B visas

The B visa, also known as the "visitor" visa, is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1), for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2), or combination of both (B-1/B-2) purposes.

B-1 Business visitor visa

A business visitor visa (B-1) would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel if the purpose for your planned travel is to consult with business associates, travel for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention, or conference on specific dates, settle an estate, or negotiate a contract. You can visit the Department of State website for additional information about business related (B-1) visitor visas.

B-2 Pleasure, tourism, medical treatment visitor visas

A visitor visa (B-2) would be the appropriate type of visa for you if the purpose of your planned travel is recreational in nature, including tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, and activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature.

B-1/B-2 Extension

B visitors may be admitted to the United States for an initial period of no longer than 6 months and may apply for extension if needed. To apply for an extension of either B-1 or B-2 status, you must submit the following documents to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS):

1. Completed Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status). Spouses and unmarried children under 21 who are in the same status may be included in the extension application;
2. $370 check or money order payable to "Department of Homeland Security" for the I-539 filing fee.
3. A seperate $85 check or money order payable to "Department of Homeland Security" to cover the biometric services fee.
4. Copy of both sides of Form I-94 (white card usually stapled in passport);
5. Letter addressed "To Whom It May Concern" which explains in detail the reasons for the extension; why the extended stay would be temporary; arrangements made to depart; and the effect the extended stay would have on the non-immigrant's foreign employment and residency; and
6. Photocopy of the data pages in your passport.

You may be eligible to file online. Otherwise, send your completed application by certified mail with return receipt to:

U.S. Department of Justice
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
Northern Service Center
P.O. Box 87539
Lincoln, Nebraska 68501-7539

The extension application should be filed before the authorized stay expires. BCIS suggests filing at least 45 days prior to the expiration. Late filing may be excused if due to extraordinary circumstances. If the application is late, address the reason(s) for delay in letter discussed in item #4 above.

An applicant for extension of stay may have to wait 3-6 months to learn the outcome of the application. Under these circumstances the individual may remain in the United States until the application is adjudicated. OISS suggests that an individual not contact BCIS regarding the status of such an application until a 90 day period has elapsed from the date the application was mailed to BCIS. All inquiries should be made in writing.

W visa status

W visa status is a classification that falls under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program. An individual classifiable as a B-1 or B-2 visitor can be granted entry into the U.S. without a visa, as long as certain criteria are met, including that the individual has a valid passport issued by a designated country, intends to visit the United States for a period not exceeding 90 days, and possesses a round-trip transportation ticket that is nonrefundable except in the country of issuance. 

An individual admitted under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program is not eligible for extension of stay, change to another nonimmigrant status, or adjustment of status to that of a permanent resident (except as an immediate relative).

More information can be found on the B1/B2 and WB/WT comparison page. 

H-1B status

H-1B visa

The H-1B visa is for an individual in the U.S. to perform professional services for a sponsoring employer in a specific position for a fixed period of time. Employment authorization is granted for an initial period of up to three years. Extensions for an additional three years are possible, for a maximum stay of six years (exceptions for individuals going through the permanent residency process)

H-1B applications should be submitted up to 6 months in advance of, but no later than 1.5 months prior to, the status expiration date/start of employment.

H-4 visa

The H-4 visa is for the spouse and children of a H-1B visa holder.

All necessary forms for H visa holders can be found on the Immigration and Visa Status page.

O status

Workers with extraordinary abilities

O-1 visa

O-1 extraordinary status are for individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics who are in the United States to work for a sponsoring employer or organization. O-1 applications should be submitted no earlier than 6 months in advance, but no later than 1.5 months prior to the status expiration date/start of employment.

O-2 visa

The O-2 visa is for individuals accompanying an O-1 visa holder, in a support role.

O-3 visa

The O-3 visa is for the spouse or children of an O-1 or O-2 visa holder. 

All necessary forms for O visa holders can be found on the Immigration and Visa Status page.

Trade visas for Canadians and Mexicans

TN visa

TN working visas are Citizens of Canada or Mexico in the U.S. to perform professional services for a sponsoring employer in a specific position for a fixed period of time. TN applications should be submitted no earlier than 2 months in advance, but no later than 3 weeks prior to the status expiration date/start of employment.

All necessary forms for TN visa holders can be found on the Immigration and Visa Status page.