What Types of Visas Are There?
The type of Visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel. There are two main categories of U.S. Visas:
- Non-immigrant Visas – For travel to the United States on a temporary basis.
- Immigrant Visas – For travel to live permanently in the United States.
Directory of Visa Categories
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying. When you apply at a U.S embassy or consulate, a consular officer will determine based on laws, whether you are eligible to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate.
Immigrant Visa Categories
The chart below contains different purposes for immigrating to the United States, and the related immigrant visa categories.
Immediate Relative & Family Sponsored | Visa Category |
Spouse of a U.S. Citizen | IR1, CR1 |
Spouse of a U.S. Citizen awaiting approval of an I-130 immigrant petition | K-3 * |
Fiancé(e) to marry U.S. Citizen & live in U.S. | K-1 * |
Intercountry Adoption of Orphan Children by U.S. Citizens | IR3, IH3, IR4, IH4 |
Certain Family Members of U.S. Citizens | IR2, CR2, IR5, F1, F3, F4 |
Certain Family Members of Lawful Permanent Residents | F2A, F2B |
Employer Sponsored – Employment | |
Employment-Based Immigrants, including (preference group):
|
|
Religious Workers | SD, SR |
Iraqi and Afghan Translators/Interpreters | SI |
Iraqis Who Worked for/on Behalf of the U.S. Government | SQ |
Afghans Who Worked for/on Behalf of the U.S. Government | SQ |
Other Immigrants | |
Diversity Immigrant Visa | DV |
Returning Resident | SB |
For more information visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html