Guide to the Different US Embassy Visa Types

By Nita Nicole Upadhye

Table of Contents

Foreign nationals who want to travel to the US will in most circumstances need a valid US visa in order to travel to the border and ask to enter the country.

For short visits of 90 days or less for tourism or business, many nationals of the Visa Waiver countries can travel to the US without a visa if they qualify under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and hold valid ESTA approval (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). ESTA is not a visa. It is a separate pre-clearance system and some people from Visa Waiver countries will not qualify, for example because of past overstays, certain criminal or immigration history, or travel to named countries.

If you are not eligible to travel visa free, for example you have been refused ESTA or you are travelling to the US to work, study, join family or live there permanently, you will need to apply for the relevant US visa.

 

Section A: Types of US Visa

 

US visa types are split into two main categories: nonimmigrant visas and immigrant visas. A nonimmigrant visa is for a temporary stay in the US for a specific purpose, such as visiting, studying or working for a limited period. An immigrant visa is for those who intend to live in the US on a permanent basis and become lawful permanent residents, often referred to as green card holders.

You need to select the visa category that fits your reason for travel, the length of time you plan to stay and your longer term plans. Some categories are designed for a single short trip. Others form part of a route that can lead to permanent residence.

Many of the main US Embassy visa types, especially work and family based categories, involve two stages. First, a petition is usually filed with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), for example on Form I-129 for many temporary workers or Form I-130 for family based applicants. Only once that petition is approved can you move to the consular stage at a US Embassy or Consulate to apply for the visa itself. Other categories, such as most visitor visas, are applied for directly at the Embassy without a prior petition.

Some routes that people associate with moving to the US, such as asylum, are not visa types and are not applied for at a US Embassy. Likewise, travel under the VWP with ESTA is outside the visa system. The focus here is on the main US visa classifications that are processed through US Embassies and Consulates and that appear on the visa foil in your passport.

 

CategoryExample visa typesMain purpose
Visitor visasB-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, BCCShort term business trips, tourism, medical treatment
Student and exchange visasF-1, M-1, J-1Academic or vocational study, cultural and exchange programs
Temporary work and professional visasH-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L-1, O-1, P, Q-1, TN, E-3, CW-1, R-1Time limited employment in the US in specific roles or sectors
Treaty trader and investor visasE-1, E-2Running or working for a trading or investment business linked to a treaty country
Family based immigrant visasIR1, CR1, IR2, IR5, F1–F4Joining close US citizen or permanent resident family members to live in the US
Employment based immigrant visasEB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5Permanent residence based on work, skills or qualifying investment
Diversity immigrant visasDVRandom selection program for nationals of countries with low rates of US immigration
Humanitarian and victim related visasT, U, some EB-4 subcategoriesProtection and status for certain victims and special groups, often with law enforcement cooperation

 

 

Section B: Nonimmigrant Visa Types

 

Nonimmigrant visas are for temporary stays in the US for a defined purpose such as visiting, studying, certain types of work or training. They do not in themselves grant permanent residence, although time spent in some nonimmigrant categories can form part of a wider plan that later leads to a green card through a separate immigrant process.

 

B-1 Business Visa

 

This visa is used for travelling to the US on a temporary basis for the purpose of business. It can be used for business meetings, to attend a scientific convention or to meet with a prospective client. It is not intended for long term or permanent employment in the US and does not allow you to work in a US labour market role.

 

The B-1 visa may also be used for:

 

