Immigrant Visas

• Most immigrant visas require a U.S. citizen sponsor. The sponsor must file a petition with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS), which will review the petition. If the petition is approved, the immigrant may then apply for the visa. The petitioner can be a relative or employer. Immigrant visas also include the Diversity Visa Program, which does not require a sponsor or a petition. This program works similarly to a lottery, in which the applicants are randomly selected for the immigration process after their application is approved. Visa categories for immigrants are E and K, and the visa is granted for a period of two years. During the two-year period, you must apply for permanent residence.
  
  

Study Visas

• Visas are available to foreign exchange students and students wishing to study and obtain a college education without a host family. To obtain a student visa, you must first be accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified school and be in attendance more than 18 hours per week. You must also prove that you intend to return to your home country once your studies are completed, and that you can support yourself during the course of your studies. Visa categories for students are F and M.
  
  The Exchange Visitors Program allows foreign exchange students the chance to study in the United States for up to 12 months. Students must first be approved by a SEVP certified program, then apply for the visa through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home jurisdiction. Exchange Visitors also include interns, short term scholars, and secondary students. Exchange visas are issued under category J.
  
  

Visitor Visas

• Visitor visas include tourist, business, and medical tourism. The purpose of a tourist visa is for entering the U.S. on a temporary basis, and the visitor must provide evidence of her intent to leave as well as support herself while visiting the country. Visitor visas can also be used for courses of study that are less than 18 hours per week and do not extend past the visa expiration date. Visitor visas typically expire in 12 months or less, with the majority expiring in six months. Visa categories include B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, and Q.
  
  

Visa Waiver Program

• Visitors wishing to enter the United States through the visa program must reside in one of the 36 supported countries. They must also have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization application on file with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) services. Application can be made directly on the CBP website (see Resources). The authorization lasts for two years before reapplication is necessary.