The visa library
US visa types explained
Every US visa answers a different question: why you are coming, how long you intend to stay, and who is sponsoring you. Start with the category that matches your situation — each guide covers who qualifies, what the process looks like, what it costs, and how long it typically takes.
Once you know your status, the visa money guides cover what to do next — banking, taxes, and sending money home.
Work Visas
Temporary work visas for professionals, skilled workers, and specialty occupations in the United States.
- E-2Reviewed 2026-07-14Read the guide →
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 visa allows nationals of qualifying treaty countries to enter the U.S.
- H-1BReviewed 2026-07-14Read the guide →
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
The H-1B lets a U.S. employer temporarily hire a foreign professional for a specialty occupation that normally requires at least…
- H-2AReviewed 2026-07-14Read the guide →
H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Visa
H-2A lets U.S. employers hire foreign nationals for temporary or seasonal agricultural work when enough qualified U.S.
- H-2BReviewed 2026-07-14Read the guide →
H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa
H-2B allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary non-agricultural jobs — such as hospitality, landscaping, or…
- L-1Reviewed 2026-07-14Read the guide →
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
The L-1 lets a multinational transfer an executive, manager (L-1A), or specialized-knowledge employee (L-1B) to a related U.S.
- R-1Reviewed 2026-07-14Read the guide →
R-1 Religious Worker Visa
The R-1 visa allows a foreign national to work temporarily in the U.S. as a minister or in a religious occupation for a bona fide…
- TNReviewed 2026-07-14Read the guide →
TN NAFTA/USMCA Professional Visa
TN status lets Canadian and Mexican citizens work temporarily in the U.S. in designated professional occupations under USMCA.
Students & Exchange
Student visas and related work authorization for academic and vocational study in the U.S.
- F-1Reviewed 2026-07-14Read the guide →
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 visa is for international students enrolled full-time in an academic program at a SEVP-certified school.
- M-1Reviewed 2026-07-14Read the guide →
M-1 Vocational Student Visa
The M-1 visa is for full-time vocational or nonacademic training at a SEVP-certified school — such as technical, flight, or trade…
- F-1 OPTReviewed 2026-07-14Read the guide →
F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT lets eligible F-1 students work in a job directly related to their major for a limited period — typically up to 12 months…
Common questions about US visas
- What is the difference between a nonimmigrant and immigrant visa?
- A nonimmigrant visa allows a temporary stay for a specific purpose — working, studying, or visiting — and normally requires you to intend to leave when it ends. An immigrant visa leads to a green card and permanent residence. Some nonimmigrant statuses, such as H-1B and L-1, allow you to hold immigrant intent at the same time; others, such as B-2 and F-1, generally do not.
- Which US visa lets me work?
- Work authorization comes from your status, not from the visa stamp alone. Employer-sponsored statuses such as H-1B, L-1, and TN carry work authorization for that specific employer and role. Students on F-1 can work only within the limits of CPT or OPT authorization. Working outside what your status permits can end it and affect future applications.
- How long does a US visa application take?
- Timelines vary widely by category, by whether the petition is filed with USCIS or processed at a consulate, and by current backlogs at the specific post handling your case. Each guide on this site includes a timeline section with the date it was last reviewed, but you should always confirm current processing times against the official USCIS and Department of State pages before planning travel.
- Do I need a lawyer to apply for a US visa?
- Many straightforward applications are filed without a lawyer, and employer-sponsored petitions are usually handled by the employer's counsel. Professional help is worth it when your history includes prior denials, overstays, criminal matters, or a complex qualification argument. Nothing on this site is legal advice — use it to understand the pathway, then have your specific facts reviewed.