The Complete Guide to U.S. Non-Immigrant Visas: Everything You Need to Know

A foreign citizen needs a visa to enter the U.S., which is stamped inside their passport.

A popular type of visa that many travelers trust is the U.S. non-immigrant visa, also known as a temporary visa, intended for personal purposes and allowing residence for a specific period.

So, what exactly is a U.S. non-immigrant visa? What types are there? How long does it take to receive one? The following article from ImmiPath will reveal all the details for you. See it now!

1. What is a U.S. Non-Immigrant visa? What Types are there?

Unlike immigrant visas, such as green cards, which are for those intending to live permanently in the U.S., non-immigrant visas are for those who want to make short-term visits.

U.S. non-immigrant visas are available for purposes such as tourism, study, or business, and typically have an established expiration date.

You must choose the specific purpose of your trip (e.g., tourism or studying) and apply for a visa that allows that activity rather than others. Each type of non-immigrant visa is identified by a combination of letters and numbers.

You might be familiar with some of the more common types: B-2 (tourist), E-2 (investor), F-1 (academic or language student), and H-1B (specialty worker).

To give you a clearer view of U.S. non-immigrant visas, ImmiPath will list the most commonly used U.S. non-immigrant visa codes and names. You just need to identify the purpose of your trip and choose the most suitable visa type for you!

No.	Visa Type	Corresponding Applicants
1	A-1	Ambassadors, public ministers, or career diplomats, along with their spouses and children.
2	A-2	Other recognized officials or employees of a foreign government, along with their spouses and children.
3	A-3	Personal attendants, domestic servants, and employees of A-1 and A-2 visa holders, along with their spouses and children.
4	B-1	Business visitors, or B-1 visas can be issued to those wanting to enter the U.S. for purposes such as amateur or professional athletes, domestic employees/nannies, or for business purposes such as: attending conferences or conventions in their field, negotiating contracts, or consulting with associates.
5	B-2	B-2 Tourist Visa is granted to those traveling for reasons such as medical treatment, tourism and vacation, visiting family or friends, enrolling in short-term non-credit courses (not leading to a formal degree); attending music, sports, or social events, provided they do not receive compensation from these events.
6	C-1	C Visa is a transit visa for those passing through the U.S. to reach another destination. If you are passing through the U.S. but wish to stop to visit friends, family, or tour sites, you cannot do so with a C visa; you would need an appropriate visa for those purposes. B visa holders and visa-exempt travelers are also allowed to transit through the U.S.
7	D-1	Crew members who need to land temporarily in the U.S. and will depart on the same ship or aircraft they arrived on.
8	D-2	Crew members who need to land temporarily in the U.S. and will depart on a different ship or aircraft than the one they arrived on.
9	E-1	Treaty traders work for a U.S. trading company that conducts 50% or more of its business with the trader’s home country, along with their spouses and children.
10	E-2	Treaty investors working for a U.S. company with 50% or more of the investment coming from the investor’s home country, along with their spouses and children.
11	E-3	Australian professionals coming to the U.S. to perform services in a specialty occupation (similar to the H-1B, but with a separate allocation of 10,500 visas). Spouses and children may accompany the E-3 visa holder.
12	F-1	For students coming to the U.S. for long-term study or to learn a language.
13	F-2	Spouses and children of F-1 visa holders.
14	F-3	Citizens or residents of Mexico or Canada coming to the U.S. to attend an academic institution.
15	G-1	Designated principal representatives of foreign governments coming to the U.S. to work for an international organization, and their spouses and children.
16	G-2	Other recognized representatives of foreign governments coming to the U.S. to work for an international organization, and their spouses and children.
17	G-3	Representatives of foreign governments and their immediate family members, who would otherwise qualify for G-1 or G-2 visas except that their government is not a member of the international organization.
18	G-4	Officers and employees of international organizations, and their spouses and children.
19	G-5	Servants, attendants, and personal employees of G-1 through G-4 visa holders, and their spouses and children.
20	H-1B	For individuals working in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience and for prominent fashion models.
21	H-1C	Nurses working for up to three years in areas of the U.S. where there is a shortage of recognized healthcare professionals.
22	H-2A	Temporary agricultural workers coming to the U.S. to fill positions that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has recognized as experiencing a temporary labor shortage.
23	H-2B	Temporary workers coming to the U.S. to perform non-agricultural work for which there is a shortage of qualified U.S. workers.
24	H-3	Trainees coming to the U.S. for on-the-job training that is not available in their home country.
25	H-4	Spouses and children of H-1, H-2, or H-3 visa holders.
26	I-1	Representatives of foreign media organizations coming to the U.S., along with their spouses and children.
27	J-1	Exchange visitors coming to the U.S. to study, work, or train as part of a program officially recognized by the U.S. Department of State.
28	J-2	Spouses and children of J-1 visa holders.
29	K-1	Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen coming to the U.S. for the purpose of marriage.
30	K-2	Unmarried children of K-1 visa holders.
31	K-3	Spouses of U.S. citizens who are awaiting USCIS approval of their immigrant visa petition and the availability of an immigrant visa, and who wish to enter the U.S. and apply for status adjustment as a shorter process through the system. (This visa is rarely used, as it tends to be less time- and cost-effective.)
32	K-4	Unmarried children of K-3 visa holders.
33	L-1	Intracompany transferees who are managers, executives, or individuals with specialized knowledge.
34	L-2	Spouses and children of L-1 visa holders.
35	M-1	Vocational or non-academic students.
36	M-2	Spouses and children of M-1 visa holders.
37	M-3	Citizens or residents of Mexico or Canada coming to the U.S. to attend a vocational school.
38	N-8	Parents of certain special immigrants.
39	N-9	Children of certain special immigrants or N-9 visa holders.
40	NATO-1 NATO-2 NATO-3 NATO-4 NATO-5	Representatives, officials, and experts coming to the U.S. under the terms of the NATO treaty, and their immediate family members.
41	NATO-6	Civilians accompanying NATO military forces on authorized missions, and their immediate family members.
42	NATO-7	Servants, attendants, or personal employees of NATO-1 to NATO-6 visa holders and their immediate family members.
43	O-1	Individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
44	O-2	Essential support staff for O-1 visa holders.
45	O-3	Spouses and children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.
46	P-1	​​Internationally recognized athletes and entertainers and their essential support staff.
47	P-2	Artists coming to the U.S. to perform under a government-recognized exchange program.
48	P-3	Artists or entertainers coming to the U.S. as part of a group to perform unique cultural presentations.
49	P-4	Spouses and children of P-1, P-2, and P-3 visa holders.
50	Q-1	Exchange visitors coming to the U.S. to participate in international cultural exchange programs.
51	Q-2	(Walsh Visa) Participants in the Ireland Peace Process Training and Cultural Program.
52	Q-3	Spouses and children of Q-1 visa holders.
53	R-1	Ministers and other religious workers recognized by a religious denomination.
54	R-2	Spouses and children of R-1 visa holders.
55	S-5	Individuals coming to the U.S. to provide information to the U.S. government about a criminal organization.
56	S-6	Individuals coming to the U.S. to provide information to the U.S. government about a terrorist organization.
57	T-1	Victims of human trafficking.
58	T-2 T-3	Spouses and children of human trafficking victims.
59	TN	Trade visas for Canadian and Mexican citizens under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA).
60	U-1	Victims of “substantial physical or mental abuse” due to certain U.S. criminal violations, including domestic violence, and those assisting law enforcement agencies.
61	U-2 U-3	Spouses and children of U-1 visa holders.
62	V	Spouses and children of lawful permanent residents in the U.S. who have been waiting for three years for their visa petition to be approved or an immigrant visa to be available, provided their visa petition was filed on or before December 21, 2000.

