US Visa: Types and Requirements

Anyone who wishes to come to the U.S. to work, study or just visit, must have permission from the United States to do so.  Foreign nationals who come from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program can come to the U.S. without a visa if they meet certain requirements which include a temporary stay and limited business dealings.  For any other kind of visit to the U.S. you need a US visa. US visa requirements vary depending on the type of visa you need for your purposes. 

US Visa Requirements

A temporary visa allows a nonimmigrant to enter and stay in the United States for a designated period of time.  Visas are given to people who want to come to the United States for different reasons, including: to play sports, work, go to school, get married, or vacation.  Since the attack on September 11, 2001, immigration officials scrutinize visa requests more thoroughly than they had in the past.  A visa can be revoked at any time by immigration officials for any reason.  A visa affords the least amount of protection for an immigrant.

An immigrant visa is given to immigrants who want to live permanently in the United States.  In order to get an alien registration receipt card, an immigrant applies for an immigrant visa number.  An Alien Registration Receipt Card (a.k.a. “green card”) allows a person to stay and to work in the United States permanently.

US Visa Fees and Costs

US visa costs include application fees and filing fees. If you are coming to work for an employer or to study as part of an exchange program, your employer, or the sponsoring organization, will also have to pay fees.

US Visa Documents Needed

While US visa documents needed vary based on the type of visa needed, all visa applicants must complete a visa application including personal information such as weight, height, birth date and contact information.  Every person who enters the U.S. must have a valid passport which does not expire until after the date of their intended return.

Help from a US Immigration Lawyer

There are as many types of visas as there are situations for foreign nationals wishing to come to the U.S.  A consultation with an experienced immigration attorney will give you the background information you need to determine the best visa for your purposes.  An immigration attorney can also help you collect and prepare the necessary documentation and evidence needed to increase your successful receipt of the visa you need.