Guide to Most-Used Visas
| Name | Length of Stay | Eligibility |
|---|
| F-1 | As long as academic progress continues. |
- Admission to academic course of study.
- Evidence of adequate financial support for length of program.
- Indication of adequate English language skills or opportunity to improve.
|
| J-1: Student | As long as academic progress continues. |
- Invitation to academic program with sponsorship.
- Evidence of adequate financial support for length of program.
|
| J-1: Scholar | Five years. |
- Invitation to teach, lecture or conduct research.
- Indication of adequate financial support for length of program.
|
| H-1B |
- Three years initially.
- Renewable for total of no more than six years.
|
- The job must qualify as a “specialty occupation” which requires at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
|
| F-2 | As long as F-1 maintains status. |
- Legal spouse or child of an F-1 student.
- F-1 must prove financial support for each dependent.
|
| J-2 | As long as J-1 maintains status. |
- Legal spouse or child of J-1 visa holder.
- J-1 must prove financial support (including insurance coverage) for each dependent.
|
| H-4 | As long as H-1B maintains status (H-1B status is for a maximum of 6 years). |
- Legal spouse or child of H-1B visa holder.
- H-1B and H-4 applicants must prove that they are not subject to the 212(e) two-year home residence requirement or that they have received a waiver.
|
| B-1 |
- Six months initially.
- Renewable to 12 months total.
| Letter of invitation academic or business purpose for visit to the United States. |
| B-2 |
- Six months initially.
- Renewable to 12 months total.
| Evidence of financial support and tourist plans. |
| VWP | 90 days. |
- Applicant must be from designated visa waiver country.
- Evidence of financial support and tourist plans.
|
