Planning a visit to the United States, or a temporary stay? Your first step is probably to apply for some sort of visa. Learn the basic categories of who qualifies for U.S. visas and how to apply.
Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Visas: Who Qualifies?
Overview of the types of temporary visas allowing entry to the U.S. for work, study, and other types of visits.
Who Can Visit the U.S. Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Citizens of certain countries enjoy easy travel access to the U.S. -- but limited rights once here.
How Same-Sex Partners Can Accompany Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Visa Holders to the U.S.
Use of the B-2 visa can allow partners to travel and stay in the U.S. together.
At the U.S. Border or Airport: What to Expect When Entering
Tips and cautions for your meeting with the powerful officials who screen visitors at the U.S. ports of entry.
Consequences of Unlawful Presence in the U.S.—Three– and Ten-Year Time Bars
Despite being technically eligible for a visa, your application may be blocked if you have a history of overstays or unlawful presence in the United States.
Inadmissibility: When the U.S. Can Keep You Out
A list of the security, criminal, health, financial, and other grounds upon which anyone can be denied a visa, green card, or other U.S. entry.
What's the Difference Between a Visa and a Green Card?
Understanding how visas are sometimes the equivalent of green cards, other times are merely entry documents that allow only a temporary stay, and so on.
Can a Recovering Drug Addict Get a U.S. Visa or Green Card?
One condition of inadmissibility that can prevent someone from applying for a visa or a green card is when that person is, or has been, a drug addict or abuser.
Don’t get into a situation where the visa you choose makes later applying for a U.S. green card difficult, because it allowed only "single intent."
What Is Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization?
To apply for an employment authorization document card or “EAD” before being legally able to work in the United States, you need to file Form I-765 with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”).
The Day of Your Consular Interview for a U.S. Visa
Security, travel, and other concerns when preparing for your nonimmigrant visa interview.
Application Process for a B-1 or B-2 Visitor Visa
Learn about the various steps to applying for a temporary visa, special procedures for particular visas and nationals of certain countries, and more.
How Long Will Your U.S. Visa Allow You to Stay?
Information on the maximum stay under various nonimmigrant visas, and whether extensions are available.
A J-1 Visa to the U.S.: Who Qualifies?
The J-1 exchange visitor visa is meant to promote educational and cultural exchanges between the U.S. and other countries around the world.
F-1 Student Visa to the U.S.: Do You Qualify?
Whether you want to study at, for example, a U.S. elementary, middle, or high school; a college or university; or a seminary, an F-1 student visa may allow you to do so.