Business Visitor (B-1)

The B-1 visa allows an individual to enter the United States on a temporary basis for business purposes. Business activities under a B-1 visa are limited to those which do not involve receiving a salary or income from a United States source (e.g. meetings, conferences, trade shows, training, etc.).  Individuals entering the United States to work will require an employment visa.

Tourist Visitor (B-2)

The B-2 visa allows an individual to enter the United States on a temporary basis for purposes of business or pleasure. The individual must maintain a foreign residence which they have no intention of abandoning.

Academic Students (F-1)

The F-1 visa allows an individual to come to the United States to pursue an academic studies or language training program. In general, an individual may qualify for a F-1 visa if s/he meets the following requirements:

• acceptance to an academic studies or language training program at an institution approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services;
• acceptance/enrollment as a full-time student;
• exhibits proficiency in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency;
• has sufficient funds to be self-supportive for the entire course of study; and
• has a foreign residence of which he/she has no intention of abandoning.

Exchange Visitor (J-1)

The J-1 visa allows an individual to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States designated by the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program.  In general, an individual may qualify for a J-1 visa if s/he meets the following requirements:

• acceptance to an approved exchange visitor program;
• has sufficient funds or be assured of sufficient funds to be self-supportive for the duration of the program;
• exhibits proficiency in English (exception for participants of graduate medical education or training programs);
• fulfills the requirements of INA section 212(j) if participating in a graduate medical education or training program; and
  
• has a foreign residence of which he/she has no intention of abandoning.

For a list of current sponsors of educational and cultural programs designated by the U.S. Department of State click here.

Vocational Students (M-1)

The M-1 visa allows an individual to come to the United States to pursue an non-academic or vocational studies program. In general, an individual may qualify for a M-1 visa if s/he meets the following requirements:

• acceptance to a non-academic or vocational studies program at an institution approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services;
• is enrolled in the program as a full-time student;
• exhibits proficiency in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency;
• has sufficient funds to be self-supportive for the entire course of study; and
• has a foreign residence of which he/she has no intention of abandoning.

Cultural Exchange Visitors (Q-1)

The Q-1 visa allows an individual to come to the United States to participate in an international cultural exchange program. In general, an individual may qualify for a Q-1 visa if s/he meets the following requirements:

• acceptance to a program which takes place in a school museum, business or other establishment where the public is exposed to aspects of a foreign culture as part of a structured program;
• works in a position that is part of the cultural component of the program;
• has the ability to perform the position and communicate the cultural attributes of his/her country; and
  
• has a foreign residence of which he/she has no intention of abandoning.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows spouses and children of abusive United States citizens or legal permanent residents to petition for legal status in the United States without having to rely on the abusive citizen or legal permanent resident.  In general, an individual may qualify to petition under VAWA if s/he meets the following requirements:

• entered into marriage in good faith with a United States citizen or legal permanent resident;
• is legally married to the United States citizen or lawful permanent resident, or is filing the petition within two years of the abusive spouse's death or termination of the marriage due to the abuse;
• is the victim of a battering or extreme mental cruelty by the United States citizen or legal permanent resident during the marriage; and
  
• is a person of good moral character.