Non-Inmigrant Visas
B1 Visa
Visas for business trips valid for 10 years, maximum duration of stay 6 months
The B1 visa is intended for those who intend to undertake business trips but do not meet the requirements to benefit from the Visa Waiver Program or the stay exceeds 90 days.
Business generally refers to participation in meetings, seminars and conferences in the scientific, educational or professional field, consultations and contract negotiations.(With this visa, employment or earnings for professional services from American companies/entities are not permitted).).
It is valid for a maximum of 10 years with multiple entries, each not exceeding 180 days.
B2 Visa
Visas for medical treatment, tourism, valid for 10 years, maximum duration of stay 6 months
The B2 visa is intended for those who intend to travel to the United States to undergo medical treatment or for tourism but do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (lack of citizenship of one of the countries eligible for the program) or remain in the United States over 90 days.
It is valid for a maximum of 10 years with multiple entries, each not exceeding 180 days.
F/M Visa
Visas for students, valid for 10 years, maximum duration of stay is the entire period of the study program.
Visas belonging to the F/M category are intended for those who intend to study in the United States. The F visa is for academic studies while the M visa is for non-academic or professional studies.
With an F/M visa you will be allowed to enter the United States a maximum of 30 days before the start date of your studies.
Furthermore, it is essential to underline that spouses and children (unmarried and up to 21 years of age) can request the F2 or M2 visa to be able to accompany or join their relatives in the USA
E1-E2 Visa
Visas for investors, validity 5 years, maximum length of stay is closely related to the business operation to be undertaken.
Category E visas are intended for those who intend to carry out international trade operations or solid capital investments in the United States.
However, it is essential to specify that the E1 visa is intended for those who have constant international trade operations, lasting over time and with a substantial amount, while the E2 visa is reserved for entrepreneurs who wish to build or manage a company in which they invest considerable capital. .
H2B Visa
Visa for temporary/seasonal workers, valid for 1 year, maximum length of stay 1 year
The H2B visa is intended for non-agricultural workers with a temporary or seasonal contract.
This type of visa allows American employers to hire foreign personnel for a limited period of time when more personnel are needed for certain commercial activities.
Among the various uses, the following are considered:
- flight attendants;
- waiters;
- receptionist;
- animal trainer ecc..
C1 Visa
Visa for those traveling to the United States for transit only, valid for 1 year, short duration
The C1 visa category is provided, with some exceptions, for those who intend to transit through the United States, before reaching another country as their final destination.
It is essential to demonstrate intent to travel quickly and directly to your final destination abroad without intent to remain or work in the United States. To this end it is necessary to provide documentary evidence of the intended transit itinerary.
If you already have a valid Category B visa, you can use it to transit the United States. Furthermore, it is also possible to transit through the USA under the Visa Waiver Programif you are a citizen of one of the participating countries and meet the requirements.
H1B Visa
Visa for highly specialized workers, valid for 3 years with a possible extension of another three years, making six years the maximum stay
El visado H1B está destinado a trabajadores con alta especialización, , which means that the applicant is employed in a position that requires particular skills or knowledge.
P1-P2-P3 Visas
Visas for sporting or musical competitions or participation in events
Visas belonging to the P1-P2-P3 category are intended for internationally recognized athletes, sports teams or members of sports groups participating in a competition or performing as part of a cultural exchange program/unique cultural program.
Each visa is divided into different types and characteristics.
Category P visas also include those who provide essential services to support the aforementioned individuals.
L-1A/L-1B Visas
Visas for personal transfer to a US office, valid for 3 years for executives and 5 years for highly qualified employees, temporary stay varying based on the duration of the transfer.
The L visa category allows employers (foreign or otherwise) to transfer an executive, manager or professional employee with specialized knowledge to one of the United States offices.
This classification also allows a foreign company, which does not yet have a branch in the United States, to send an executive or manager with the purpose of opening a new business.
O-1 Visa
Visa for artistic, scientific and athletic workers, validity and temporary stay which tends to vary based on the duration of the service.
The O-1 visa is intended for individuals who possess extraordinary abilities, in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics or who have received recognition for participation in films, television and are nationally or internationally famous.
The O visa is normally awarded to:
- O-1A: Individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, film, or television)
- O-1B: Individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary ability in film, television, or cinema
- O-2: Individuals who will accompany an O-1, the artist or sportsperson, to attend a specific event or performance. To obtain an O-1 O-2 the applicant must be an “integral part” of the O-1A's business. To obtain an O-1 O-2 the applicant must be “essential” to the completion of the O-1B work. The O-2 applicant must possess specialized skills that are not easily found in a general worker.
- O-3: Issued for spouse or children of O-1 O-2
Q Visa
Visa to participate in cultural exchanges, temporary validity and stay which tends to vary based on the duration of the experience.
The Q visa is intended for participants of an international cultural exchange program, with the purpose of providing practical training and sharing the history, culture and traditions of the country of origin with the United States.