  • Taking part in an exhibition where the purpose is to attract new customers, make samples available and take orders that will be produced and delivered in your own country, not the US.
  • Working as a service engineer travelling to the US to install, service or make repairs to industrial or commercial machinery or equipment that has been sold by a company in your own country to a US buyer, where the accompanying contract states that the foreign company provides these services. No extra payment is taken in the US beyond what was agreed in the original contract of sale.
  • Travelling to the US to take up a speaking or lecturing engagement that lasts no longer than 9 days at one institution, where the institution is a governmental research organisation, institution of higher education, non-profit research organisation or a related non-profit entity. The speaking engagement has to benefit the institution and the speaker or lecturer cannot have accepted payment or expenses for similar engagements from more than 5 such institutions during the previous six months.
  • Visiting sites in the US that may be used for future business premises.
  • Participating in a business, scientific, professional or education conference, convention or seminar or presenting a paper at a conference, as long as any honorarium or expenses are paid only within the strict rules for short term academic activities and there is no broader employment with a US institution.
  • Engaging in independent research as long as there is no remuneration from a US source and the findings of the research will not primarily benefit the US institution.
  • Taking an elective clerkship at a US medical school’s hospital without payment from the hospital, where you are a medical student from a foreign medical school and the placement meets State Department criteria.
  • Taking part in a voluntary service program which benefits a US local community, where you are a member of and have a commitment to a recognised religious or non-profit charitable organisation.
  • Performing services on the Outer Continental Shelf in line with the narrow B-1 OCS rules.
  • Athletes, amateur or professional, travelling to the US to compete for prize money only, with no salary from a US source.
  • Certain domestic employees or nannies accompanying a qualifying foreign national employer or US citizen employer who usually lives abroad.

 

B-2 Tourism Visa

 

This visa is used to visit the US for tourism or to seek short term medical treatment. The B-2 visa would typically be the appropriate visa for:

 

  • A holiday to the US
  • A visit to friends or relatives who live in the US
  • Receiving medical treatment
  • Taking part in amateur events where no payment is received
  • Attending a short, recreational course of study that does not count towards a qualification

 

 

B-1/B-2 Combined Visa

 

When travelling on a US visa, you must keep to the activities that are allowed under that visa classification. If you apply for a B-1 visa, the purpose of your visit has to be business. If you apply for a B-2 visa, your activities have to fall within the visitor rules explained above.

Where your visit combines both business and tourism or medical treatment, you should apply for a B-1/B-2 combined visa. In practice many applicants are issued a combined B1/B2 even if they requested one category only, but this still does not give permission to work in a US job.

 

E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor Visas

 

The E-1 visa is suitable if you wish to carry out substantial trade in the US through a trading firm that has the nationality of your home treaty country, where more than half of the international trade involved is between the US and the treaty country and the business is at least 50% owned by treaty nationals.

The E-2 visa is used by entrepreneurs and business owners who wish to operate a business in the US, either through setting up a new enterprise or investing in an existing business, with a real at risk investment and an active, not marginal, trading business.

Applicants for an E-1 or E-2 visa have to be nationals of an E visa treaty country. E-1/E-2 cases normally involve an initial registration of the business followed by individual applications for owners and key staff.

 

Diplomat and Foreign Government Official Visa

 

Diplomats and other foreign government officials who wish to travel to the US to carry out duties or activities on behalf of their government use either an A-1 or A-2 visa.

These visas can also be used for immediate family members of diplomats and other foreign government officials, where they qualify as dependants.

The A-1 visa would be suitable for a head of state, government minister or certain senior representatives of foreign governments or the European Union, whereas the A-2 visa would typically be used by full time government employees, foreign military members stationed at a US base or staff of an eligible international delegation.

 

BCC Border Crossing Card: Mexico

 

This document acts both as a border crossing card and as a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Produced as a laminated card, the BCC is valid for travel until the expiry date on the card, generally 10 years from being issued.

It is only available to certain citizens and residents of Mexico who meet the eligibility requirements for a B-1/B-2 visitor and who can show strong ties to Mexico so that their stay in the US will be temporary and they will return to Mexico within the permitted timeframe and within the designated border zone rules.

 

C Transit Visa

 

The C transit visa is used by persons who wish to travel through the US en route to another country in continuous transit, within the usual and reasonable travel constraints, and who do not qualify for transit under the VWP.

 

CW-1 CNMI-Only Transitional Worker Visa

 

The CW-1 visa allows employers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to employ foreign, nonimmigrant workers who would otherwise be ineligible to work under other nonimmigrant worker categories.

Where the CW-1 visa relates to a CNMI-only transitional worker, the CW-2 visa is used for the dependant of such a worker. The programme is time limited and currently runs to the end of 2029, so employers and workers rely on periodic extensions by Congress for new grants of CW status.

