Categories of Non-Immigrant U.S. Visas

A B C D E F G H I J K L M O P Q R T


Diplomatic

Temporary Worker/Merit

Business Travel

Temporary Worker/Agriculture

Tourist Travel/Pleasure

Trainee

Transit

Media

Air or Ship's Crew

Exchange Visitor

Treaty Trader

Intra-Company Transfer

Australian Specialty Occupation

Blanket L Petition

Treaty Investor

Vocational Training

Student

Extraordinary Ability

International Organizations

Art, Sports, Culture

Temporary Worker/Ability

Religious

Temporary Worker/Nurses

NAFTA Professional

Letter

Type of Visa

Appointment Requirements

A1

Ambassador, Diplomat or Consul

  • DS-160 (application form) Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous U.S. visas.
  • Original diplomatic note from employing Embassy, describing the nature of work and length of stay in the U.S.
A2 Other Foreign Government Official
  • DS-160 (application form) Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous U.S. visas.
  • Original diplomatic note from employing Embassy, describing the nature of work and length of stay in the U.S.

A3

Personal Employee of A1/A2

B1

Visitor for Business
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in U.S.
  • Proof of ties/residence in a country outside U.S. which they have no intention of abandoning.
  • Evidence which shows purpose of trip.
  • Domestic Employees accompanying or following to join employers in order to perform their duties in the U.S. must present a copy of their employment contract(s) and proof of a minimum of one year of employment with that employer as a domestic employee.
B2 Visitor for Pleasure
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months)
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in the U.S.
  • Proof of ties/residence in a country outside the U.S. which have no intentions of abandoning.
  • Evidence which show the purpose of trip.

C1

Alien in Transit
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Travel itinerary.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in the U.S.
  • Proof of ties/residence outside the U.S. which have no intentions of abandoning.

C1/D

Alien Crewman in Transit
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Letter/contract from employing company stating the length of work and if possible, places of entry into U.S.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in U.S.
  • Proof of ties/residence in country outside U.S. which have no intentions of abandoning.

C2

Alien in Transit-United Nations
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Original diplomatic note from employing Embassy / International Organization, describing the nature of work and length of stay in the U.S.
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Airline tickets or travel itinerary.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in the U.S.
  • Proof of ties/residence outside the U.S. which you have no intentions of abandoning.

C3

Transit- Foreign Official or Family
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Original diplomatic note from employing Embassy / International Organization, describing the nature of work and length of stay in the U.S.
  • Airline tickets or travel itinerary.

D

Crew Member- Ship or Aircraft Crew
  • DS-160 (application form) and DS-160 (for applicants over 15 years of age).
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Letter/contract from employing company stating the length of work and if possible, places of entry into U.S.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in the U.S.
  • Proof of ties/residence outside the U.S. which you have no intentions of abandoning.

E1/E2

E1 Treaty Trader
E2 Treaty Investor

This visa category is extremely complex. The spouse and children of the E-Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor are granted E status just like the principal. The spouses of E-visa holders are authorized employment with an "employment authorized" endorsement from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

 

E3

 

Australian Specialty Occupation
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Australian Passport
  • One passport-sized photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Approved Labor Certification Application (Form 9035) with attestations by the sponsoring employer related to wages and working conditions, filed with and approved by the Secretary of Labor or his designee
  • Job offer letter from the prospective U.S. employer.
  • Proof of appropriate credentials if required for the position (licenses, degrees, etc. must be originals or certified copies
  • Proof of educational diplomas needed for the position.

F1

Student

F2

Spouse/Child of F1
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • USCIS Form I-20

G1

Permanent Representative to International Organization
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Original letter/employment contract from the employing International Organization describing nature of work and length of stay in U.S.

G2

Temporary Representative to International Organization
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Original letter/employment contract from the employing International Organization describing nature of work and length of stay in U.S.
  • Proof of ties/residence in country outside of U.S.

G3

Representative Nonrec/Member of International Organization
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Original letter/employment contract from the employing International Organization describing nature of work and length of stay in U.S.

G4

Employee of International Organization and Family
  • DS-160 (application form) and DS-160 (for applicants over 15 years of age).
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Letter/contract from the employing International Organization, describing the nature of work and length of stay in U.S. Please note that this letter/contract must be faxed directly by the International Organization to the Consular Section
  • Proof of previous status in the U.S.

G5

Personal Employee of G1/2/3/4

H1

Temporary Worker of Distinguished Merit & Ability
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable)
  • Original or copy of Notice of Approval Form I-797A or I-797B.
  • Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
  • Recent paystub/payslip.
  • Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
  • Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
  • If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must be original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and /or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.

H1A

Nurses (Temporary)
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Original or copy of Notice of Approval Form I-797A or I-797B.
  • Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
  • Recent paystub/payslip.
  • Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
  • Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
  • If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and /or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.

H1B

Distinguished Merit (Other than Nurse)
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Original or copy of Notice of Approval Form I-797A or I-797B.
  • Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
  • Recent paystub/payslip.
  • Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
  • Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
  • If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
  • Evidence of qualifications must original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and/or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.

