United States
Top Visa Pathways
Most popular and desirable options for skilled professionals
United StatesH-1B — Specialty Occupation Worker
Employer-sponsored US work visa for specialty-occupation professionals requiring a bachelor's degree; 85,000 annual cap, 3+3 years stay with dual intent.
United StatesO-1A — Extraordinary Ability - Sciences/Business/Education/Athletics
Sustained national or international acclaim in sciences, business, education, or athletics. Requires meeting 3+ of 8 evidentiary criteria.
United StatesEB-2 — Employment Second Preference - Advanced Degree
Members of professions holding advanced degrees, or persons of exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business. NIW (National Interest Waiver) available.
All Visa Pathways(112 visas)
United StatesA-1 — Ambassador / Head of State / Diplomat
Foreign government ambassadors, public ministers, career diplomats, heads of state, and their immediate family.
United StatesA-2 — Other Foreign Government Official
Other foreign government officials or employees on official duty, and their immediate family.
United StatesA-3 — Attendant / Servant of A-1 or A-2
Personal employees, attendants, or domestic workers of A-1 or A-2 visa holders.
United StatesB-1 — Business Visitor
Short-term business activities — meetings, negotiations, conferences, consultations. No U.S.-source salary.
United StatesB-1/B-2 — Combined Business & Tourism
Combined visa for both business and tourism/personal travel purposes.
United StatesB-2 — Tourist / Medical Visitor
Tourism, vacation, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, or participation in social events.
United StatesBCC — Border Crossing Card
For Mexican nationals for short visits to the U.S. border zone. Valid for tourism and brief business within 25 miles of the border.
United StatesC-1 — Transit Alien
Transit through the United States en route to another country. Must have confirmed onward travel.
United StatesC-1/D — Combined Transit / Crew
Combined visa for crew members of vessels or aircraft transiting through the U.S. or serving on ships/planes.
United StatesCNMI-Only Investor
A temporary nonimmigrant classification for long-term investors in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) transitioning to U.S. immigration laws.
United StatesCR-1 — Conditional Resident Spouse of U.S. Citizen
For spouses married less than 2 years at time of admission. Conditional 2-year green card; must file I-751 to remove conditions.
United StatesCR-2 — Conditional Resident Child of U.S. Citizen
For children admitted within 2 years of parent's marriage. Conditional 2-year green card.
United StatesCW-1 — CNMI-Only Transitional Worker
Temporary worker in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Subject to annual decreasing cap.
United StatesCW-2 — Dependent of CNMI-Only Transitional Worker
The CW-2 visa is for the spouse and unmarried children (under 18) of a CW-1 visa holder in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
United StatesD — Crew Member
Crew member serving on board a vessel or aircraft in the United States.
United StatesD-1 — Crewmember (Individual)
For individuals serving in good faith for normal operations aboard a commercial sea vessel or international airline in the United States.
United StatesD-2 — Crewmember (departing on different vessel/aircraft)
While often discussed in legal contexts regarding specific landing privileges (e.g., in Guam), the U.S. Department of State generally processes crewmembers under the 'D' visa classification.
United StatesDV — Diversity Immigrant Visa (Green Card Lottery)
Annual lottery providing ~55,000 immigrant visas to nationals of countries with low U.S. immigration rates. Random selection from qualified entries.
United StatesDeferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Administrative relief from deportation for qualifying individuals who came to the United States as children.
United StatesE-1 — Treaty Trader
For nationals of treaty countries engaged in substantial trade principally between the U.S. and their home country.
United StatesE-2 — Treaty Investor
Nonimmigrant visa for nationals of US treaty countries investing a substantial, at-risk amount of capital in a US business they actively direct.
United StatesE-3 — Australian Specialty Occupation
Nonimmigrant work visa for Australian citizens in US specialty occupations, with 2-year renewable stays and spouse work authorization.
United StatesE-3D — Dependent of E-3 Australian
A temporary nonimmigrant visa for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an E-3 Australian specialty occupation professional visa holder.
United StatesE5 — Employment Fifth Preference - Immigrant Investor
Permanent residency for foreign investors of $800K (TEA) or $1.05M (non-TEA) in a US enterprise creating 10+ jobs; no employer sponsor required.