 

D Crewmember Visa

 

The D visa is used by a person who works on commercial sea vessels or international airlines that travel to the US, where the individual will perform required duties during the course of the vessel or aircraft’s journey.

 

E-3 Australian Professional Specialty Visa

 

The E-3 visa is for Australian nationals only who wish to enter the US to work in a specialty occupation that requires specific body of knowledge and at least a US bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the occupation.

E-3 classification generally requires a job offer from a US employer in a qualifying role and a certified Labor Condition Application. It sits alongside H-1B as a common pathway for degree level professional roles but is reserved for Australians.

 

G Employees of International Organisations and NATO Visa

 

This group covers G-1 to G-4 and G-5 visas and the NATO-1 to NATO-6 visas.

The G visa is used for certain government representatives, diplomats and employees who will be working for recognised international organisations in the US and for their eligible dependants.

The NATO visas are used by officials and employees of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and qualifying NATO forces who will work for NATO in the US, including some foreign military personnel stationed in the US and their dependants.

 

I Members of the Foreign Media, Press and Radio Visa

 

The I visa is used by members of the foreign media, in whatever format, who will be visiting the US on a temporary basis for work in their field, whether that is informational, educational or general news gathering.

It is aimed at bona fide media organisations and press staff engaged in qualifying newsgathering or documentary work rather than advertising or purely commercial filming.

 

J Exchange Visitor Visa

 

The J visa is for persons who have been approved to take part in exchange visitor programs in the US.

This can include au pairs, camp counsellors, college or university students, certain trainees and interns, teachers, researchers and physicians, among other categories. Many J-1 classifications carry a two year home residence requirement, and dependants usually hold J-2 status.

 

K-1 Fiancé or Fiancée Nonimmigrant Visa

 

This visa allows the foreign citizen fiancé or fiancée of a US citizen to enter the US to marry that US citizen within 90 days of arrival. Once married, the foreign citizen may apply to adjust status to permanent resident from inside the US instead of leaving to apply for an immigrant visa.

 

K-3 Spouse Visa

 

Where your spouse is a US citizen, the K-3 visa is a nonimmigrant category that was created to shorten the time couples spend apart by allowing the foreign spouse to travel to the US while an immigrant spousal petition is processed.

In practice, K-3 visas are now rarely issued. Once the underlying I-130 spousal petition has been approved, US consulates usually process the immigrant visa case instead and administratively close the K-3, so most couples move straight to an IR1 or CR1 immigrant visa. A K-4 visa can be used in limited cases for eligible children of a K-3 applicant.

 

R Temporary Religious Worker Visa

 

The R-1 visa is suitable for a person who wishes to enter the US to work temporarily in a religious capacity for a qualifying religious organisation or affiliate, usually where they have been a member of the same denomination for at least two years. Dependants use the R-2 category.

 

Student Visa

 

This category covers F and M visas. To study in the US in most full time programmes you need a student visa and the type of visa depends on the nature of the school and the course.

The F-1 visa is used for:

 

  • University or college
  • High school
  • Private elementary school
  • Seminary
  • Conservatory
  • Other academic institutions, including language training programs

 

The M-1 visa is used for vocational or other recognised nonacademic courses at approved schools. Dependants of F-1 and M-1 students generally hold F-2 or M-2 status. F-1 students may in some cases qualify for limited on campus work and practical training, while M-1 employment options are more restricted.

 

T Victims of Human Trafficking Visa

 

The T visa can be granted to certain victims of severe forms of human trafficking who are in the US, are complying with reasonable law enforcement requests where required and would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the US.

It provides temporary legal status and work authorisation and can in some cases lead to permanent residence after a qualifying period, subject to the statutory requirements and annual caps.

 

Section C: Temporary Work Visas

 

This grouping covers H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L, O, P-1, P-2, P-3, Q-1 and related categories.

Temporary work visas are used by persons who wish to enter the US to carry out employment or training for a fixed, non permanent period of time for a specific employer or sponsor. Most of these categories require the US employer or sponsor to file a petition with USCIS and obtain approval before the individual applies for a visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.

