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Non-Immigrant Visas

By: Jonathan N. Portner
Sameer Sidh
March 12, 2009

Non-immigrant visas are different from immigrant visas in a few important ways.  The two major differences between non-immigrant visas and immigrant visas are that non-immigrant visas only permit temporary entry into the U.S., and that the holder of the non-immigrant visa must have a specific purpose or goal for his or her visit to the U.S.  For foreign citizens who wish to enter the U.S. on a temporary basis, it is important to identify the right type of visa to fit the purpose of your trip.  The types of visas that are available for temporary stay in the U.S. can be groped into a few broad categories. 

  1. Business Visitors or Tourists

Business visitors and tourists fall under the B visa category.  The B-1 visa is for business visitors.  Non-immigrants admitted with a B-1 visa may invest, buy goods or perform other work related activity provided that they work for an employer located outside of the U.S.  The B-2 visa is commonly known as the visitor visa, and permits the visa holder to enter the U.S. only for the purposes of pleasure or medical treatment.  The major limitation placed on holders of visas in the B category is that they can’t be employed or paid compensation by any employer located in the U.S. 

  1. Students or Exchange Visitors

Students and exchange visitors are eligible for visas in the F, M and J categories.  The F and M visa categories are specifically for non-immigrants who are entering the U.S. for the purpose of being a full-time student.  The F visa category applies to academic and language students, while the M visa applies to vocational and technical students.  The M visa generally is generally more restrictive in nature than the F visa.  The J visa category applies to exchange visitors.  To be eligible for a J visa, the intending non-immigrant must already be accepted by a U.S. Department of State approved exchange program.  The J visa allows the visa holder to study, teach, do research, work or participate in cultural activities while in the U.S.  In order to secure an F, M or J visa, the applicant must sufficiently prove that they intend to return to their home country upon expiration of their visa.

  1. Temporary Workers     

There are a variety of visas available for foreign citizens who wished to enter the U.S. for the purpose of engaging in temporary employment.  Most foreign citizens seeking temporary work in the U.S. will apply for some form of an H visa.  The most commonly sought type of H visa is the H-1B, which applies to non-immigrants engaged in a specialty occupation that requires the completion of some form of higher education and/or training and experience.  The H-1C visa applies to nurses who are entering the U.S. to provide services in medically under-served areas.  The H-2A and H-2B visas apply to seasonal workers.  The H-2A visa is intended for seasonal agricultural workers.  The H-2B visa is intended for seasonal non-agricultural workers.  The H-2B, unlike the H-2A, requires the person seeking a visa to undergo the labor certification process before a visa is granted.
If you or someone you know is seeking temporary entry into the U.S. for the purposes of business, pleasure, education or employment, contact the law offices of Portner & Shure.  Our attorneys will assist you in identifying the correct type of visa for your temporary stay in the U.S., and will guide you through every step of the process of securing a non-immigrant visa.   

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