United StatesEB-1 — Employment First Preference - Priority Worker
Priority workers: persons of extraordinary ability (EB-1A), outstanding professors/researchers (EB-1B), or multinational managers/executives (EB-1C).
United StatesEB-2 — Employment Second Preference - Advanced Degree
Members of professions holding advanced degrees, or persons of exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business. NIW (National Interest Waiver) available.
United StatesEB-3 — Employment Third Preference - Skilled Worker/Professional
Skilled workers (2+ years training), professionals (bachelor's degree), and other workers (unskilled labor).
United StatesEB-4 — Employment Fourth Preference - Special Immigrant
Special immigrants including religious workers, certain long-term U.S. government employees, Iraqi/Afghan translators, and other special categories.
United StatesEW-3 — Employment Third Preference - Other Worker (Unskilled)
Other workers performing unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years training or experience.
United StatesF-1 — Student Visa
The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for international students who wish to pursue full-time academic studies at a U.S. institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
United StatesF-2 — Dependent of F-1 Student
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an F-1 student. Cannot work; limited study permitted.
United StatesF1 — Family First Preference (F1)
Unmarried adult sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens. Subject to annual numerical limit.
United StatesF2A — Family Second Preference (F2A)
Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents.
United StatesF2B — Family Second Preference (F2B)
Unmarried adult sons and daughters (21+) of lawful permanent residents.
United StatesF3 — Family Third Preference (F3)
Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children.
United StatesF4 — Family Fourth Preference (F4)
Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens (21+), and their spouses and minor children.
United StatesG-1 — Permanent Mission Member of a Recognized Government to an International Organization
Designated principal resident representative of a recognized foreign member government to an international organization.
United StatesG-2 — Other Representative to International Organization
Other accredited representative of a recognized foreign member government to an international organization.
United StatesG-3 — Representative of Non-Recognized Government
Representative of a government not recognized by the U.S. or a non-member government to an international organization.
United StatesG-4 — International Organization Officer/Employee
Officers or employees of international organizations (UN, World Bank, IMF, etc.) and their immediate family.
United StatesG-5 — Attendant / Servant of G-1 through G-4
Personal employees, attendants, or domestic workers of G-1 through G-4 visa holders.
United StatesH-1B — Specialty Occupation Worker
Employer-sponsored US work visa for specialty-occupation professionals requiring a bachelor's degree; 85,000 annual cap, 3+3 years stay with dual intent.
United StatesH-1B1 — Chile/Singapore FTA Professional
For nationals of Chile and Singapore in specialty occupations under free trade agreements. Separate from H-1B cap.
United StatesH-1B2 — DoD Research and Development Project Worker
For foreign workers performing services of an exceptional nature relating to a cooperative research and development project administered by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
United StatesH-2A — Temporary Agricultural Worker
Seasonal or temporary agricultural work when qualified U.S. workers are unavailable. No annual cap.
United StatesH-2B — Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker
Temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work (hospitality, landscaping, etc.) when U.S. workers are unavailable. Subject to 66,000 annual cap.
United StatesH-3 — Trainee / Special Education
Training program not primarily for employment, or practical training in education of children with disabilities.
United StatesH-4 — Dependent of H Visa Holder
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an H-1B, H-2, or H-3 visa holder.
United StatesI — Foreign Media Representative
Representatives of foreign media — press, radio, film, or print journalists — traveling for information gathering or reporting.
United StatesIH-3 — Hague Convention Orphan Adopted Abroad
Orphan from Hague Convention country adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen.
United StatesIH-4 — Hague Convention Orphan to be Adopted in U.S.
Orphan from Hague Convention country coming to U.S. for adoption. Not yet finalized.
United StatesIR-1 — Spouse of U.S. Citizen
Immigrant visa for the spouse of a U.S. citizen. No numerical cap. Immediate relative category.
United StatesIR-2 — Unmarried Child (under 21) of U.S. Citizen
Immigrant visa for the unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen. Immediate relative, no cap.