This category covers:

 

  • H-1B – person in a specialty occupation
  • H-1B1 – professional under a free trade agreement, for example from Chile or Singapore
  • H-2A – temporary agricultural worker
  • H-2B – temporary nonagricultural worker
  • H-3 – trainee or special education visitor
  • L – intracompany transferee
  • O – person with extraordinary ability or achievement
  • P-1 – member of an entertainment group or an individual or team athlete
  • P-2 – artist or individual or group entertainer under a reciprocal exchange program
  • P-3 – artist or individual or group entertainer performing, teaching or coaching under a program that is cultural or traditional in nature
  • Q-1 – person taking part in an international cultural exchange program

 

 

TN Canadian and Mexican Professional Worker Visa

 

Under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), certain Canadian and Mexican professionals can use the TN classification to carry out prearranged business activities in the US for a US or foreign employer in specific listed occupations.

TN status is usually granted in three year increments and, while renewable, is treated as temporary. Spouses and children accompany or join the TN worker under TD status but are not given automatic permission to work.

 

U Victims of Criminal Activity Visa

 

The U visa can be granted to some victims of certain serious criminal activities that occurred in the US or violated US law, who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and who have been helpful, are being helpful or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement or prosecutors.

Like the T visa, U status provides temporary permission to stay and work in the US and can in some cases lead to a green card after a period in status, subject to annual caps and long backlogs.

 

V Nonimmigrant Visa for Spouse and Children of a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

 

The V visa was created by the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE Act) in 2000 to help reunite families who had been apart for long periods due to immigration backlogs. It allows some spouses and children of lawful permanent residents to stay in the US during the immigration process.

However, V classification only applies where the LPR filed Form I-130 on or before 21 December 2000 and other conditions are met. No new eligibility arises from petitions filed after that date, so for most families looking at current options it is a historical category rather than a practical route for new cases.

 

Section D: Immigrant Visa Types

 

Immigrant visas are for people who intend to live in the US on a permanent basis as lawful permanent residents. Most immigrant visa categories require a petition to be filed first with USCIS, usually by a US citizen or permanent resident family member or by a prospective employer. Once that petition is approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center and then to a US Embassy or Consulate for the final visa stage.

 

Family-Based Immigrant Visa – Immediate Relatives

 

IR1 Spouse of a US Citizen

If your spouse is a US citizen, an immediate relative petition may allow you to apply for an IR1 immigrant visa, which grants permanent residence on entry. If you have been married for less than two years at the time you are granted your immigrant visa, you will receive conditional permanent residence and a CR1 visa classification instead of IR1. This conditional status is reviewed after two years and you and your spouse usually file a joint petition during the 90 days before the second anniversary of your entry to remove the conditions.

 

IR2 Unmarried Child of a US Citizen

If you are the unmarried child of a US citizen and are under 21 years of age, you may be eligible for an IR2 visa. A CR2 visa is generally used instead of IR2 where the child is the unmarried child of a foreign spouse who is entering the US with a CR1 immigrant visa.

 

IR3, IH3, IR4, IH4 Intercountry Adoption of Orphan Children by US Citizens

These visa classifications apply to intercountry adoptions completed by US citizens, where a child is adopted abroad through a Hague Convention process or an orphan process depending on the country involved. IR3 or IH3 is typically used where the adoption is completed abroad, while IR4 or IH4 is used where the adoption will be completed in the US or where only guardianship or custody was granted abroad.

 

IR5 Parent of a US Citizen

Where your adult child is a US citizen and at least 21 years of age, you may be eligible for an IR5 visa to live permanently in the US. There is no quota backlog for immediate relatives, so IR5 cases are based on standard processing times rather than visa bulletin cut-off dates.

 

Family-Based Immigrant Visa – Family Preference

 

Family preference visas cover more distant family relationships and are subject to annual numerical limits. This creates waiting times that depend on your country of origin and the category involved. The main groups are:

 

  • First preference (F1): unmarried sons or daughters, aged 21 or older, of US citizens and their minor children
  • Second preference (F2): spouses of lawful permanent residents, unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents, and unmarried sons or daughters aged 21 or older of lawful permanent residents
  • Third preference (F3): married sons or daughters of US citizens and their spouses and minor children
  • Fourth preference (F4): siblings of adult US citizens and their spouses and minor children, where the US citizen is at least 21 years old

 

 

Employment-Based Immigrant Visa

 

Employment-based immigrant visas are organised into five preference categories, known as EB-1 through EB-5. Demand for these categories varies from year to year and visa availability is managed through the Department of State Visa Bulletin.

