Types of Visas for Temporary Visitors

We welcome visitors to the United States (U.S.), with secure borders and open doors. Most Canadian citizens and many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can come to the U.S. without a visa if they meet certain requirements. Visit Travel Without a Visa to learn more.

There are various types of nonimmigrant visas for temporary visitors to travel to the U.S., if you are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident. The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. It's important to have information about the type of nonimmigrant visa you will need for travel, and the steps required to apply for the visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Review the chart below. For more detailed information specific to each visa category, including how-to-apply information and more, select a link from the Visa Type column below.

Purpose of Travel to U.S. and Nonimmigrant Visas Visa Type Required: Before Applying for Visa*
Athletes, amateur & professional (compete for prize money only) B-1 (NA)
Au pairs (exchange visitor) ---J--- SEVIS
Australian professional specialty E-3 DOL
Border Crossing Card: Mexico BCC (NA)
Business visitors B-1 (NA)
Crewmembers ---D--- (NA)
Diplomats and foreign government officials ---A--- (NA)
Domestic employees or nanny -must be accompanying a foreign national employer   B-1 (NA)
Employees of a designated international organization, and NATO   G1-G5, NATO (NA)
Exchange visitors ---J--- SEVIS
Foreign military personnel stationed in the U.S. A-2
NATO1-6		 (NA)
Foreign nationals with extraordinary ability in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business or Athletics ---O--- USCIS
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Professionals: Chile, Singapore H-1B1 - Chile
H-1B1 - Singapore		 DOL
International cultural exchange visitors Q USCIS
Intra-company transferees ---L--- USCIS
Medical treatment, visitors for B-2 (NA)
Media, journalists ---I--- (NA)
NAFTA professional workers: Mexico, Canada TN/TD (NA)
Performing athletes, artists, entertainers ---P--- USCIS
Physician J , H-1B SEVIS
Professor, scholar, teacher (exchange visitor) ---J--- SEVIS
Religious workers ---R--- USCIS
Specialty occupations in fields requiring highly specialized knowledge H-1B DOL then USCIS
Students: academic, vocational F, M SEVIS
Temporary agricultural workers H-2A DOL then USCIS
Temporary workers performing other services or labor of a temporary or seasonal nature. H-2B DOL then USCIS
Tourism, vacation, pleasure visitors B-2 (NA)
Training in a program not primarily for employment H-3 USCIS
Treaty traders/treaty investors ---E--- (NA)
Transiting the United States ---C--- (NA)
Victims of Criminal Activity U USCIS
Victims of Human Trafficking ---T--- USCIS
Visa Renewals - Available in the U.S.   (NA)

*What the abbreviations (above) mean:
Before applying for a visa at a U.S. Embassy abroad the following is required:

  • DOL = The U.S. employer must obtain foreign labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, prior to filing a petition with USCIS.
  • USCIS = DHS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approval of a petition or application (The required petition or application depends on the visa category you plan to apply for.)
  • SEVIS = Program approval entered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
  • (NA) = Not Applicable - Means that additional approval by other government agencies is not required prior to applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy abroad.

Notes:

  • Canadian NAFTA Professional workers- Visa not required, apply to CBP at border port-of-entry.
  • K visas are for the purpose of marrying a U.S. citizen and immigrating or joining a U.S. citizen spouse in the United States while awaiting USCIS approval of Form I-130 for immigrant status. Visit the immigrant visa section of this website for K-1 and K-3 visa information .

Important Notices: This chart includes nonimmigrant visas and the associated purpose of travel with links to relevant webpages. However, it should be noted this chart is not a complete list of all purposes of travel or types of nonimmigrant visas. Each visa applicant must meet the eligibility requirements for the type of visa for which he/she is applying, as determined by the consular officer at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, following U.S. immigration laws. See more detailed information on our temporary visitor webpages.