What is a US Visa?

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.

Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States.

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How Can I Use a Visa to Enter the United States?

Having a U.S. visa allows you to travel to a port of entry, airport or land border crossing, and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector to enter the United States. While having a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States, it does indicate a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad has determined you are eligible to seek entry for that specific purpose. DHS/CBP inspectors, guardians of the nation’s borders, are responsible for admission of travelers to the United States, for a specified status and period of time. DHS also has responsibility for immigration matters while you are present in the United States.

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What Types of Visas Are There?

The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel. There are two main categories of U.S. visas:

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Nonimmigrant visas – For travel to the United States on a temporary basis. 

• Tourism and Visit: Visa B2 - ESTA - Visa Waiver

• Business: Visa B1 - ESTA - Visa Waiver

• Employment: Visa E - Visa H - Visa L - Visa O - Visa P - Green Card EB Petition

• Study and Exchange: Visa F - Visa M - Visa J - Visa B

 

 

Immigrant visas – For travel to live permanently in the United States.

• Family Visa

• Inter-country Adoptions Visa

• Employment Visa

• Diversity Visa