2. What are the Steps to Apply for a Non-Immigrant U.S. Visa?

To obtain a non-immigrant U.S. visa, you need to follow these steps:

2.1 Step 1: Complete Form DS-160

First, you need to fill out Form DS-160. You will be required to provide a lot of personal information. This includes your travel history, employment history, information about your family members, and more.

2.2 Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

Next, you will need to pay a visa application fee. This fee is paid to the consular section at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling visa services.

The fee is $160. However, if you are a temporary worker, you will need to pay $190. You can pay this processing fee when you submit your application.

2.3 Step 3: Schedule a Visa Interview

The next step for U.S. non-immigrant visa applicants is to schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

You should check with the U.S. Department of State for appointment wait times. Verify that there are no current travel restrictions, such as those related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The wait time for your visa appointment will depend on the location of the U.S. Consulate you choose.

2.4 Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents

You will need to bring documents to your interview. These include a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, the DS-160 confirmation page, proof of payment, and a printed copy of your interview appointment letter.

You may also need to provide evidence of your non-immigrant intent. This means showing that you plan to return to your home country after visiting the U.S.

For example, you may need to present a travel itinerary, employment documentation from your home country, or an invitation letter from family or friends.

2.5 Step 5: Attend Your Visa Interview

At the interview, you will need to take an oath and provide your fingerprints. The consular officer will review your application and documents.

They may ask questions about why you want to visit, your itinerary, and how you will finance the trip. The interview could be short or lengthy.

2.6 Step 6: Receive Decision from the U.S. Embassy

Once your visa is granted, you can enter the U.S. anytime until the visa expires. You will present your visa and passport to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry.

Form I-94 is a record of your entry or exit from the U.S. It is usually electronic now. You can find it online or ask the staff at the port of entry.

It is crucial to be aware of the entry date on your I-94. You want to ensure that you do not overstay your visa.

Your I-94 departure date may be earlier than your visa expiration date. The I-94 date takes precedence over the visa stamp, so make sure to check the form carefully.

