H-3 Trainee Visa General Information

The United States issues H-3 Temporary Trainee Visas to foreign nationals who wish to come to the United States for on-the-job training provided by an American company. H-3 Trainee Visa holders are allowed to work only for the company that is providing the training, and employment should only play a minor role in the program. The main objective should be the training, not the actual work. H-3 Temporary Trainee Visas are usually issued for the duration of the training program (up to 2 years). Extensions may be granted, but within the 2-year limit.

H-3 Trainee Visa Eligibility Requirements and Restrictions

The following programs qualify for H-3 Temporary Trainee Visas: agriculture, technology, finance, communications, government, and almost any other fields, except for medical training programs. There are other H-3 Trainee Visa restrictions, including that the training program is not available in the applicant's home country and that the training will benefit the applicant in pursuing a career and obtaining employment in the applicant's home country.

H-3 Trainee Visa Additional Information

There is no annual cap on the number of H-3 Temporary Trainee Visas that can be issued. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of H-3 Visa holders are eligible for H-4 Visas. Dependents may remain in the United States, travel in and out of the country, but are not allowed to work on H-4 Visa status.

C-1 Transit Visa General Information

The C-1 Transit Visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign nationals to enter into the United States while transiting to another foreign country. The C-1 Transit Visa can be used to travel in and out of the United States when your final destination is another country. Individuals with a valid B-1 Business or B-2 Tourist Visa do not need to obtain a US Transit Visa. Any other valid nonimmigrant visa may not be used to transit through the United States. Individuals from Visa Waiver countries do not need to obtain a C-1 Transit Visa. The Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program and International-to-International (ITI) program were both suspended by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State on August 2nd, 2003.

C-1 Transit Visa Eligibility Requirements

Most foreign nationals traveling through the United States to another foreign destination are eligible for a C-1 Transit Visa. C-1 Transit Visa holders may stay for a maximum of 29 days in the United States. C-1 Transit Visa holders are required to leave the United States on the proposed flight or ship of departure, or within 29 days, whichever is earlier. Some applicants may be required to apply for a B-1 Business Visa or a B-2 Tourist Visa in order to visit the United States. Travelers from countries with a passport from a Visa Waiver Country do not need to obtain a transit visa. Additional information can be found in the C-1 Transit Visa application guide.

B-2 Visa for Tourists

Foreign nationals who wish to visit the United States for leisure or tourism are normally eligible to receive a B-2 Tourist Visas. B-2 Tourist Visas are "visitor visas" required for citizens of countries that are not included in the Visa Waiver Program. However, even citizens of countries included in the Visa Waiver Program are required to obtain a B-2 visa if they plan to stay in the United States for longer than 90 days, change status to other nonimmigrant visa, or adjust status to permanent resident (Green Card) after entering the country.

B-2 Visa for Medical Treatment

B-2 Visas are also issued to individuals who are coming to the United States to undergo medical treatment. The application process is similar to that of a Tourist Visa, but there are additional documents that must be submitted to establish that the applicant qualifies for the visa. The list of required documents and the application process is described in the B-2 Tourist Visa Application Guide.

Tourist Visa Length of Stay

Persons admitted to the United States on a B-2 Tourist Visa are usually issued a 6-month stay. The maximum length of stay for visitor visa holders is 6 months. The immigration officer at the port of entry determines how long each visitor is allowed to stay in the country. Most visitors have their I-94 cards stamped with a 6-month stay, however the immigration officer has the right to issue a shorter stay on a case by case basis. Upon entry into the United States, the foreign visitor has the right to request an extension of stay.

US Visitor Visa Change of Status

Individuals who enter the United States on a B-2 Tourist Visa are normally eligible to change status to permanent resident (Green Card holder) if they qualify, or to other nonimmigrant status, such as temporary workers (H-1B, H-2B, E-1, E-2, E-3, etc.), students under the F-1 Student Visa, or even to permanent United States residents (Green Card). Individuals who enter the United States under the the Visa Waiver Program are not eligible to change status. The option to change status is the major advantage of nonimmigrant visas (such as the B-2 Tourist Visa) over the Visa Waiver Program.

Important Warning for Tourist Visa Holders

Persons admitted to the United States on a B-2 Tourist Visa are not allowed to work or receive any kind of payment while staying in the United States. Foreign nationals who wish to work in the United States must apply for a work visa, such as the H-1B Visa or H-2B Visa.

