United States Visa Policy: A Detailed Guide

The United States is one of the most popular countries in the world, where millions of people travel for various purposes every year. These include objectives like education, employment, business, tourism, medicine and permanent residences. The US visa policy is complex and multidimensional, classified under a variety of visas and immigration rules. In this article we will discuss in detail the US visa system, visa types, application process and related rules.

Introduction to America’s visa system

Most foreign nationals require visas to enter the US. This visa is issued by the US Embassy or Consulate. Visas are mainly divided into two categories:

Immigrant visa
Non-Immigrant Visa

🟠 Non-Immigrant Visa

Non-immigrant visas are for individuals who want to temporarily come to America. There are many types of visas under this:

1️⃣ Tourism and Professional Travel Visa (B-1/B-2 Visa)

B-1 Visa: For business trips
B-2 visa: for tourism, medical treatment or leave

2️⃣ Student Visa (F, M and J Visa)

F-1 Visa: To study in educational institutions
M-1 Visa: For Professional and Non-Educational Institutions
J-1 Visa: For Exchange Visitor Program

3️⃣ Work Visa (H, L, O, P, Q VISA)

H-1B Visa: For Special professionals
H-2A/B Visa: For seasonal agriculture/non-agricultural workers
L-1 Visa: For transfer within the same company
O-1 Visa: For persons with extraordinary talent
P Visa: For artists, athletes and entertainment industry
Q Visa: For International Cultural Exchange Programs

4️⃣ Religious Visa (R Visa)

For persons working for religious organizations

5️⃣ Domestic Employee Visa

Special visa for domestic assistants and employees

🟠 Immigrant visa

This visa is for individuals who want to get a permanent residence (green card) in the US. This includes the following categories:

✔️ Family Based Visa

Family of American citizens (spouses, children, parents, brothers/sisters) fall into this category.

✔️ Employment based visa

For permanent residence based on special skills or professional capabilities

✔️ Special immigrant visas

Religious personnel, employees of international organization, translator etc.

✔️ Diversity Visa Lottery

For citizens of countries that have low migration rates in the US. It is given about 55,000 visas every year.

📝 Application process

➡️ For non-immigrant visas:

DS-160 Form online filling
Visa fee payment
Interview appointment
Give biometric and visa interview
Wait for visa acceptance or rejection

➡️ For immigrant visas:

Petition file (Form I-13, I-140 etc.)
Get the approval of USCIS
NVC (National Visa Center) process
Documentation and fee payment
Interview and Medical Test
Visa release and enter America

💡 Visa validity and expansion

Each visa has a certain period of time. Some visas are expandable while nothing. Violation of visa conditions can lead to punishment such as prohibition, visa cancellation or exile.

🔄 Special categories and programs

➡️ H-1B visa

For highly popular, special professionals
High competition, annual quota limited

➡️ Opt and CPT

Work-experience opportunities for students

➡️ EB-5 investor visa

Green card eligibility on minimum investment of $ 800,000

➡️ TPS and refugee visa

Special protection for citizens of troubled countries