This country is a popular destination for foreign immigrants, especially because of the wide-ranging job opportunities and educational facilities. But if you are planning to visit or live here, you would need to understand policies on visas and immigration and the documentation required for a visa. Further, the country offers different types of visas catering to different needs of foreign nationals, including tourism, treatment, temporary work, study, or business, among others.

A visa is a type of authorization that lets people travel or visit a country. The types of visas are categorized into two main classes—immigrant and non-immigrant visas. The division is based on the applicants’ purpose of visit and duration of stay.

Immigrant visa
This is also known as a Green Card, and it is meant for immigrants looking for permanent residency in the country or those who intend to work here. Usually, a family member can sponsor the visa. You may work and live in the country for as long as you like. The different kinds of immigrant visas are split into different categories. These are:

Family-based immigration: Those who have family members who are citizens or permanent residents can apply for this visa. However, the relative should be above 21 years of age and should either be a permanent resident or a citizen. Family-based immigrant visas can be of two types—immediate relative and family preference visas. The immediate relative category is based on a close relationship with a citizen, i.e., the family member should be a spouse, sibling, parent, or child. Family preference visas are meant for distant family relationships. A limited number of visas are issued in this category each year.  

Employment-based immigration: The visas issued under this category give the holder the authorization to move to the country for employment. The various kinds of visas issued here are EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-1C, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5. These are categorized based on skill, qualifications, and the kind of profession.

Diversity visa: The DV Program was established under immigration law, and foreign nationals can apply for a visa available in the annual green card lottery. It is a free lottery program that people from all countries can enter for a chance to apply for a Green Card, making it a great option for non-citizens to become permanent residents. The authorization is meant for “diversity immigrants,” or those who come from countries that have relatively lower immigration rates compared with other nations.

Non-immigrant visa
This category covers student, work, exchange visitor, tourist, and business visas. These types of visas are meant for people who visit the country for a shorter duration and a specific purpose, fulfilling which they are supposed to return to their country. The various types of non-immigrant visas are:

Student visa: This is an extensive authorization that covers entry for foreign nationals who are visiting to complete different kinds of education and are at varying stages of study. Before applying for a student visa, the applicant must be accepted in their preferred institute. The institute will provide some documentation that you would have to submit while applying. The types of visas are F-1 Visa, J-1 Visa, and M-1 Visa. The f-1 visa is issued to students looking to get admitted to or above grade nine. M-1 covers vocational training or study, whereas J-1 is the exchange visitor visa for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs.

Tourist visa: The primary purpose of this visa is tourism, business, and other such activities that will last a short period. You cannot apply for a visa in this category if the purpose of the visit is studies, paid performance, employment, work, work in media, and permanent residency, or if you are a crew member on a flight. 

Work visa: There are various types of work visas for people who want to live and work in the country; these include H-1B, E-1, E-2, I, L-1, L-1 blanket visa/registration, O-1, and TN visas. H-1B is meant for people employed in certain occupations like fashion models, fashion designers, graphic designers, engineering, law, architecture, and accounting. This means it is intended for highly qualified professionals and those who hold academic degrees. The application for work visas can be a time-consuming and complex process. 

You must study and understand aspects like documentation, processing fee, health examination, interview, and processing time when applying for visas and immigration. The application must be made through the national authorities like the embassy and consulates. You can also get advice and support from experts or professionals regarding the application process.