EB-1: Priority Workers

EB-1 is divided into three subcategories:

 

  • Individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics
  • Outstanding professors and researchers
  • Multinational managers and executives

 

EB-1 often proceeds more quickly than other employment categories and is frequently available without a labour certification.

 

EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability

This includes individuals with an advanced degree or its equivalent and persons with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts or business. Most EB-2 cases require an approved permanent labour certification, although National Interest Waiver (NIW) cases do not.

 

EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals and Other Workers

This covers jobs requiring at least two years of training or experience, roles requiring a bachelor’s degree and certain unskilled roles. EB-3 cases require an approved labour certification.

 

EB-4: Special Immigrants

EB-4 encompasses a wide range of special immigrant categories, including:

 

  • Broadcasters
  • Some ministers of religion and certain religious workers
  • Certain employees or former employees of the US government abroad
  • Some Iraqi and Afghan translators, interpreters and other qualifying employees
  • Certain international organisation employees and their eligible family members
  • Special Immigrant Juveniles
  • Some qualifying members of the US armed forces and certain other narrow categories

 

Some non-minister religious worker subcategories have been subject to sunset and reauthorisation in recent years, so up to date advice is recommended when assessing EB-4 options.

 

EB-5: Immigrant Investors

EB-5 applies to individuals who invest a qualifying amount in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least ten full time jobs for qualifying US workers. Regional center and direct investment routes are available, each with its own evidentiary requirements.

 

 

Diversity Immigrant Visa

 

Often known as the Green Card Lottery, the Diversity Visa Program allocates immigrant visas each year to randomly selected applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the US. Applicants must meet educational or work experience requirements and follow strict entry rules. Selection does not guarantee a visa, but it permits the applicant to proceed through the remaining eligibility checks.

 

Returning Resident Visa

 

A returning resident visa allows certain lawful permanent residents to reenter the US as residents after spending more than one year outside the country or after remaining abroad beyond the validity of a reentry permit. This is classified as SB-1.

To qualify, you need to show that you were a lawful permanent resident at the time of departure, that you intended to return to the US and that your extended absence resulted from reasons beyond your control. If SB-1 status is refused, a new immigrant petition is usually required before you can resume permanent residence.

 

Section E: Summary

 

The US immigration system is broad, structured and rule driven, and choosing the correct visa type is the foundation for any successful application. Each category carries its own eligibility tests, evidence requirements and restrictions, and even small errors in the early stages can cause delay, refusal or long term issues with future travel. The guide brings together the main temporary and permanent visa options in a single place so you can understand how the categories fit together and which ones align with your plans, whether you intend to visit, study, work or join family in the US. It also highlights the practical realities applicants face, including petition stages, consular processing and the limits of each visa category once in the US. With a clear view of the landscape, you can approach your application with more certainty and take informed steps to avoid future setbacks or compliance problems.

 

Section F: Need Assistance?

 

Whether you plan to visit the US temporarily or intend to live or work there on a permanent basis, choosing the correct visa route is fundamental. Each category has detailed rules, evidential requirements and procedural steps and errors in the early stages can lead to avoidable delay or refusal.

NNU Immigration is a team of US immigration attorneys based in the US and UK. We advise on all types of US visa applications and support applicants with category selection, petition strategy and interview preparation. Contact us for specialist guidance on your US visa options and to book a fixed-fee telephone consultation to discuss your circumstances with one of our attorneys.

 

Section G: FAQs

 

What are the different types of US visas?

The two main visa categories are immigrant visas, which allow permanent residence in the US, and nonimmigrant visas, which grant temporary permission to enter the US for specific purposes such as visiting, working, studying or joining an exchange program.

 

Who does not need a US visa to visit?

