surviving spouses of deceased NATO-6 civilian employees
SR-1
Certain religious workers (subgroup numerical limit)
Head of state and immediate family, prime minister and immediate family, government minister, ambassador, career diplomat or consular officer, or immediate family
A-2
Minister of state, other foreign government official or employee, or immediate family
Border commuter student (vocational or nonacademic)[207]
N-8
Parent of SK-3 or SN-3 special immigrant
N-9
Child of N-8 or of SK-1, SK-2, SK-4, SN-1, SN-2, or SN-4 special immigrant
NATO-1
Principal permanent representative of member state to NATO (including any of its subsidiary bodies) resident in the U.S. and resident members of official staff; Secretary General, Assistant Secretaries General, and Executive Secretary of NATO; other permanent NATO officials of similar rank, and members of immediate family
NATO-2
Other representatives of member states to NATO (including any of its subsidiary bodies) including representatives, advisers, and technical experts of delegations, and members of immediate family; dependents of members of a force entering in accordance with the provisions of the NATO Status-of-Forces Agreement or in accordance with provisions of the "Protocol on the Status of International Military Headquarters"; members of such a force if issued visas
NATO-3
Official clerical staff accompanying a representative of member state to NATO (including any of its subsidiary bodies), and members of immediate family
NATO-4
Officials of NATO (other than those classifiable as NATO-1), and members of immediate family
NATO-5
Experts, other than officials classifiable as NATO-4, employed in missions on behalf of NATO, and their dependents
NATO-6
Members of a civilian component accompanying a force entering in accordance with the provisions of the NATO Status-of-Forces Agreement; members of a civilian component attached to or employed by an Allied Headquarters under the "Protocol on the Status of International Military Headquarters" set up pursuant to the North Atlantic Treaty; and their dependents
NATO-7
Attendant, servant, or personal employee of NATO-1 through NATO-6 classes, and immediate family
Participant in an international cultural exchange program
R-1
Person in a religious occupation
R-2
Spouse or child of R-1
S-5
Informant possessing information on criminal activity
S-6
Informant possessing information on terrorism
S-7
Spouse, married or unmarried son or daughter, or parent of S-5 or S-6
SIJS
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status: Qualifying children present in the U.S. who are declared dependents of a juvenile court and who would be harmed if returned to their home country
The concept of the dual intent visa is to grant legal status to certain types of visa applicants when they are in the process of applying for a visa with the intent to obtain a permanent residency/green card.
There are a certain number of U.S. visa categories that grant permission for dual intent, or to get a temporary visa status while having an intention to get a green card and stay permanently in the United States of America.[citation needed]
Athletes or members of team who take part in certain athletic competition for the purpose of entertainment
P-2
Entertainers and artists who visit the United States under a mutual exchange program between the U.S. and other organizations and their supporters (service workers or individuals)
P-3
Artists, individuals and service workers who come to the U.S. with the objective to teach, coach, develop and interpret traditional and cultural performances
P-4
Dependents of individuals who hold P-2 and P-3 visas
Individuals with family members who have the LPR (Lawful Permanent Resident) status, live in the United States and have filed the Form I-130 before December 21, 2000
Individuals who are dependents of L-1 visa holders
Doctors and Physicians
H-1B
Foreign medical practitioners who have an appropriate degree and a license in their sphere and have completed the FLEX licensing examination
O-1A
Foreign medical practitioners with outstanding skills in the medical niche
E-2
Foreign medical practitioners who have an intention to invest in an American enterprise
Professional and Priority Workers
H-1B
Foreign citizens with a specialty occupation who have a sponsorship from an employer based in the United States
E-2
Treaty investors who are eligible to work in the United States for an American business if they invest more than 100,000 USD and if they are citizens of Treaty Countries
E-3
Australian citizens who have a sponsorship from an employer based in the United States
Software Engineers and Programmers
H-1B
Foreign citizens who have deep knowledge in the computer sphere and can provide strong evidence of their skills
L-1
Foreign citizens who hold the position of executive or manager in software companies and have to be transported to a branch based in the United States
E-1/E-2
Foreign citizens from Treaty Countries who possess unique IT skills
O-1A
Foreign citizens who have outstanding knowledge in computer science and software development
Temporary Workers
H-1B
Foreign citizens who are currently/expired nurses by occupation and who are going to come to the United States under the Nursing Relief Act
H-1B
Foreign citizens who specialize in spheres that are important for employers who are based in the United States
As this will only apply to individuals requiring a visa, this is different to the established ESTA system for visa-waived nationals.
Visa denial
A mock-up of the letter issued by the United States Consulate-general in Shanghai to inform nonimmigrant visa denials under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act defined several classes of aliens ineligible to receive visas.
Grounds for denial may include, but are not limited to:
Risk of visa overstay
Financial insecurity
Having low or middle class income
Having an informal job
Unemployment
Not having children and/or being single
Relatives living in the United States
Political, economic or social instability in the country of origin
Incomplete education
Health grounds
Criminal history
Security fears
Public charge (charge means burden in this context)
Illegal entrants or immigration violators
Failure to produce requested documents
Ineligible for citizenship
Previously removed from the U.S.
