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United States Visas
A visa is a permit to apply to enter the US. It classifies your visit or stay in the US as a business visit, visit for tourism, etc and is valid for multiple entry during a specified period of time. For a temporary visit you need to obtain a nonimmigrant visa. For permanent residency you need to obtain an immigrant visa.
Under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals of participating countries do not require a visa to apply to enter the United States as a visitor for business or pleasure (B-1 or B-2 visa categories), if staying for no more than 90 days.
Canadians do not generally require a nonimmigrant visa unless they are coming to the United States as a Treaty Trader.
What is the most common visa category for obtaining a work visa?
The H-1B is generally preferred where feasible, although other visa categories may be more desirable depending upon the applicant's specific circumstances and whether or not the annual "cap" for H-1Bs has been met.
Business Visas
- B-1: The B1 Visa, a temporary visa for business, permits a visit to negotiate contracts, seek investments or real estate or consult with business partners or associates.
- Treaty - Trader/Investor: The Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor Visa is more commonly referred to as E-1 or E-2. This visa is available only to nationals of those countries with whom the U.S. has a Treaty of Commerce or Navigation.
- E-1: The E-1 Visa allows the individual to carry on substantial trade, principally between the U.S. and the foreign country.
- E-2: The E-2 Visa would allow one to direct and develop the operations of a business in which he or she has an investment or is in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital ($100,000 or more).
- H-1B: An H1-B Visa is for the international businessman who is a "prominent" member of the profession, and holds a Bachelors Degree.
- L-1: The L-1 Visa (intra Company Transferee) is a Visa which permits the individual to apply later for lawful permanent residence under what is called "Schedule A Group IV" of the Department of Labor's List of Pre-Certified Occupations.
Employment-based Green Cards
- Employment First Preference: Priority workers. Persons of extraordinary ability in arts, sciences, education, business or athletics. Outstanding professors and researchers.
- Employment Second Preference: Professionals with advanced degrees or of exceptional ability.
- Employment Third Preference: Professionals. Skilled and unskilled workers.
- Other Entrepreneur Visas are also available.