A United States visa is an official document issued by the U.S. government that permits a foreign national to travel to a U.S. port of entry for a defined purpose and period. Holding a visa does not guarantee admission; it allows the traveler to approach the border where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determines admissibility.
Visas fall into two principal groups: nonimmigrant visas for temporary stays (tourism, business, study or temporary work) and immigrant visas for those intending to settle permanently in the United States. Each category has distinct eligibility rules, documentary requirements and permitted activities.
Several agencies play different roles. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicates most underlying petitions from employers or family sponsors. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) manages visa processing at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. CBP officers make final decisions on entry at ports of entry. Applicants must comply with each stage in order.
The visa process usually involves submitting the correct form, paying non-refundable fees, booking a consular interview and presenting evidence to prove eligibility and consistency with the visa sought.
What this article is about: This gateway provides an overview of the main U.S. visa categories and the forms and fees involved. It links to specialist hubs covering tourism & visit, study & exchange, business, employment, immigration and other specific routes to help applicants identify the correct pathway and avoid common mistakes.
Section A.1: Tourism & Visit Visas
Tourism and visit routes are among the most frequently used entry pathways. Travelers visiting for leisure, to see family, or for short-term medical treatment usually need a visitor visa unless eligible to use the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
1. Purpose and restrictions
Visitor visas are for temporary stays only. They do not permit employment and do not allow study beyond short recreational courses. Applicants must show strong ties to their home country and demonstrate intent to leave the United States when the visit ends.
2. VWP, Canadian and Bermudian exemptions
Citizens of VWP countries may enter with ESTA authorization. Canadian and Bermudian citizens are exempt from visa requirements for most short-term visits, though visas remain necessary for certain categories such as fiancé(e) (K visas), treaty trader or investor visas, and immigrant routes.
3. Evidence and interview considerations
Consular officers focus on the purpose of travel, financial means, ties abroad and compliance history. Weak or inconsistent evidence can lead to refusal.
Section summary: Tourism and visit visas permit short-term entry for leisure, family visits or medical care. Eligibility and requirements vary by nationality, with tailored exemptions for VWP travelers and most Canadian and Bermudian visitors.
You can read our extensive guide to Tourism & Visit Visas here »
Section A.2: Study & Exchange Visas
The United States welcomes large numbers of international students and exchange visitors each year. Individuals seeking academic or vocational study, or participation in an approved cultural exchange program, generally require a student (F or M) or exchange (J) visa.
1. Program acceptance and SEVIS documentation
Applicants must first secure admission to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school (for F or M visas) or a designated exchange program (for J visas). The school or program sponsor issues Form I-20 (F/M) or Form DS-2019 (J). These forms are mandatory before submitting a visa application.
2. Fees and financial requirements
Applicants must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee in addition to standard visa application fees. They must also demonstrate sufficient funding to cover tuition, living expenses and, where relevant, medical insurance. Inadequate evidence of financial means can result in refusal.
3. Status conditions and work permissions
Study and exchange visas carry strict conditions. Students must maintain full-time enrolment and comply with program rules. Work authorization is limited: F-1 students may qualify for on-campus work or practical training options such as CPT or OPT, while J visa holders may access work or training only if approved by their program sponsor. Unauthorized employment can jeopardize status.
Section summary: Study and exchange visas allow lawful education and cultural programs in the United States. Applicants need acceptance to an approved institution, SEVIS documentation, payment of the I-901 fee and evidence of financial resources. Compliance with visa conditions is essential to maintaining lawful status.
You can read our extensive guide to Study & Exchange Visas here »
Section A.3: Business Visas
Foreign nationals can enter the United States for short-term business activities such as attending meetings, conferences or negotiating contracts. In most cases, this requires a B-1 business visitor visa, although eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries may travel with ESTA authorization.
1. Permitted business activities
Business visitor routes allow limited, non-productive activities. Examples include contract discussions, attending professional events, or consulting with U.S. counterparts. These visas do not authorize paid employment, hands-on work, or direct service delivery for a U.S. entity.
2. Eligibility and supporting evidence
Applicants must demonstrate that their trip is temporary, that their planned activities fall within the permitted business scope and that they intend to depart the United States at the end of the visit. Supporting documents may include an employer letter, event registration, or proof of ongoing employment abroad.