Some travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries can visit the US without a visa if they qualify under the VWP and hold valid ESTA approval. ESTA is a separate pre-clearance system and does not apply to everyone. Travellers who do not qualify under the VWP, or who are coming for purposes not covered by VWP, generally need a visa.

 

Is B-1 and B-1/B-2 visa the same?

B visas are for short term visitors. A B-1 visa covers temporary business activities and a B-2 visa covers tourism, leisure and medical treatment. Most applicants are issued a combined B-1/B-2 visa, which permits both business and tourism activities but does not allow employment in a US job.

 

Does having a US visa guarantee that I can enter the US?

No. A visa allows you to travel to a US port of entry and request admission. Customs and Border Protection decides whether to admit you and for how long. Even with a valid visa, you can be refused entry if you do not meet the requirements at the border.

 

How long can I stay in the US on a visa?

The visa in your passport shows the period during which you can travel to a US port of entry and the number of entries permitted. Your actual length of stay is decided by the officer when you arrive and is recorded on your I-94 record. You need to leave or extend or change status before that end date.

 

Do nonimmigrant visas lead to a green card?

Some nonimmigrant categories, such as H-1B, L-1, O-1 and certain family or fiancé routes, can form part of a longer term plan that leads to a green card through a separate immigrant process. Others, like B visitor visas and most J or M student categories, are strictly temporary and do not in themselves provide a direct route to permanent residence.

 

Can I change visa type after I arrive in the US?

In some cases, you can apply to change from one nonimmigrant category to another while you are in the US, as long as you meet strict eligibility and timing rules and your current status has not expired. In other situations you need to leave the US and apply for a new visa at a US Embassy or Consulate instead. It is important to take advice before making plans based on a change of status.

 

How long does it take to get a US visa?

Processing times vary by visa category and by consular post. Some visitor and student visas are decided in days or weeks, while many work and immigrant visas involve several stages with USCIS, the National Visa Center and the Embassy, which can take many months or longer. Local appointment availability and security checks also affect timing.

 

Can I work in the US on a visitor visa?

No. Visitor visas, including B-1, B-2 and B-1/B-2, do not allow you to take up employment in the US labour market or be paid by a US employer for work done in the US. Only specific work visa categories or certain student or exchange categories with work permission allow employment.

 

Section H: Glossary

 

 

 

TermMeaning
Nonimmigrant visaA visa for a temporary stay in the US for a specific purpose, such as visiting, studying or time limited work.
Immigrant visaA visa that allows the holder to enter the US to live there permanently as a lawful permanent resident.
Lawful permanent resident (LPR)A person who has been granted the right to live and work in the US on a permanent basis, often called a green card holder.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)A program that allows eligible nationals of certain countries to travel to the US for short visits without a visa, using ESTA approval.
ESTAElectronic System for Travel Authorization, an online pre-clearance required for VWP travel, not a visa.
USCISUS Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that decides most immigration petitions and some applications inside the US.
PetitionA formal request filed with USCIS, often by a US sponsor, asking for a worker or family member to be classified in a visa category.
Consular processingThe stage where a visa applicant attends an interview and security checks at a US Embassy or Consulate outside the US.
Form I-129The petition used by US employers and sponsors to request many types of temporary worker and professional classifications.
Form I-130The petition used by US citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members for immigrant status.
IR1 / CR1Immigrant visas for spouses of US citizens, with IR1 granting permanent residence and CR1 granting conditional residence where the marriage is under two years old.
EB-1 to EB-5The five main employment based immigrant visa preference categories, covering priority workers, professionals, special immigrants and investors.
TN statusA temporary professional classification for certain Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement.
I-94 recordThe arrival and departure record that shows a visitor or nonimmigrant’s class of admission and the date until which they are admitted.
SB-1 returning residentA visa classification for some lawful permanent residents who stayed outside the US longer than permitted but can show they intended to return.
Diversity Visa (DV)An immigrant visa available through an annual lottery program for nationals of countries with low rates of immigration to the US.
Principal applicantThe main person named on a petition or application, whose status often allows eligible family members to apply as dependants.

Author

Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.

Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.

This article does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only.

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