VISAS

B-1/B-2 Visa (Visitor for Business or Pleasure)
The B-1/B-2 Visa is for tourist or business travel to the US.  The visa applicant must be able to demonstrate his or her intention to enter the United States for a temporary period, for approved purposes.  The applicant must also provide evidence of financial ability to cover his or her travel expenses to and stay in the United States, and sufficiently strong social, economic, and other ties in the applicant's home country to compel the applicant's return after the temporary visit to the US.  [ LEARN MORE ]

E-1/2 Visa (Treaty Trader/Investor)
The E-1 Treaty Trader visa allows an individual to come to the US to further trade that is international in scope and directly related to a country 1) that has a trade treaty with the US; 2) of which the visa applicant is a citizen; and 3) of which at least half of the owners of he company are citizens.   The E-2 Treaty Investor visa permits a foreign national to come to the US for the purpose of furthering a substantial investment in a US enterprise made by individuals or businesses that are citizens of a treaty country.  [ LEARN MORE ]

F-1 Visa (Student)
The F-1 visa allows a student come to the US to attend an academic program as a full-time student.  generally, a prospective student is issued a Form I-20 by their sponsoring school, and then applies for an the F-1 visa at a US consulate abroad.  F-1 students are allowed to remain in the US for the time period required to finish their educational program, as determined by the school. [ LEARN MORE ]

H-1B Visa (Temporary Worker; Professional)
The most common temporary work visa is the H-1B, which is typically available to anyone who (a) has a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in a particular field and (b) will work in an occupation that requires at least a bachelor’s degree in that field, or a closely related field.  The H-1B visa is employer-specific -- it allows the beneficiary of the visa (the foreign national) to work only for the employer specified in the visa petition.  [ LEARN MORE ]

H-2B Visa (Temporary, Non-agricultural)
The H-2B nonimmigrant program permits employers to hire foreign workers to come to the US and perform temporary nonagricultural work, which must be one-time, seasonal, peak load or intermittent.  [ LEARN MORE ]

J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor)
The J-1 visa is available to persons participating in a recognized international exchange program.  The exchange visitor visa is meant to promote cultural and educational exchange between the US and other countries.  The J-1 visa may be available for Professors and Research Scholars, Short-term Scholars, Trainees, College or University Students, Teachers, Secondary School Students, Graduate Medical Students, International and Government Visitors, Camp Counselors, Summer Work/Travel Students and Au Pairs. [ LEARN MORE ]

L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transferee)
A foreign national who has worked for at least one in the last three years in one of the company’s overseas offices may be eligible for a L-1 Intracompany Transferee visa.  In order to qualify, the employee must work in the US as a manager, executive or specialized knowledge worker.  [ LEARN MORE ]

O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Aliens)
The O-1 visa classification is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics.  To qualify, an applicant must generally have extraordinary ability demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim.  O-1 applicants must present extensive documentation that demonstrates that they have received recognition of their extraordinary abilities and/or achievements from qualified, objective sources in their occupational field.  [ LEARN MORE ]

TN Visa Category (NAFTA Professional from Canada or Mexico)
Canadian and Mexican citizens are eligible for TN status as professional workers pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in certain job categories as long as the person has at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area.  [ LEARN MORE ]

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ILG has prepared this site as a public resource for informational purposes only, and not as advertising, solicitation or legal advice. It is intended, but not promised or guaranteed, to be correct, complete and up-to-date. Readers should not act upon this information without first seeking professional counsel. Remember that communications are not privileged until the client and lawyer have agreed upon legal representation.