3. VWP travelers and consular filings
Travelers from VWP countries must apply for ESTA authorization before travel. Nationals of other countries must apply for a B-1 visa through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and provide evidence of the business purpose of their trip.
Section summary: Business visitor visas allow short-term entry for meetings and professional events but do not authorize productive employment. Depending on nationality, applicants either apply for a B-1 visa or travel under the VWP with ESTA.
You can read our extensive guide to Business Visas here »
Section A.4: Employment Visas
The United States offers several nonimmigrant visa categories that allow foreign nationals to work on a temporary basis. Most are petition-based, meaning a U.S. employer or sponsor must first secure approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the applicant can proceed with a visa application at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate managed by the Department of State (DOS).
1. Petition requirements
In most cases, the employer files Form I-129 with USCIS to request permission to employ the foreign worker. Only after petition approval can the applicant move forward with the consular visa process. Petition-based categories are closely tied to the sponsoring employer and job role.
2. Main employment categories
Employment routes include:
- H visas – specialty occupations (H-1B), seasonal workers (H-2B), and other subcategories.
- L visas – intracompany transferees moving from an overseas office to a U.S. branch.
- O visas – individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- P visas – athletes, artists and entertainers participating in events or performances.
- Q visas – participants in international cultural exchange programs.
3. Conditions and dependants
Each visa class has strict conditions on the type of work, period of validity and the requirement to maintain employer sponsorship. Dependants usually apply under corresponding categories, such as H-4 or L-2. Work rights vary: most H-4 spouses cannot work unless eligible under specific rules, while L-2 spouses are automatically authorized for employment incident to status.
Section summary: Temporary employment visas require a USCIS-approved petition before consular processing. Categories such as H, L, O, P and Q are purpose-specific, with distinct eligibility rules and compliance duties. Dependants may be eligible for status, but their ability to work depends on the category.
You can read our extensive guide to Employment Visas here »
Section A.5: Immigrant Visas (Immigrate)
Immigrant visas allow foreign nationals to enter the United States as lawful permanent residents. The principal pathways are family-based sponsorship, employment-based categories (including certain investors), adoption and special immigrant classifications, and the Diversity Visa program. Applicants outside the United States usually complete consular processing; eligible applicants in the United States may, in some cases, adjust status with USCIS.
1. Petitions, visa numbers and case creation
Most categories begin with a USCIS-approved petition, commonly Form I-130 (family) or Form I-140 (employment). Where annual numerical limits apply, applicants must wait until a visa number is available as shown in the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin before proceeding. After petition approval, the National Visa Center (NVC) creates the case, collects fees and civil documents, and schedules the consular interview when the case is documentarily complete and current.
2. Consular processing (DS-260) and supporting evidence
Consular applicants complete the DS-260 online and provide required evidence, which typically includes a medical examination by a panel physician, police certificates where applicable, civil status documents, and—where required—an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) from a qualifying sponsor. Fees are generally non-refundable, even if refused. Final issuance remains subject to admissibility under U.S. law.
3. Adjustment of status (inside the United States)
Applicants lawfully present and eligible may file for adjustment of status with USCIS instead of consular processing, submitting Form I-485 with supporting forms (for example, I-864 if required) when the category is current or otherwise permitted to file. Interim benefits such as employment authorization and advance parole may be available while the I-485 is pending, subject to eligibility.
4. Admission and green card issuance
At the port of entry, CBP inspects the immigrant visa holder and determines admission. Upon initial admission on an immigrant visa, the individual becomes a lawful permanent resident; the physical green card is produced after entry. Certain categories are admitted as conditional residents if conditions apply (for example, some spouse or investor cases), requiring later removal of conditions.
Section summary: Immigrant visas confer permanent residence. Most routes start with a USCIS-approved petition (I-130 or I-140), followed by NVC processing and the DS-260, or adjustment of status in the United States where eligible. Admission is determined by CBP, and green card issuance follows successful entry or USCIS approval.
You can read our extensive guide to U.S. Immigrant Visas here »
Section A.6: Other Visa Categories
Beyond tourism, study, business, employment and immigrant routes, several narrowly focused categories address specific travel purposes. These include transit, medical treatment visits, official government travel, religious work, crewmember movements and humanitarian pathways. Each has distinct eligibility rules, evidence expectations and processing channels.
