Types of USA Visas: Full Details 2025

F-1 Visa: International Student Visa

Purpose and Eligibility

Why Needed: For full-time study at accredited US academic institutions, such as universities or colleges, for degree or language programs.
Eligibility: Requires acceptance by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses, and intent to return home after studies.
Work Restrictions: No off-campus work during the first academic year; on-campus work allowed under conditions; Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) permitted after one year with approval.

Application Requirements

Acceptance by SEVP School: Obtain Form I-20 from the institution.
SEVIS Fee: Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee of $350 USD.
DS-160 Form: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form.
Visa Interview: Schedule and attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
Financial Proof: Provide evidence of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

Document Requirements

Valid Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
Form I-20: Issued by the SEVP-certified school.
DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed barcode from the online application.
Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the $185 USD visa fee.
Passport-Style Photograph: Recent 2x2-inch photo meeting US requirements (white background, neutral expression).
Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor affidavits.
Academic Records: Transcripts, diplomas, or test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
Proof of Ties to Home Country: Employment letters, property deeds, or family ties to show intent to return.

Costs

Visa Application Fee: $185 USD (non-refundable).
SEVIS I-901 Fee: $350 USD.
Additional Costs: Passport photos, travel to embassy, and document preparation (varies).

          Pro Tip: Verify Form I-20 details with your school to
          avoid delays in the F-1 visa process.
        

Ad Space: Explore student visa services and US university application support for a smooth F-1 process!

J-1 Visa: Exchange Visitor Visa

Purpose and Eligibility

Why Needed: For participation in approved exchange programs, such as teaching, research, internships, au pair, or cultural exchanges.
Eligibility: Requires acceptance into a US Department of State-approved exchange program; some programs allow limited work under specific conditions.
Two-Year Home-Country Requirement: Some J-1 categories require returning home for two years post-program; waivers may be available under specific conditions.

Application Requirements

Program Acceptance: Obtain Form DS-2019 from the program sponsor.
SEVIS Fee: Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee ($220 USD for most programs; $35 USD for au pair, camp counselor, or short-term programs).
DS-160 Form: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application.
Visa Interview: Attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
Financial Proof: Show funds to cover program and living expenses.

Document Requirements

Valid Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
Form DS-2019: Issued by the exchange program sponsor.
DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed barcode from the online application.
Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the $185 USD visa fee.
Passport-Style Photograph: Recent 2x2-inch photo.
Program Documentation: Acceptance letter or program details from the sponsor.
Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements or sponsor letters.
Proof of Ties to Home Country: Employment or family ties to show intent to return.

Costs

Visa Application Fee: $185 USD (non-refundable).
SEVIS I-901 Fee: $220 USD (or $35 USD for certain short-term programs).
Additional Costs: Passport photos, travel to embassy, and program-specific fees (varies).

          Pro Tip: Confirm DS-2019 details with your program
          sponsor to ensure a smooth J-1 visa application.
        

Ad Space: Connect with J-1 exchange program sponsors and visa experts for a seamless application!

B-1 Visa: Temporary Business Visitor

Purpose and Eligibility

Why Needed: For short-term business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts.
Eligibility: Must demonstrate a legitimate business purpose, intent to return home, and no intent to engage in permanent US employment.
Duration: Typically allows stays up to 6 months; cannot develop or direct a business.

Application Requirements

DS-160 Form: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application.
Visa Interview: Attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate (waivers available in select cases).
Business Purpose: Provide evidence of business activities, such as meeting invitations or conference registrations.
Financial Proof: Show funds to cover travel and stay expenses.

Document Requirements

Valid Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed barcode from the online application.
Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the $185 USD visa fee.
Passport-Style Photograph: Recent 2x2-inch photo.
Business Documents: Invitation letters, conference agendas, or business contracts.
Proof of Ties to Home Country: Employment letters, property deeds, or family ties.
Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements or employer letters.

Costs

Visa Application Fee: $185 USD (non-refundable).
Additional Costs: Passport photos, travel to embassy, and document preparation (varies).

          Pro Tip: Prepare a detailed business itinerary to
          strengthen your B-1 visa application.
        

Ad Space: Book business travel packages and visa support for a hassle-free B-1 visa process!