H2

Temporary Worker Performing Agricultural Services
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable)
  • Original or copy of Notice of Approval Form I-797A or I-797B.
  • Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
  • Recent paystub/payslip.
  • Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
  • Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
  • If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and /or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.

H2A

Temporary Agricultural Worker

  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Original or copy of Notice of Approval Form I-797A or I-797B.
  • Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
  • Recent paystub/payslip.
  • Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
  • Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
  • If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and /or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.

H2B

Non-Agricultural Temporary Worker
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Original or copy of Notice of Approval Form I-797A or I-797B.
  • Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
  • Recent paystub/payslip.
  • Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
  • Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
  • If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and /or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.

H3

Trainee
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable)
  • Original or copy of Notice of Approval Form I-797A or I-797B.
  • Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
  • Recent paystub/payslip.
  • Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
  • Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
  • If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and/or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.

H4

Spouse/Child of H-1A/1B/2A/2B/3

 Proof of dependent's relationship to main applicant (must be original or certified copy - if English translation, must be a certified translation.).

I

Foreign Information Media and Family
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in the U.S.
  • Proof of ties/residence in a country outside the U.S. which have no intentions of abandoning.
  • Employment letter stating qualifications as a foreign journalist and intended length of stay.
If applicant is freelance journalist, a valid contract will be required.

J1

Exchange Visitor
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • DS-158 (contact information and work history).
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.

J2

Spouse/Child of J1
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • DS-158 (contact information and work history).
  • DS-2019
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Main applicant's documents (copy).
  • Proof of dependent's relationship to main applicant, (must be original or certified copy - if English translation, must be certified translation).

K

Fiancé/Fiancée Visa
  • DS-156 (application form).
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • US$100 non-refundable application fee.
  • Reciprocity Fee (if applicable)

L1

Inter-Company
Transferee
(Executive, Manager)
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Original or copy of Notice of Approval Form I-797A or I-797B.
  • Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
  • Recent paystub/payslips.
  • Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
  • Proof applicant employed 1 out of 3 years abroad by the employer in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.
  • Proof employer abroad still exists.
  • Waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule if previously under J1 status.

L

Blanket Petition

L2

Spouse/Child of L1
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Main applicant's documents (copy).
  • Proof of dependent's relationship to main applicant (must be original or certified copy - if English translation, must be a certified translation).
  • The spouses of L visa holders - but not their dependent children - are authorized employment with an "employment authorized" endorsement from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

M1

Visitor for Vocational/Technical Training

M2

Spouse/Child of M-1

O1

Alien of Extraordinary Ability
O2 Alien Accompanying O-1 Alien Ability

O3

Spouse/Child of O-1 or O-2 Alien
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Main applicant's documents (copy).
  • Proof of dependent's relationship to the main dependent, (must be original or certified copy - if English translation, must be a certified translation).

P1

Athlete - Specific Event
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Original or copy of Notice of Approval Form I-797A or I-797B.
  • Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
  • Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
  • Evidence of qualifications, must be original or certified copy.
  • Proof of ties/residence in a country outside the U.S. which have no intentions of abandoning.
P2 Artist - Reciprocal Exchange
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Original or copy of Notice of Approval Form I-797A or I-797B.
  • Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary
  • Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
  • Evidence of qualifications, must be original or certified copy.
  • Proof of ties/residence in a country outside the U.S. which have no intentions of abandoning.
P3 Culturally Unique Artist
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Original or copy of Notice of Approval Form I-797A or I-797B.
  • Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
  • Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
  • Evidence of qualifications, must be original or certified copy.
  • Proof of ties/residence in a country outside the U.S. which have no intentions of abandoning.

P4

Spouse/Child of P-1, P-2, or P-3
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable visa application fee.
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Main applicant's documents (copy).
  • Proof of dependent's relationship to main applicant, (must be original or certified copy - if English translation, must be a certified translation).

Q1

International Cultural Exchange

Q2

Spouse/Child of Q1 Alien
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Main applicant's documents (copy).
  • Proof of dependent's relationship to main applicant, (must be original or certified copy - if English translation, must be a certified translation).
  • Main applicant's documents (copy).

R1

Alien in Religious Occupation

  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Proof of membership in the religious organization.
  • Proof of the organization's tax exempt status.
  • Letter from the organization describing the nature of the employment and length of intended stay in the U.S.
  • Applicant must demonstrate they have work experience in their home country with the same religious organization they will represent in U.S.
  • Copy of I-129 Petition completed by sponsor and filed with DHS.
  • Original or copy of Notice of Approval Form I-797A or I-797B.
R2 Spouse/Child of R-1 Alien
  • DS-160 (application form)
  • Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
  • One passport-size photo.
  • Older passports containing previous visas.
  • Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
  • Non-refundable U.S. Visa Application Fee
  • Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
  • Proof of membership in the religious organization.
  • Proof of the organization's tax exempt status.
  • Letter from the organization describing the nature of the employment and length of intended stay in the U.S.
  • Applicant must demonstrate they have work experience in their home country with the same religious organization they will represent in U.S.
  • Main applicant's documents (copy).
TN NAFTA The visa category "Professionals Under the North American Free Trade Agreement" is available only to citizens of Canada and Mexico, under the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Spouses and dependent (minor) children do not need to be Canadian or Mexican citizens.