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About Visas – The Basics

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):

  • Priority workers [First]
  • Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees and Persons of Exceptional Ability [Second]
  • Professionals and Other Workers [Third]
  • Employment Creation/Investors [Fifth]
  • Certain Special Immigrants: [Fourth]
 

E1
E2
E3, EW3
C5, T5, R5, I5
S (many**)

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