B-2 Visa: Tourist Visa

Purpose and Eligibility

Why Needed: For tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or social events, such as concerts or weddings.
Eligibility: Must prove temporary visit intent, sufficient funds, and strong ties to home country to ensure return.
Duration: Typically allows stays up to 6 months; often issued as a B-1/B-2 combo visa.

Application Requirements

DS-160 Form: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application.
Visa Interview: Attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate (waivers available in select cases).
Travel Purpose: Provide evidence, such as travel itineraries or invitation letters.
Financial Proof: Show funds to cover travel and living expenses.

Document Requirements

Valid Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed barcode from the online application.
Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the $185 USD visa fee.
Passport-Style Photograph: Recent 2x2-inch photo.
Travel Itinerary: Flight reservations, hotel bookings, or event details.
Proof of Ties to Home Country: Employment letters, property deeds, or family ties.
Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements or sponsorship letters.
Invitation Letter (Optional): From US-based friends, family, or event organizers.

Costs

Visa Application Fee: $185 USD (non-refundable).
Additional Costs: Passport photos, travel to embassy, and document preparation (varies).

          Pro Tip: Include a detailed travel itinerary to boost
          your B-2 visa approval chances.
        

Ad Space: Plan your USA vacation with top travel agencies and visa support services!

H-1B Visa: Specialty Occupation Visa

Purpose and Eligibility

Why Needed: For temporary work in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher, such as IT, engineering, or medicine.
Eligibility: Requires a US job offer, approved USCIS petition (Form I-129), and specialized qualifications; subject to annual cap (65,000 regular + 20,000 master’s exemption).
Duration: Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years; allows dual intent for green card applications.

Application Requirements

USCIS Petition: Employer files Form I-129 with USCIS before visa application.
DS-160 Form: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application.
Visa Interview: Attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
Labor Condition Application (LCA): Employer submits LCA to ensure prevailing wage compliance.
Financial Proof: Show ability to support yourself during your stay.

Document Requirements

Valid Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
Form I-797: USCIS approval notice for the H-1B petition.
DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed barcode from the online application.
Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the $185 USD visa fee.
Passport-Style Photograph: Recent 2x2-inch photo.
Job Offer Letter: From the US employer detailing position and salary.
Educational Credentials: Degrees, transcripts, or professional certifications.
Proof of Ties to Home Country: Optional, as H-1B allows dual intent.

Costs

Visa Application Fee: $185 USD (non-refundable).
USCIS Petition Fee: $460–$2,805 USD (varies by employer size and petition type).
Premium Processing (Optional): $2,805 USD for expedited processing.
Additional Costs: Passport photos, travel to embassy, and legal fees (varies).

          Pro Tip: Work closely with your employer to ensure
          accurate I-129 petition filing for a smooth H-1B process.
        

M-1 Visa: Vocational Student Visa

Purpose and Eligibility

Why Needed: For vocational or non-academic programs, such as technical or trade training, excluding language programs.
Eligibility: Requires acceptance by an SEVP-certified vocational school, sufficient funds, and intent to return home.
Work Restrictions: Practical training allowed only after completing studies.

Application Requirements

Acceptance by SEVP School: Obtain Form I-20 from the institution.
SEVIS Fee: Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee of $350 USD.
DS-160 Form: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application.
Visa Interview: Attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
Financial Proof: Show evidence of funds for tuition and living costs.

Document Requirements

Valid Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
Form I-20: Issued by the SEVP-certified school.
DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed barcode from the online application.
Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the $185 USD visa fee.
Passport-Style Photograph: Recent 2x2-inch photo.
Vocational Records: Relevant certificates or prior training records.
Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor affidavits.
Proof of Ties to Home Country: Employment or family ties.

Costs

Visa Application Fee: $185 USD (non-refundable).
SEVIS I-901 Fee: $350 USD.
Additional Costs: Passport photos, travel to embassy, and document preparation (varies).

          Pro Tip: Confirm your vocational program’s SEVP
          certification before applying for an M-1 visa.
        

F-2 Visa: Dependent of F-1 Visa Holder

Purpose and Eligibility

Why Needed: For spouses or unmarried children (under 21) of F-1 visa holders to accompany them in the USA.
Eligibility: Must be a dependent of an F-1 visa holder; no work permitted, but part-time study allowed.

