If you are a foreign national coming to the United States for work, you must first secure a visa that allows you to temporarily work and live in the United States. There are over 20 different visas for business visas. Your situation will determine which type of visa you must obtain. We will work with you and your employer to ensure you choose and file for the correct type of visa.
This page is for temporary visas for business purposes. If you are seeking permanent residence, visit our page on permanent employment-based visas.
Types of Temporary Visas in the United States
- B-1 Visa: Apply for a B-1 visa if you are working in consulting, negotiating a contract, settling an estate, or participating in a training or convention.
- B-2 Visa: Apply for a B-2 visa (tourism visa) if you are visiting the United States for tourism, vacation, visits with friends or relatives, or other short-term events.
- E-1 & E-2 Visas: Apply for an E-1 or E-2 visa if you are a treaty investor or treaty trader conducting business in the United States.
- F-1 Visa: Apply for an F-1 visa if you are a student attending an educational institution (including all levels of education) on a full-time basis.
- H Visa: Apply for an H visa if you are working or training in a specialty occupation, such as nursing, finance, science, agriculture, or other trades. H visas are also for seasonal workers and are in high demand with limited availability.
- I Visa: Apply for an I visa if you are working in information media, such as for a foreign press or media organization.
- J Visa: Apply for a J visa (also known as an exchange visitor visa) if you are a scholar, educator, or other exchange visitor participating in an exchange program through the U.S. State Department.
- L Visa: Apply for an L visa if you are working for an international corporation and transferring to the United States for work.
- M-1 Visa: Apply for an M-1 student visa if you are coming to the United States for a technical or vocational program.
- O Visa: Apply for an O visa if you possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, art, education, or athletics, or are recognized for achievement in film or television.
- P Visa: Apply for a P visa if you are recognized internationally for athletics, artistry, or entertainment. A P visa can also apply to your immediate family members.
- Q Visa: Apply for a Q visa if you are a scholar, educator, or other exchange visitor participating in an exchange program through the USCIS.
- R-1 Visa: Apply for an R-1 visa if you are working for a non-profit religious organization and plan to work at least 20 hours per week while in the United States.
- TN/NAFTA Visa: Apply for a trade NAFTA visa if you live in Mexico or Canada and have arranged for employment in the United States.