General Information on Business Visas

Foreigners working for a foreign entity are allowed to visit the United States on a B-1 Business Visitor Visa. B1 Business Visas are more advantageous than visa waivers for various reasons depending on the circumstances, including visa extensions and adjustment of status.

Business Visa Eligibility Requirements

Foreign nationals interested in visiting the United States for business purposes that do not involve receiving salary or payment are eligible to apply for a B-1 Business Visa. Additional screening and interviews are now required at most United States Embassies and Consulates due to events of September 11th, 2001. It is vital to follow the instructions on the B-1 Business Visitor Visa Application Guide for the visa to be issued.

Business Visa Length of Stay

Persons admitted to the United States on a B1 Nonimmigrant Business Visa are usually issued a 6-month stay. The maximum length of stay for visitor visa holders is 6 months. The immigration officer at the port of entry determines how long each visitor is allowed to stay in the country. Most visitors have their I-94 cards stamped with a 6-month stay, however the immigration officer has the right to issue a shorter stay on a case by case basis. Upon entry into the United States, the foreign visitor has the right to request an extension of stay.

B-1 Business Visa Change of Status

Individuals who enter the United States on B-1 Business Visas are normally eligible to change status to permanent resident (Green Card holder) if they qualify, or to other non-immigrant status, such as temporary workers (H-1B, H-2B, E-1, E-2, E-3), student (F-1 Student Visa), among other categories. Individuals who enter the United States under the the Visa Waiver Program are not eligible to change status. The option to change status is the major advantage of Nonimmigrant Visas over the Visa Waiver Program.

Important Warning for Business Visa Holders

Persons admitted to the United States under a B-1 Business Visitor Visa are not allowed to work or receive any kind of payment while staying in the United States. Foreign nationals who wish to work in the United States must apply for a work visa, such as an H-1B or H-2B Visa.

The B-1 Business Visa Application Guide includes:

R-1 Visa General Information

The United States government issues visas to individuals who are members of legitimate religious organizations so they can live and work legally in the United States for a specific period of time. These visas are called R-1 Religious Worker Visas. R-1 Visas are made available to members of the clergy and also to key employees of religious organizations. The process of completing and submitting a request for an R-1 Visa can be both costly and confusing. The R-1 Religious Worker Visa Immigration Package makes the application process easy to understand. This is a step-by-step guide to help you file your R-1 Visa application as efficiently and quickly as possible.

R-1 Visa Eligibility Requirements

R-1 Visas can be obtained if the applicant has been a member of a legitimate religious denomination for at least 2 years. R-2 Visas can be obtained for accompanying relatives of the main applicant (R-1 Visa holder). Other requirements may apply and it is recommended to review the information in the application manual before applying.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa General Information

The United States government issues J-1 Visas to individuals who take part in a wide range of exchange visitor programs sponsored by schools, businesses, and a variety of organizations and institutions. These programs are envisioned for business and industrial trainees, scholars, students, international visitors, teachers, research assistants and those on cultural missions. In addition, there are several exchange visitor programs for young people, including summer employment programs, internship programs for university students and au-pair programs.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Eligibility Requirements

You meet the criteria for a J1 Exchange Visitor Visa if you are coming to the United States as a student, scholar, trainee, teacher, professor, research assistant, medical graduate or international visitor who is participating in a program of studies, training research or cultural enrichment specifically designed for such individuals by the United States Department of State, through its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Activities covered by J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa programs include

• Au-pair and nanny
• Summer camp counselors and staff
• Post-graduate students
• Government visitors
• Medical students coming to the United States as residents or interns
• Foreign scholars sponsored by universities as temporary faculty
• Business and Industrial trainees
• Anyone who takes part in a exchange program approved by the U.S. Department of State

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Application Guide

• J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa overview
• J-1 Visa eligibility and requirements
• J-1 Visa privileges and limitations
• J-1 Visa Extension information
• How to complete the application forms
• How to apply at a U.S. Consulate
• How to change your status to J1 if you already are in the U.S.
• How to obtain visas for accompanying spouse and children
• List of all USCIS (formerly INS) offices nationwide
• List of United States Embassies and Consulates
• FREE J-1 Visa Application forms