Application Requirements

F-1 Holder’s Status: Provide proof of the primary F-1 visa holder’s status.
DS-160 Form: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application.
Visa Interview: Attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
Financial Proof: Show funds to cover dependent’s expenses.

Document Requirements

Valid Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
Form I-20: Issued for dependents by the F-1 holder’s school.
DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed barcode from the online application.
Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the $185 USD visa fee.
Passport-Style Photograph: Recent 2x2-inch photo.
Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate or birth certificate for children.
F-1 Holder’s Documents: Copy of F-1 visa, I-20, and financial proof.
Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements or sponsor letters.

Costs

Visa Application Fee: $185 USD (non-refundable).
Additional Costs: Passport photos, travel to embassy, and document preparation (varies).

          Pro Tip: Ensure the F-1 holder’s I-20 includes
          dependents to streamline the F-2 visa process.
        

J-2 Visa: Dependent of J-1 Visa Holder

Purpose and Eligibility

Why Needed: For spouses or unmarried children (under 21) of J-1 visa holders to accompany them.
Eligibility: Must be a dependent of a J-1 visa holder; work permitted with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Application Requirements

J-1 Holder’s Status: Provide proof of the primary J-1 visa holder’s status.
DS-160 Form: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application.
Visa Interview: Attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
Financial Proof: Show funds to cover dependent’s expenses; J-2 income cannot support J-1 holder.

Document Requirements

Valid Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
Form DS-2019: Issued for dependents by the J-1 program sponsor.
DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed barcode from the online application.
Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the $185 USD visa fee.
Passport-Style Photograph: Recent 2x2-inch photo.
Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate or birth certificate for children.
J-1 Holder’s Documents: Copy of J-1 visa, DS-2019, and financial proof.
Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements or sponsor letters.

Costs

Visa Application Fee: $185 USD (non-refundable).
EAD Application (Optional): $410 USD for work authorization.
Additional Costs: Passport photos, travel to embassy, and document preparation (varies).

          Pro Tip: Verify DS-2019 details for dependents with
          the J-1 sponsor to ensure a smooth J-2 visa application.
        

Ad Space: Plan your family’s USA trip with J-2 visa support and travel services!

H-4 Visa: Dependent of H-1B Visa Holder

Purpose and Eligibility

Why Needed: For spouses or unmarried children (under 21) of H-1B visa holders to accompany them.
Eligibility: Must be a dependent of an H-1B visa holder; work permitted for spouses with approved EAD in certain cases.

Application Requirements

H-1B Holder’s Status: Provide proof of the primary H-1B visa holder’s status.
Form I-539: File for H-4 status with USCIS or apply for visa at embassy.
DS-160 Form: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application (if applying abroad).
Visa Interview: Attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate (if applying abroad).
Financial Proof: Show funds to cover dependent’s expenses.

Document Requirements

Valid Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
Form I-797: H-1B holder’s USCIS approval notice.
DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed barcode (if applying abroad).
Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the $185 USD visa fee (if abroad).
Passport-Style Photograph: Recent 2x2-inch photo.
Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate or birth certificate for children.
H-1B Holder’s Documents: Copy of H-1B visa, I-797, and job offer letter.
Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements or sponsor letters.

Costs

Visa Application Fee: $185 USD (non-refundable, if applying abroad).
Form I-539 Fee: $370 USD (if applying for status change in the USA).
EAD Application (Optional): $410 USD for work authorization.
Additional Costs: Passport photos, travel to embassy, and document preparation (varies).

          Pro Tip: Coordinate with the H-1B holder’s employer
          to ensure accurate I-797 documentation for the H-4 visa.
        

Ad Space: Get H-4 visa support and family travel planning for a seamless USA experience!

Plan Your USA Journey with Confidence

Comprehensive Visa Guidance: Choose the right visa type and prepare documents for a successful application.
Expert Support: Partner with professional visa services to navigate requirements and avoid delays.
Stress-Free Travel Planning: Apply early to ensure a smooth process for your 2025 USA adventure.

Ad Space: Plan your 2025 USA adventure with top-rated travel agencies and visa experts!