US Visa

Immigration US Visa

Entering the United States in most cases requires the need to obtain a U.S Visa, to get a U.S. visa, which is the ultimate is placed in the passport. Some international travelers, fitting the visa-free travel requirements, may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa. Having a visa does not mean your entrance to the United States is guaranteed. Immigration authorities are responsible for deciding who enters or who does not enter the country, in consideration of the purpose of the visit. They will also be responsible for immigration matters while in the U.S.A.

There are two migratory groups, those who aim to settle in the United States which are called immigrants and who will immigrate to the United States permanently, and those who want to travel to the United States temporarily and then return to their country, which are called non-immigrants because they are not going to immigrate.

Types of Visas to Travel to the United States

The United States has a variety of visa types of immigrant and non-immigrant. It is essential that you know these, so you know what kind of visa you will be applying for according to your travel plans and purpose. People wishing to visit the U.S. as tourists or for business purposes must apply for visas in the non-immigrant category. People who want to live in the United States are good candidates for some of the existing visa as immigrants or apply for permanent residency through a close relative residing in the country.

US Non-Immigrant Visa

The Non Immigrant Visas are for individuals traveling to the US for some time and not for those who desire to stay permanently in the country. This visa is stamped on the passport. It allows the individuals to enter the country through any port of entry and then apply for an entry permit to the officer of the Bureau of Customs and Border Security (CBP). People come to the United States for various reasons which may be as tourism, business, medical treatment, and temporary jobs. These visa types are as follow:

• B-1/B-2 Temporary Visitor for Business and Pleasure Visa. The B-1 is a temporary visa for business. It allows going to the United States to negotiate contracts, look for investments or real estate, or consult with business partners. By contrast, the B-2 visa allows a visit for just pleasure. The people may involve in incidental study part-time, for example, a short-term course in the English language in less than 18 hours per week. Both the B -1 B-2 is an extension of the Visa for six months more.
• H-1B Temporary professionals (for professions like physicians, engineers, physical therapists, information technologists; must have at least a bachelor’s degree). They are also fashion models, artists, and animators that have national and international acclaim and recognition for their achievements.
• H-2B Temporary worker was performing other services unavailable in the United States.
• L-1 Intercompany Transferee. This Visa is available under the patronage of the company in charge of transferring. The person should be working outside the United States and be assigned to an affiliate within the United States or a company that is a member of the international company where the individual worked before. This allows holders to apply for permanent residence (Green Card) at a later time.
• R-1 Alien in a Religious Occupation. Those who are members of religious denominations. Also, those are conducting business as religious workers.
• TN NAFTA Professional. Canadian and Mexican citizens, capable of providing professional services for an employer may qualify for visa-free trade. Employment must be of definite duration and for a specific position. Holders of these visas can be part-time students. Canadian individuals must have or obtain a card I – 94 release. Mexican citizens must have or obtain an INS Form I-797.
• E-1/E-2 Treaty Trader and Investor's Spouse or child. Citizens of nations that have Trade Agreements with the United States. Holders of E-1 visas are authorized to carry out trades between the foreign country and the United States. Holders of E-2 visas are allowed to manage and expand the business of a company in which the individual has an investment or will be investing.
• Entrepreneur Visa E-B5: Awarded to persons able and willing to make investments in U.S. companies.
• F-1 Students, academic, includes at colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, other educational institutions. Require to participate in the full-time study as defined by the rules of the institution. You can have a part-time (maximum of 20 hours per week) while in the institution to which you are registered during the time classes are in session. This is permitted when such employment is precisely concerning the course or study.
• J-1 Exchange visitor. J-1 Visa must be conducted under the supervision of the Information Agency of the U.S. and a designated school, businesses and a variety of institutions and organizations sponsor. There are many exchange programs for young people, including summer employment programs, internship opportunities programs for college students.
• K-1 Fiancé of United States Citizen. The Visa is granted to the groom or bride engaged to marry a U.S. citizen. The K-1 Visa or Fiancé is requested before the Citizenship and Immigration in the United States and once the application is approved and the groom or bride arrives the marriage must be celebrated within 90 days.
• O-1/O-2 It is granted to people who come to the United States under the sponsorship of an employer or an organization for employment. He/she must demonstrate exceptional capacity in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics.
• P Visa. It has four ratings. They are given to athletes, artists or internationally recognized comedians. The other grades of P Visa may be granted to those who perform, teach, train or entertainers and support personnel.

US Immigrant Visa

The US visa for immigrants or resident document is processed by a consular officer who grants the power to travel to the United States and requests the individual’s approval to establish itself as a lawful permanent resident (LPR). While it is accepted as a legal permanent resident, the Department of Homeland Security will make delivery of your permanent resident card (green card). We mention some of the ways that exist to travel to the United States and receive the residence.

• Visas for immediate relatives. They must complete Form I -130, Petition for Alien Relative, also known to Cubans as family reunification (CP1). Cuban entering with CP1 must wait a year to be granted lawful permanent residence (green card) as established by the Cuban Adjustment Act.
• Based on the relationship. There are two categories of immigrants, the limited and the unlimited. The limited first preference will be for the children of a U.S. citizen, in second preference include spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a lawful permanent resident, the following preference children of U.S. citizens who are married and their children, and if the last preference is for brothers and sisters of citizens, their spouses, and minor children. The unlimited is for the spouse, widow/widower, children under 21 years and parents of a citizen of the United States over 21 years.
• Spouse of a U.S. Citizen. Once the foreigner travels to the United States and the marriage takes place, the individual can apply for legal residence card through marriage to a U.S. citizen.

US Visa Waiver Program

This visa allows individuals of particular countries to visit the United States for only 90 days or less of staying for business or tourism, with no permit. The program only applies to some countries, and not all citizens of these countries are eligible to benefit from it. Some of the requirements to enter the United States by the waiver program are first, to be citizens of classified countries, have a permit from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), be in the United States 90 days, you must travel arrangements for business, tourism, and leisure.