United StatesIR-3 — Orphan Adopted Abroad by U.S. Citizen
Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen, with full and final adoption completed overseas.
United StatesIR-4 — Orphan to be Adopted in the U.S.
Orphan coming to the U.S. to be adopted by a U.S. citizen. Adoption not yet finalized abroad.
United StatesIR-5 — Parent of U.S. Citizen (Citizen 21+)
Immigrant visa for the parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old. Immediate relative, no cap.
United StatesJ-1 — Exchange Visitor
Approved exchange program — research scholars, professors, short-term scholars, trainees, teachers, au pairs, camp counselors, interns, specialists.
United StatesJ-2 — Dependent of J-1
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of a J-1 visa holder. May apply for employment authorization.
United StatesK-1 — Fiancé(e) of U.S. Citizen
Enter the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen within 90 days of arrival. Must have met in person within the last 2 years.
United StatesK-2 — Child of K-1 Fiancé(e)
Unmarried child (under 21) of a K-1 fiancé(e) visa holder.
United StatesK-3 — Spouse of U.S. Citizen (Pending I-130)
For spouses of U.S. citizens to enter while an I-130 immigrant visa petition is pending. Rarely used now.
United StatesK-4 — Child of K-3 Spouse
Unmarried child (under 21) of a K-3 visa holder.
United StatesL-1A — Intracompany Transferee - Manager/Executive
Managers or executives transferring from a qualifying foreign office to a U.S. office. Requires 1+ year with the company abroad within the last 3 years.
United StatesL-1B — Intracompany Transferee - Specialized Knowledge
Employees with specialized knowledge of company products, services, research, or management transferring to a U.S. office.
United StatesL-2 — Dependent of L-1
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an L-1 visa holder. Spouse automatically receives work authorization.
United StatesM-1 — Vocational / Non-Academic Student
Study at a vocational or non-academic institution — flight schools, technical training, trade programs.
United StatesM-2 — Dependent of M-1 Vocational Student
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an M-1 visa holder. Cannot work or study.
United StatesNATO-1 — NATO Principal Representative
Principal permanent representative of a NATO member state and official staff.
United StatesNATO-2 — NATO Expert / Other Representative
Other representatives of NATO member states, experts employed by NATO, or their dependents.
United StatesNATO-3 — NATO Official Clerical Staff
Official clerical staff of a NATO representative.
United StatesNATO-4 — NATO Other Official
Other NATO officials not classifiable under NATO-1 through NATO-3.
United StatesNATO-5 — Experts, other than NATO-4 officials, employed in missions on behalf of NATO, and their dependents
Experts employed by NATO on behalf of a non-member state, or representatives of non-member states.
United StatesNATO-6 — NATO Civilian Component Member
Member of a civilian component accompanying NATO forces, or attendant/servant of NATO-1 through NATO-5.
United StatesNATO-7 — Personal Employee of NATO Official
For personal employees, attendants, or domestic workers of valid NATO-1 through NATO-6 visa holders.
United StatesO-1A — Extraordinary Ability - Sciences/Business/Education/Athletics
Sustained national or international acclaim in sciences, business, education, or athletics. Requires meeting 3+ of 8 evidentiary criteria.
United StatesO-1B — Extraordinary Achievement - Arts/Film/TV
Extraordinary achievement in arts, motion picture, or television industry demonstrated by sustained distinction.
United StatesO-2 — Essential Support Personnel for O-1
Accompanies an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance. Must be integral to the O-1's activity.
United StatesO-3 — Dependent of O-1/O-2
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an O-1 or O-2 visa holder.
United StatesP-1A — Internationally Recognized Athlete
Individual or team athletes competing at an internationally recognized level.
United StatesP-1B — Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group
Members of an entertainment group that has been internationally recognized as outstanding.
United StatesP-2 — Artist/Entertainer - Reciprocal Exchange
Artist or entertainer in the U.S. under a reciprocal exchange program between U.S. and foreign organizations.
United StatesP-3 — Artist/Entertainer - Culturally Unique
Artists or entertainers performing under a culturally unique program — folk, traditional, or ethnic arts.
