Important: The following information is only meant as an overview of immigration procedures and should not be construed as legal advice. Date of most recent modification: 09/07.

 

You are planning to stay in the United States temporarily

(Non-Immigrant Visas)

A non-immigrant visa will allow you to enter the United States for a limited period of time and for a specific purpose. Steffas & Associates, P.C. will help you understand which visa you are eligible for and will assist you with the application.

E: Treaty Traders and Investors

E visas are available only to nationals of countries with which the United States has signed a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation or a Bilateral Investment Treaty. The E-1 visa allows an individual to enter the United States for the purpose of carrying on a substantial trade between the United States and the foreign country. The E-2 visa allows an individual who has made a substantial investment creating a U.S. enterprise, to enter the United States on a temporary basis.

H-1: Specialty Occupation

H-1B visas are available to members of a specialty or professional occupation, who holds a degree at least equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree (four-year U.S. college degree), or its equivalent in experience (three years of experience to every one year of college education). In addition, the individual must obtain an approval from the Department of Labor certifying that the employment of the H-1B holder will not adversely affect the working condition of workers similarly employed and that the H-1B holder will not be underpaid in comparison with the prevailing wage for this area of employment.

K: Fiancé Visa

K visas are available to the fiancé(e) of a U.S. Citizen and allows the fiancé(e) to come to the United Stated for 90 days so that the couple may get married within that period of time. As part of the application, the couple must show evidence of the relationship prior to the marriage. Following the wedding, the fiancé(e) may apply to adjust status and become a legal permanent resident in the United States.

L: Intra-company Transfers

L visas are available to managers or executives of a multinational business with at least one year of employment with that company in the last three years prior to the application.

O: Individuals of Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

O visas are available to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary abilities in the fields of athletics, arts, business, education or sciences, and have sustained national or international acclaim.

P: Internationally Recognized Athletes and Group Entertainers

P visas are available to internationally recognized athletes who are going to perform in the United States individually or as part of a team.

R: Religious Workers

R visas are available to individuals who travel to the United States to take on a religious occupation and perform services for their religious organization if that organization is already established in the United States

TN: Professionals of Canada or Mexico

TN visas are available to Canadian and Mexican nationals employed in a specific profession as provided by NAFTA, which requires at least a baccalaureate degree or appropriate credentials demonstrating status as a professional. Such professions include but are not limited to accountant, architect, graphic designer, hotel manager, teachers and medical professionals.

Extension of Visa

If you were approved for a non-immigrant visa and you are now approaching the expiration date on your visa, you may apply for an extension of your visa under limited circumstances.

Note that some of these visa categories are subject to annual quotas set by USCIS or the U.S. Department of State.