The spouse of a U.S. Citizen is almost always denied a visitor's (B1/B2) visa on the grounds that the spouse might want to stay in the United States.
Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (also cited as 8 United States Code § 1184(b))[213] states that most aliens must be presumed to be intending to remain in the U.S., until and unless they are able to show that they are entitled to non-immigrant status. This means there are two sides to a 214(b) denial. Denials occur when applicants do not convince the consular officer of their intent to stay in the U.S. temporarily, or were qualified for the visa.
An example of a denial based upon the first ground would be an applicant for an F-1 student visa who the consular officer felt was secretly intending to remain in the U.S. permanently.
An example of a denial based upon the second ground would be an H-1B applicant who couldn't prove he possessed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree in a specialty field—such an equivalency being a requirement for obtaining an H-1B visa.
In order to thereafter obtain a visa applicants are recommended to objectively evaluate their situation, see in what way they fell short of the visa requirements, and then reapply.[214]
In rare cases, Section 212(d)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows for the temporary entry of certain aliens who would otherwise be prohibited from entering the United States.
The person applies for a Hranka waiver and pays the filing fee. When deciding whether to approve the waiver, the Board of Immigration Appeals considers whether there would be harm to society if the applicant were admitted to the United States, the seriousness of the applicant's prior violations, and the nature of the applicant's reasons for wishing to enter the United States.
If approved for a Hranka waiver, the applicant would need to have this documentation when requesting entry to the United States.[215]
Exceptions
There are cases when a U.S. visa has been granted to aliens who were technically ineligible.
In 2005, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (then Chief Minister of Gujarat) was denied a diplomatic visa to the United States. The B-1/B-2 visa that had previously been granted to him was also revoked, under a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act which makes any foreign government official who was responsible or "directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom" ineligible for the visa (the violations of religious freedom in question being the 2002 Gujarat riots).[217] Modi is the only person ever denied a visa to the U.S. under this provision.[218] In 2014, after Modi's BJP political party won the 2014 Indian general election, U.S. President Barack Obama ended the visa issue by calling Modi to congratulate him on his victory, and invited him to the White House. On June 8, 2016, Modi addressed a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress.[219]
1 2 3 ESTA is not available for nationals of Hungary born outside Hungary. For nationals of Hungary applying from August 1, 2023, ESTA is valid for one year and for a single entry to the United States.[24][25]
1 2 Only holders of biometric passports are eligible for ESTA. German child passports, which could be requested for children under age 12 as an alternative to a standard German passport before 2024, are not biometric and thus are not eligible for ESTA.[26] The last passports of this kind were set to expire at the end of 2026.[27]
1 2 3 For nationals of Brunei applying from July 6, 2023, ESTA is valid for 1 year.[25]
1 2 Only holders of biometric passports issued with full validity, which can only be requested in person in Israel, are eligible for ESTA.[28][29] Passports requested at Israeli diplomatic missions abroad, which are not biometric, and those requested online or for recent immigrants in Israel, which are issued with reduced validity, are not eligible for ESTA.[30][31][32]
↑ May also enter without a visa if traveling directly from the country through airport preclearance and holding a police certificate showing no criminal record.
↑ For British Overseas Territories citizens (BOTCs) of the Pitcairn Islands, 2 entries and validity of 3 months. BOTCs of Bermuda may also enter without a visa. BOTCs of the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands may also enter without a visa if traveling directly from the territory and holding a police certificate showing no criminal record. British citizens may also enter without a visa, with ESTA.
↑ "Non-nationality based issuances" includes individuals presenting travel documents issued by a competent authority other than their country of nationality, including, for example, aliens traveling on a Laissez-Passer issued by the United Nations and refugees residing in another country.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Persons with H-1B visas, H-4 visas (as immediate family members of H-1B visa holders), K visas, L visas, and V visas are permitted to have dual intent under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Federal regulations also appear to recognize dual intent O visas, P visas, and E visas.
Related Research Articles
A green card, known officially as a permanent resident card, is an identity document which shows that a person has permanent residency in the United States. Green card holders are formally known as lawful permanent residents (LPRs). As of 2023, there are an estimated 12.7 million green card holders, of whom 9 million are eligible to become United States citizens. Approximately 18,700 of them serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a program of the United States federal government that allows nationals of specific countries to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or while in transit for up to 90 days without having to obtain a visa. It applies to all fifty U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, which also have an additional program with waivers for more nationalities; American Samoa has a similar but separate program.
An L-1 visa is a visa document used to enter the United States for the purpose of work in L-1 status. It is a non-immigrant visa, and is valid for a relatively short amount of time, from three months to five years, based on a reciprocity schedule. With extensions, the maximum stay is seven years.
Dual intent is a concept in United States immigration law. Typically, it refers to the fact that certain U.S. visas allow foreigners to be temporarily present in the U.S. with lawful status and immigrant intent. This allows those visa holders to enter the U.S. while simultaneously seeking lawful permanent resident status at a port of entry. Otherwise, visa holders may be presumed to have immigrant intent and can be kept from entry as a matter of law.