U.S. immigration laws enforce serious consequences for overstaying your visa, including travel bans from the U.S.

3. How Long is a Non-Immigrant U.S. Visa Valid?

When your U.S. visa is stamped in your passport, it will have an expiration date indicating when your visa expires.

However, this does not mean that you can stay in the U.S. until that date, nor does obtaining the visa grant you entry into the U.S.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry will decide whether you are allowed to enter and how long you can stay in the U.S.

The expiration date on your visa label only means that you can use it to enter the U.S. until that time.

The CBP officer will give you a form called the I-94, which specifies the period you are allowed to stay and the date you must leave.

4. Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Immigrant U.S. Visas

4.1. What happens if I overstay my non-immigrant U.S. visa?

Like those who enter the U.S. illegally, individuals who overstay their visas will face consequences under U.S. immigration law.

Firstly, U.S. immigration authorities will automatically revoke the visa, and the traveler will be deported if caught.

Those who leave voluntarily after overstaying will face consequences based on the duration of their overstay.

Additionally, you will be ineligible to apply for a U.S. visa from any country other than your own.

The specific consequences of overstaying depend on how long you remain in the U.S. after your visa expires and how you return to your home country (whether you are forced to leave, deported, or leave voluntarily).

Overstay Less Than 180 Days

If your visa has expired but you haven’t left the United States, the consequences you’ll face depend on the number of days you overstay.

If you overstay your visa for less than 180 days and then leave without being forced, you can legally apply for another U.S. visa.

However, it will be challenging to convince the consular officer that you won’t overstay again, so you must provide solid evidence explaining why you overstayed to improve your chances of obtaining another U.S. visa.

Overstay More Than 180 Days

In another scenario, if you overstay for more than 180 days, you will face an entry ban into the United States, which could last for three years, ten years, or even permanently.

4.2. Who Needs a U.S. Non-Immigrant Visa?

If you are not a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident and you plan to visit the United States temporarily, you will need a non-immigrant visa.

However, citizens of certain countries do not need a visa if they plan to stay in the U.S. for less than 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

This program is known as the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and it applies to citizens from 40 countries and territories, including most European Union countries. Additionally, most Canadians do not need a visa to enter the U.S. unless they plan to work, study, invest, or immigrate.

The Visa Waiver Program has strict eligibility rules. You must register in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before flying. You are only allowed to stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 90 days, with no possibility of extension.

You can not have a history of U.S. visa denials or rejections. You will also need to demonstrate strong ties to your home country and ensure you do not overstay.

See more: Tips for New Immigrants to Settle Easily in the U.S.

4.3. What Can I Do in the U.S. with a Tourist Visa?

A tourist visa is issued to temporary visitors for business or leisure purposes. “Business” generally does not include employment for income but does cover most other lawful commercial activities.

With a B-1 visa, you can visit the U.S. for activities such as consulting with business associates, negotiating contracts, purchasing goods or materials, settling estates, appearing as a witness in a trial, attending business or professional conventions or conferences, or conducting independent research.

With a tourist visa, visitors to the U.S. can engage in activities such as tourism, visiting friends and relatives, seeking medical treatment, attending conferences or social organizations, and participating in amateur events, including music, sports, and similar events or competitions, without receiving compensation.

During your visa interview, you should clearly explain the purpose of your visit to the U.S. The consular officer will determine the appropriate visa category based on your intended activities.

4.4. Can I buy a plane ticket before my visa is issued?

You should not purchase a plane ticket before your visa is issued. Please do not make any definitive plans until you have received your visa.

4.5. What should I do if my passport with a U.S. non-immigrant visa is lost or stolen?

Report the loss of your passport and visa to the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that issued your visa.

You will need to provide a written report documenting the loss, including a copy of the police report if available. Once you report the loss of your passport and visa, the visa will no longer be valid for future travel to the United States.

4.6. How to extend a U.S. non-immigrant visa?

Before your authorized stay expires, apply to extend your stay in the United States by submitting a request to USCIS using Form I-539.

You will be eligible to apply for an extension of stay if you meet the following requirements:

• You were lawfully admitted to the United States with a temporary visa.
• Your visa remains valid.
• You have not committed any crimes that would make you ineligible for a visa.
• You have not violated the terms of your admission.
• You possess a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay.

However, if you fall into one of the following categories, you cannot extend your visa:

• If you entered the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
• You are a crew member who entered the United States on a non-immigrant D visa.
• You are in transit through the United Kingdom on a non-immigrant C visa.
• You are transiting without a visa.

With the information ImmiPath has shared here, you should now have a clear understanding of the different types of U.S. non-immigrant visas, their purposes, as well as the process and duration of stay. We hope that this information will be helpful to you in choosing the appropriate visa for your temporary visit to the United States.

If you have any further questions about U.S. non-immigrant visas, please comment below the article. The ImmiPath advisory team will provide support and guidance with all the experience and heart, helping you obtain a temporary visa to explore the U.S. and create unforgettable memories.