Types of Non-Immigrant Visas Available for New Jersey Residents

Understanding the types of non-immigrant visas available in the United States can be essential for New Jersey residents who wish to work, study, or live in the country temporarily. Non-immigrant visas allow people to come to the U.S. for a specific purpose and for a limited time without making it their permanent residence. Each type of visa has its own requirements and conditions, which means people need to choose the visa that best fits their reason for coming to the United States. Knowing about the different types of non-immigrant visas can help people in New Jersey make informed choices about their options for entering the country legally and securely. At, The Scheer Immigration Law Group , we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Visitor Visas for Tourism and Business

The B-1 and B-2 visas are the most common visas for people coming to the United States for short-term stays. A B-1 visa allows individuals to come to the U.S. for business-related activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. This visa is ideal for those who do not intend to earn money from a U.S. source while they are here. On the other hand, the B-2 visa is designed for those traveling to the United States for tourism, visiting family, or receiving medical treatment. It is typically for those who want to explore attractions or spend time with relatives. For both B-1 and B-2 visas, applicants must show they plan to return to their home country after their visit and that they have strong ties there. These visas usually allow a stay of up to six months, with the option to request an extension.

Work Visas for Temporary Employment

There are several types of work visas available for those who wish to come to the United States for employment. The H-1B visa is among the most popular, especially for workers in fields like technology, engineering, and healthcare. This visa is for individuals with a job offer from a U.S. employer that requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a specific field. To obtain an H-1B visa, the applicant must show they have the necessary education or experience. Another option for temporary workers is the H-2B visa, which is available for non-agricultural workers filling seasonal or short-term positions. For agricultural workers, the H-2A visa allows those who are employed in temporary agricultural jobs to come to the U.S. legally. Both H-2A and H-2B visas are typically for seasonal work, and employers must show they could not find enough U.S. workers for the job.

The L-1 visa is another work visa that helps multinational companies transfer employees to their U.S. locations. This visa is intended for employees in managerial or highly skilled positions. An L-1 visa can be a good option for those who have been working for a company outside the U.S. and need to continue their work within the U.S. office of the same company. For people in cultural exchange or specific job programs, the J-1 visa is an option that allows individuals to come to the U.S. for exchange programs, such as internships or research, that promote cultural understanding.

Student Visas for Academic and Vocational Studies

Student visas are designed for individuals who wish to come to the United States for educational purposes. The F-1 visa is intended for students who want to study at a U.S. college, university, high school, or language program. To qualify, the applicant must be accepted into a U.S.-based school and prove they can afford to support themselves financially while studying. The F-1 visa allows students to stay in the U.S. for the duration of their studies and also permits limited work, usually on-campus employment, during their studies. After completing their program, F-1 students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in their field of study for up to one year, with an extension possible for those in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Another option for students is the M-1 visa, which is designed for vocational or non-academic students, such as those enrolled in technical or trade schools. The M-1 visa is specific to those who plan to pursue non-degree programs, and it requires students to maintain a full course load throughout their stay. While M-1 students may not work while studying, they can gain practical experience related to their field once their program is complete.

Exchange Visitor Visas for Cultural and Educational Exchange Programs

The J-1 visa is available for people who participate in approved exchange visitor programs, which aim to foster cultural and educational exchanges. The J-1 visa is often used by students, interns, researchers, and teachers who want to participate in a program that benefits both their home country and the United States. Each J-1 visa program has specific rules that outline what participants can do and how long they may stay. Some J-1 visa holders may be required to return to their home country for two years after completing their program before they can apply for other U.S. visas, known as the two-year home-country residency requirement.

Investor and Entrepreneur Visas

The E-2 visa is designed for investors and entrepreneurs who want to develop and direct a business in the United States. The E-2 visa requires that the applicant invests a significant amount of capital in a U.S.-based enterprise. The applicant must show that they have the skills and intentions to develop and manage the business successfully. This visa is available only to individuals from certain countries with which the United States has an investment treaty. E-2 visa holders can stay in the United States for as long as their business is active and successful, with options for renewal as long as the enterprise continues to operate.

Another option for investors is the E-1 visa, which is available for those involved in trade between their home country and the United States. This visa is ideal for individuals whose business relies on substantial trade of goods, services, or technology. Like the E-2 visa, the E-1 visa is only available to nationals of countries with specific trade agreements with the United States. The E-1 visa is especially useful for those engaged in large, ongoing trade operations and allows holders to stay in the U.S. as long as their trade activities continue.

Religious Worker Visas

The R-1 visa is an option for religious workers who wish to come to the United States to work for a recognized religious organization. To qualify, the applicant must prove that they are a member of a religious denomination and have been a member for at least two years. The applicant must also have a job offer from a U.S. religious organization that aligns with their beliefs and practices. Religious worker visas allow individuals to engage in religious work, such as leading worship, teaching, or providing services within their faith. This visa typically allows for a stay of up to five years, with the possibility of an extension if necessary.

Visa Options for Fiancé(e)s and Spouses

The K-1 visa is available for the fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens who wish to marry and live in the United States. The K-1 visa allows the foreign fiancé(e) to enter the United States and marry their U.S. citizen partner within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage, the K-1 visa holder can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident. This visa is only available for the fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens, not for the fiancé(e)s of lawful permanent residents. Another option is the K-3 visa, which allows the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to join their partner in the United States while their green card application is pending. The K-3 visa shortens the wait for spouses who might otherwise be separated for extended periods due to lengthy processing times for immigration visas.

Media and Journalist Visas

The I visa is available for members of the foreign press, such as journalists, who wish to work in the United States temporarily. This visa is intended for those representing foreign media who plan to report on news and events taking place within the U.S. The applicant must prove that they are part of a recognized media organization and that they intend to work solely on behalf of their media outlet. The I visa allows journalists to perform their duties without a set time limit, provided they continue to work for their foreign employer. This visa type is specific to those who work in information gathering, reporting, or broadcasting and is not intended for general entertainment purposes.

Athlete and Entertainer Visas

The O and P visas are available for athletes, artists, and entertainers who wish to participate in events, performances, or competitions in the United States. The O-1 visa is available for those with extraordinary abilities in fields such as sports, arts, or sciences. To qualify, applicants must show they have received significant recognition and have a high level of achievement. The P visa is specifically for members of entertainment groups or sports teams who are coming to perform in the United States. Both the O and P visas allow applicants to enter the U.S. for the duration of their scheduled events or competitions and may be extended if additional events are added to their schedule.

If you or a loved one is considering applying for a non-immigrant visa, understanding these visa categories can help make the decision process easier. To ensure that you choose the best visa option for your needs and meet all the necessary requirements, contact The Scheer Immigration Law Group today. Our team is here to guide you through the application process, provide support, and answer any questions you may have about coming to the United States on a non-immigrant visa.