United StatesP-4 — Dependent of P-1, P-2, or P-3
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of a P-1, P-2, or P-3 visa holder.
United StatesQ-1 — International Cultural Exchange
Practical training and sharing of culture through an international cultural exchange program approved by USCIS.
United StatesR-1 — Religious Worker
Temporary employment in a religious vocation or occupation at a bona fide U.S. non-profit religious organization.
United StatesR-2 — Dependent of R-1 Religious Worker
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an R-1 visa holder.
United StatesS-5 — Criminal Informant
Informant possessing critical reliable information about a criminal organization or enterprise, willing to provide to law enforcement.
United StatesS-6 — Terrorism Informant
Informant possessing critical reliable information about a terrorist organization, willing to provide to law enforcement.
United StatesS-7 — Family of S-5 or S-6 Informant
The S-7 visa is a derivative nonimmigrant classification for the immediate family members (spouses, married/unmarried children, and parents) of an S-5 (criminal informant) or S-6 (terrorist informant) visa holder.
United StatesSB-1 — Returning Resident (SB-1)
Lawful permanent residents who remained abroad for over 1 year due to circumstances beyond their control, seeking to return.
United StatesSD — Special Immigrant Religious Worker - Minister
Ministers of religion entering permanently to work for a bona fide religious organization. Requires 2+ years membership.
United StatesSI — Iraqi Special Immigrant
Iraqi nationals who worked as translators/interpreters for the U.S. government or who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq.
United StatesSQ — Afghan Special Immigrant
Afghan nationals who worked as translators/interpreters or were employed by the U.S. government or ISAF in Afghanistan.
United StatesSR — Special Immigrant Religious Worker - Non-Minister
Religious workers in a religious vocation or occupation (not ministers) entering permanently. Requires 2+ years membership.
United StatesT-1 — Trafficking Victim
Victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons who assist law enforcement. Provides protection and path to permanent residence.
United StatesT-2 — Spouse of T-1 Trafficking Victim
Spouse of a principal T-1 trafficking victim. Derivative beneficiary.
United StatesT-3 — Child of T-1 Trafficking Victim
Unmarried child (under 21) of a principal T-1 trafficking victim.
United StatesT-4 — Parent of T-1 (if T-1 under 21)
Parent of a T-1 visa holder who was under 21 at time of application.
United StatesT-5 — Sibling of T-1 (if T-1 under 21)
Unmarried sibling under 18 of a T-1 visa holder who was under 21 at time of application.
United StatesT-6 — Adult or Minor Child of a Derivative Family Member
For children of derivative family members (T-2, T-3, T-4, or T-5) of a T-1 trafficking victim.
United StatesTD — Dependent of TN
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of a TN visa holder. Cannot work in the U.S.
United StatesTN — USMCA / NAFTA Professional
For Canadian and Mexican citizens in designated professional occupations under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. No annual cap; no lottery.
United StatesTPS — Temporary Protected Status
Temporary immigration status for nationals of designated countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.
United StatesU-1 — Crime Victim
Victims of qualifying criminal activity who cooperate with law enforcement. Annual cap of 10,000.
United StatesU-2 — Spouse of U-1 Crime Victim
Spouse of a principal U-1 crime victim.
United StatesU-3 — Child of U-1 Crime Victim
Unmarried child (under 21) of a principal U-1 crime victim.
United StatesU-4 — Parent of U-1 (if U-1 under 21)
Parent of a U-1 visa holder who was under 21 at time of application.
United StatesU-5 — Sibling of U-1 (if U-1 under 21)
Unmarried sibling under 18 of a U-1 visa holder who was under 21 at time of application.
United StatesV-2 — Child of Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
A nonimmigrant visa for unmarried minor children (under 21) of an LPR who have a pending I-130 petition filed on or before December 21, 2000.
United StatesV-92 Asylee Follow-to-Join Visa
This visa allows the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a principal asylee to join them in the United States.
United StatesV-93 Refugee Follow-to-Join Visa
This visa allows the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an admitted refugee to join them in the United States.
United StatesVWP/ESTA — Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
Allows citizens of 42 participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Requires ESTA approval.