There are many types of Visas which allow entry into the U.S. They can be generally divided into two categories: Immigrant Visas, and Nonimmigrant Visas. So what’s the difference? Immigrant Visas lead to permanent residency, which is signified by the issuance of a green card. A Green Card is formally known as an Alien Registration Card or I-551. It cannot be taken away except for certain types of serious crimes and immigration violations. It is used in place of a Visa, enabling permanent residents to return to the U.S. after temporary absences. Individuals who hold a green card can eventually apply for U.S. Citizenship. This process is known as Naturalization.
Nonimmigrant Visas do not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. Nonimmigrants must leave the U.S. once their Visa or Status expires, or is not renewed. E-2 Visas can be renewed without limitation. Tourists and Students are examples of Nonimmigrants.
- A Ambassadors, career diplomats and their families
- A-2 Other foreign government officials of employees & family
- A-3 Personal attendants, servants, or employees of A-1 & A-2 visa holders
- B-1 Temporary Business
- B-2 Temporary Tourist
- C-1 Temporary Transit
- D Crew member
- E-1 Treaty Trader
- E-2 Treaty Investor
- EB-5 Investor Class $1 Million
- F-1 Student
- F-2 Spouses or Children of F-1 visa holders
- G-1 Foreign Govt. Representatives
- G-2 Other Representatives of Foreign Governments
- G-3 Foreign Government Representatives who don’t qualify fo G-1 or G-2
- G-4 Officers & Employees of International Organizations
- G-5 Attentdants, servants, and personal employees
- H-1B Foreign Workers in Special Occuptations
- H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers
- H-2B Non Agricultural Workers in Short Supply
- H-3 Temporary Trainees
- H-4 Spouses or Children of H-1A/B, H-2A/B or H-3 visa holders
- I Foreign Media and Press
- Immigrant Visas: Provide for Permanent Residency
- J-1 Cultural Exchange
- J-2 Spouses & Children of J-1 visa holders
- K-1 Fiance of U.S. citizen
- K-2 Children of K-1 visa holders
- K-3 Spouses of U.S. citizens awaiting approval
- K-4 Children of K-3 visa holders
- L-1 Intracompany Transferees
- L-2 Spoused of L-1 visa holders
- M-1 Vocational Students
- M-2 Immediate Family of M-1 visa holders
- N Children and Parents of Certain Special Immigrants
- NAFTA Special Work Privileges for Mexican and Canadian Nationals
- NATO Members of Representative States
- Nonimmigrant Visas: Don’t Provide for Permanent Residency
- O Extraordinary Ability in Science, Arts, Education, Business, Athletics
- O-1 Support Staff of O-1 visa holders
- O-3 Spouses & Children of O-1 & O-2 visa holders
- P-1 Internationally Recognized Athletes, Entertainers
- P-2 Artists or Entertainers i Reciprocal Exchange Programs
- P-3 Artists & Entertainers giving group performances
- P-4 Spouses or Children of P-1,2,3 visa holders
- Q-1 Cultural Exchange Vistors
- Q-2 Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program
- Q-3 Immediate Family of Q-1 visa holderes
- R-1 Ministers and Other Workers of Recognized Religions
- R-2 Spouses & Children of R-1 visa holders
- S-1 Persons in Danger for Providing Information to Authorities
- T Women and Children Victims of Trafficking
- TN NAFTA Professionals from Canada & Mexico
- TD Spouses & Children of NAFTA Professionals
- U Victims of Criminal Abuse in the U.S.
- V Spouses & Children of Permanent Residents Waiting More Than 3 Years
- WB Visa Waiver, Business
- WV Visa Waiver, Tourist
- Z Visa is a Chinese Visa for foreign workers
If you have questions about any of these Visas, or a question about any immigration or naturalization matter, contact us and we will answer your question.