1. Transit through the United States
Transit is for travelers passing through the United States en route to a third country. Depending on nationality and itinerary, this may involve a C transit visa, use of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if eligible, or in limited scenarios a B visa when the traveler is not in immediate and continuous transit. Transit classification does not authorize tourism or business beyond the connection.
2. Medical treatment visits
Short-term medical care is generally undertaken with a B-2 visitor visa, or under the VWP for eligible nationals. Applicants should be ready to show medical need, treatment arrangements with a U.S. provider and funds to cover procedures, living expenses and any follow-up care.
3. Official government and international organization travel
Representatives of foreign governments, designated international organizations and certain foreign military personnel traveling on official duty use purpose-specific classifications, including A (diplomats/officials), G (international organization employees) and NATO categories. Procedures and documentation follow Department of State protocols for official travel.
4. Religious workers (R visas)
R-1 visas allow temporary religious work for qualified organizations. Sponsorship, the nature of the religious occupation and evidence of the bona fide nonprofit or religious entity are central to eligibility. Time limits and extensions follow category-specific rules.
5. Crewmembers (C-1/D)
Crew on sea or air vessels calling at U.S. ports typically require C-1/D classification, which is tailored to transportation operations and layovers. Permissible movements are limited to those connected with crewmember duties and onward travel.
6. Humanitarian pathways (outside standard consular visas)
Refugee admissions, asylum and certain follow-to-join benefits are humanitarian processes that are not standard consular visa categories. They are initiated via USCIS, U.S. government programs or international referrals, and operate under distinct statutory frameworks and procedures.
Section summary: Other categories address specific purposes—transit, medical treatment, official duties, religious work, crewmember movements and humanitarian protection. Some (notably humanitarian pathways) are processed outside routine consular visa channels and follow different rules.
You can read our extensive guide to Other Visa Categories here »
Section B: Forms & Fees
U.S. visa processing involves multiple agencies and document types. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicates most underlying petitions from employers or family sponsors. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) manages consular visa applications at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Fees charged by either agency are generally non-refundable, even if an application is refused.
1. How the paperwork fits together
Most nonimmigrant employment and certain exchange or religious categories require a USCIS petition (commonly Form I-129) approved before the applicant completes DOS visa filing. Many other categories are filed directly with DOS using online “DS” forms. Immigrant (permanent) cases typically start with a USCIS immigrant petition (for example, I-130 or I-140), then move to DOS for consular processing.
2. Nonimmigrant visa forms (DOS)
- DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application used for most temporary categories (including K visas, which are nonimmigrant but have unique processing).
- DS-156E: Treaty Trader/Investor supplement. Legacy/limited use; many posts now rely on DS-160 with supporting E-visa documentation.
- DS-158: Contact Information and Work History (requested in limited, category-specific contexts).
- DS-1648 (Online): A, G, or NATO applicants applying within the United States through DOS channels.
- DS-2019: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J) Status, issued by the program sponsor in SEVIS (not downloaded by the applicant).
- DS-3035: J-1 Waiver Recommendation Application (two-year home residency requirement waivers, where applicable).
3. Immigrant visa forms (DOS)
- DS-260: Online Immigrant Visa Application for immigrant and Diversity Visa cases.
- DS-261: Choice of Address and Agent (NVC stage communications).
- DS-230: Paper Immigrant Visa Application. Legacy/narrow use (e.g., limited programs); most cases use DS-260.
- DS-117: Returning Resident (SB-1) application.
- DS-157: Petition for Special Immigrant Classification for Afghan SIV Applicant.
- DS-234: Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form.
- DS-1981: Affidavit concerning exemption from immigration requirements for certain foreign adopted children.
- DS-1884: Petition to classify a special immigrant under INA 203(b)(4) as an employee/former employee of the U.S. Government abroad.
4. Key USCIS petitions (pre-consular)
- I-129: Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (most temporary employment categories).
- I-130: Petition for Alien Relative (family-based immigration).
- I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (employment-based immigration).
5. Fees you should plan for
- MRV (Machine-Readable Visa) fees for most nonimmigrant DOS applications.
- SEVIS I-901 fee for F, M and J programs (in addition to visa fees).
- USCIS petition fees (for example, I-129, I-130, I-140) when a petition is required before consular processing.
- Program-specific fees, such as Diversity Visa charges, fraud prevention/security fees, or optional premium processing for eligible USCIS petitions.