A K-1 visa is a visa issued to the fiancé or fiancée of a United States citizen to enter the United States. A K-1 visa requires a foreigner to marry his or her U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of entry, or depart the United States. Once the couple marries, the foreign citizen can adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Although a K-1 visa is legally classified as a non-immigrant visa, it usually leads to important immigration benefits and is therefore often processed by the Immigrant Visa section of United States embassies and consulates worldwide.
TN status is a special non-immigrant classification of foreign nationals in the United States, which offers expedited work authorization to a citizen of Canada or a national of Mexico. It was created as a result of provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement that mandated simplified entry and employment permission for certain professionals from each of the three NAFTA member states in the other member states. The provisions of NAFTA relevant to TN status were then carried over almost verbatim to the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement that replaced NAFTA in 2020.
The E-3 visa is a United States visa for which only citizens of Australia are eligible. It was created by an Act of the United States Congress as a result of the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), although it is not formally a part of the AUSFTA. The legislation creating the E-3 visa was signed into law by U.S. President George W. Bush on May 11, 2005. It is widely believed to have grown out of the negotiation of a trade deal between the US and Australia.
The V visa was a temporary visa available to spouses and minor children of US lawful permanent residents. It allowed permanent residents to achieve family unity with their spouses and children while the immigration process took its course. It was created by the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act of 2000. The Act is to relieve those who applied for immigrant visas on or before December 21, 2000. Practically, the V visa is currently not available to spouses and minor children of LPRs who have applied after December 21, 2000.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ESTA was mandated by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. ESTA only authorizes travel to a U.S. airport, border, or port of entry, but admissibility into the United States is determined by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions.
A Form I-766 employment authorization document or EAD card, known popularly as a work permit, is a document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that provides temporary employment authorization to noncitizens in the United States.
The E-2 Investor Visa allows an individual to enter and work in the United States based on an investment in a U.S. business. The E-2 visa is valid for three months to five years and can be extended indefinitely. The investment must be "substantial", although there is no legally defined minimum. The E-2 visa is available only to citizens of certain countries.
An L-2 visa is a visa document used to enter the United States by the dependent spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age of qualified L-1 visa holders. It is a non-immigrant visa, and is only valid for the duration of the spouse's L-1 visa.
A B visa is one of a category of non-immigrant visas issued by the United States government to foreign nationals seeking entry for a temporary period. The two types of B visa are the B-1 visa, issued to those seeking entry for business purposes, and the B-2 visa, issued to those seeking entry for tourism or other non-business purposes. In practice, the two visa categories are usually combined and issued as a "B-1/B-2 visa" valid for a temporary visit for either business or pleasure, or a combination of the two. Nationals of certain countries do not usually need to obtain a visa for these purposes.
The visa policy of Canada requires that any foreign citizen wishing to enter Canada must obtain a temporary resident visa from one of the Canadian diplomatic missions unless they hold a passport issued by one of the 53 eligible visa-exempt countries and territories or proof of permanent residence in Canada or the United States.
The U visa is a United States nonimmigrant visa which is set aside for victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse while in the U.S. and who are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. It permits such victims to enter or remain in the US when they might not otherwise be able to do so. An advantage that comes along with the acceptance of a U-visa is the individual will have deportation protection which is important when they are collaborating with law enforcement.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues a number of forms for people to submit to them relating to immigrant and non-immigrant visa statuses. These forms begin with the letter "I". None of the forms directly grants a United States visa, but approval of these forms may provide authorization for staying or extending one's stay in the United States as well as authorization for work. Some United States visas require an associated approved USCIS immigration form to be submitted as part of the application.
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status is one of the forms issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is used by people currently in the United States in a non-immigrant status to change the classification for their status and/or extend their stay with their current status. Both the current status and the status to which the transition is being sought must be non-immigrant visa statuses.
The Legal Immigration Family Equity Act of 2000, also known as the LIFE Act and as the Legal Immigration and Family Equity Act, along with its Amendments, made some changes to laws surrounding immigration for family members of United States citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents, as well as people eligible for employment-based immigrant visas, in the direction of making it easier for family members and immigrant workers to move to and adjust status within the United States. It was passed on December 21, 2000, as title XI of Pub. L.106–553 (text)(PDF).
An I-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States for foreign media representatives and journalists who travel to the United States for the purpose of working exclusively in their profession. All applicants must meet eligibility criteria, which requires them to be residents of foreign countries, working for foreign information outlets headquartered in their respective countries.
An electronic visa (E-Visa) and an electronic travel authorization are digital travel permits commonly required in conjunction with a valid passport for entry into specific jurisdictions. These electronic travel documents have gained prominence in the modern era of digital connectivity and streamlined travel processes.
↑ United Kingdom includes the United Kingdom, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
↑ China includes the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
↑ France includes France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Reunion, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and Wallis and Futuna.
↑ Australia includes Australia, Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
↑ Netherlands includes the Netherlands, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten.
1British Overseas Territories. 2 These countries span the conventional boundary between Europe and Asia. 3 Partially recognized. 4Unincorporated territory of the United States. 5 Part of the Kingdom of Denmark. 6Egypt spans the boundary between Africa and Asia.
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