How Many US Visa Categories Are Available?

There are several U.S. visa categories, generally divided into two main groups: immigrant and non-immigrant visas.

1. Non-immigrant visas: These are for individuals who wish to stay in the U.S. temporarily, for purposes like tourism, study, or business. Some key categories include:

o B1/B2: Business and Tourist Visas

o F-1: Student Visa

o J-1: Exchange Visitor Visa

o H-1B: Work Visa for skilled workers

o L-1: Intracompany Transferee Visa

o O-1: Visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities in arts, science, business, or athletics

o E-2: Treaty Investor Visa

o K-1: Fiancé Visa

2. Immigrant visas: These are for individuals who plan to live permanently in the U.S. Some common categories include:

o Family-based immigration visas (e.g., IR, F-1, F-2)

o Employment-based immigration visas (e.g., EB-1, EB-2)

o Diversity Visa (DV): Known as the Green Card Lottery

Each category has its own set of requirements and application process. The U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provide detailed information about each visa category, including eligibility criteria and documentation required. For the most accurate and updated information, you can consult the official U.S. government websites or an immigration lawyer.