Section summary: Choose the correct DOS form for your category and confirm whether a USCIS petition must be approved first. Budget for both petition and visa fees—most are non-refundable—and follow each agency’s instructions precisely to avoid delays.
FAQs
1. Do I always need a visa to travel to the United States?
No. Eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries may visit for short stays after obtaining ESTA authorization. Most Canadian and Bermudian citizens are visa-exempt for short visits, though visas are still required for certain categories such as fiancé(e), treaty trader or investor, and immigrant routes. ESTA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry.
2. How long does visa processing take?
Timelines vary by category, Embassy or Consulate capacity, season and individual circumstances. Some nonimmigrant cases are decided within days while petition-based or immigrant cases can take months. Additional security checks or administrative processing can extend the timeframe.
3. Can I change my status after arriving in the U.S.?
Sometimes. Certain nonimmigrant visitors can apply with USCIS to change or extend status if eligible and before their current stay expires. Not all categories permit changes. Most VWP entrants cannot change status and unauthorized work or study can make a person ineligible.
4. Does a visa guarantee that I can enter the United States?
No. A visa permits travel to a port of entry to request admission. CBP officers make the final decision on entry and length of stay based on purpose of travel and admissibility under U.S. law.
5. What happens if my visa application is refused?
The consular officer will normally cite the legal basis for refusal. Most fees are non-refundable. Some refusals can be overcome by submitting additional evidence or reapplying in an appropriate category. Certain inadmissibility grounds may require a waiver if available.
6. What evidence should I prepare for my application?
Requirements depend on the category but typically include a valid passport, the correct DOS form (for example DS-160 or DS-260), visa fee receipt, a compliant photo and category-specific documents such as SEVIS forms for students, USCIS petition approval for employment or proof of ties and funds for visitors.
7. Where do I find the official rules and forms?
Visa procedures and DS forms are published by the Department of State. Underlying petitions such as I-129, I-130 and I-140 are filed with USCIS. Final admission decisions are made by CBP at the border.
Conclusion
The U.S. visa framework spans temporary and permanent routes, each with specific eligibility rules, evidence standards and agency touchpoints. Choosing the correct category depends on purpose and duration of stay. Many work and family pathways require a USCIS-approved petition before any consular processing with the Department of State, and final entry is always determined by CBP at the port of entry.
Successful applications align the traveler’s intent with the visa’s permitted activities, follow the correct forms and fees sequence and present clear, consistent evidence. Where humanitarian protection or non-consular pathways apply, applicants should follow the distinct processes that sit outside standard visa issuance. Always rely on the latest official guidance and instructions before filing.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| USCIS | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; adjudicates most petitions and many domestic applications. |
| DOS | U.S. Department of State; manages consular visa processing at Embassies and Consulates. |
| CBP | U.S. Customs and Border Protection; conducts inspection and makes final admission decisions at ports of entry. |
| DS-160 | Online nonimmigrant visa application used for most temporary categories (including K visas). |
| DS-260 | Online immigrant visa application used for immigrant and Diversity Visa cases. |
| MRV Fee | Machine-Readable Visa fee payable for most nonimmigrant DOS applications; generally non-refundable. |
| SEVIS | Student and Exchange Visitor Information System; tracks F, M and J program participants. |
| ESTA | Electronic System for Travel Authorization for Visa Waiver Program travel; not a visa and no guarantee of admission. |
| I-129 | USCIS Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker; required for most temporary employment categories. |
| I-130 | USCIS Petition for Alien Relative; establishes qualifying family relationships for immigration. |
| I-140 | USCIS Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; for employment-based permanent residence. |
| SEVP | Student and Exchange Visitor Program; certifies schools and programs for F, M and J categories. |
| OPT / CPT | Optional Practical Training / Curricular Practical Training; limited employment authorizations for certain F-1 students. |
| NVC | National Visa Center; collects fees and documents and schedules immigrant visa interviews when cases are documentarily complete. |
| Visa Bulletin | DOS publication indicating immigrant visa number availability for numerically limited categories. |
Useful Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| U.S. Department of State – Visas | Visit site |
| USCIS Forms | Visit site |
| Visa Fee Information (MRV) | Visit site |
| SEVIS I-901 Fee (F/M/J) | Visit site |
| ESTA Application (VWP) | Visit site |
| Diversity Visa Program | Visit site |
| USCIS – Petition Information | Visit site |
