Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visa categories and qualifications:

Qualification requirements
Each person applying for a US visa must have a passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended date of entrance into the US. Children must have an individually issued visa, even if placed in a parent’s passport.  Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.  Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors under U.S. law.

The presumption in the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating:

• That the purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment;
• That they plan to remain for a specific, limited period;
• Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States;
• Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad; and
• That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties that will ensure their return abroad at the end of the visit.

Categories
Note that there are additional qualification requirements for student visas, work visas, and some other visa categories.  Please refer to the appropriate visa category below:

• Business Travelers and Tourists (B-1 and B-2)
• Students (F-1) 
• Exchange Visitors (J-1)
• Seamen & Airline Crew Members (C-1/D)
• Temporary Workers (H1-B)
• Intra-Company Transferee (L-1)
• Treaty Investors (E-2)
• Derivatives (F-2, J-2, L-2, H-4)
• Individuals Requiring Medical Treatment

For more information on these and other visa categories, click here.