Below is an overview of the main non-immigrant “study” and “work” visa categories for the United States, including eligibility, key requirements, and basic application steps.
1. Student (“Study”) Visas
F-1 Academic Student Visa
Purpose: Full-time academic studies at U.S. colleges, universities, high schools, language programs.
Key Requirements:
Form I-20 issued by a SEVP-certified school.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
Complete DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application.
Attend a U.S. Embassy/Consulate interview with passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, photo, proof of funds/intent to return.
Duration & Work:
Valid for the length of academic program plus optional practical training (“OPT”).
On-campus employment up to 20 hrs/week; off-campus only with authorization (CPT/OPT). Travel.gov
M-1 Vocational Student Visa
Purpose: Non-academic or vocational studies (e.g. technical courses).
Process: Similar to F-1, but no on-campus work and limited practical training. Travel.gov
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Purpose: Cultural and educational exchange programs (research scholars, short-term students, interns, au pairs).
Key Steps:
Sponsor issues Form DS-2019.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
Complete DS-160 and interview.
Work: Authorized if part of program; limited off-campus allowed with sponsor approval. Travel.gov
Visitor Visa B-1 for Short Courses
Purpose: Brief recreational/non-credit courses (e.g., summer camps).
Limit: No credit toward a degree; cannot work. Travel.gov
2. Work (“Employment”) Visas
H-1B: Specialty Occupations
Who: Professionals in fields requiring at least a bachelor’s degree (IT, engineering, finance, etc.).
Employer-Sponsored: U.S. employer files Form I-129 petition and a Labor Condition Application (LCA).
Cap & Timing: Annual cap (65,000 + 20,000 for U.S. master’s holders); lottery typically in April.
Validity: Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years. USCIS
L-1: Intracompany Transferee
Who: Executives, managers (L-1A) or specialized‐knowledge staff (L-1B) transferring within the same company.
Key: Must have worked for the foreign parent/affiliate for ≥ 1 year in the last 3 years.
Spouses/Children: L-2 dependents may apply for work authorization. USCIS
O-1: Extraordinary Ability
Who: Individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or extraordinary achievement in film/TV.
Evidence: Awards, publications, critical role, high salary, membership in associations, etc.
Petition: Employer or agent files Form I-129. USCIS
E-Series: Treaty Traders & Investors
E-1: Treaty traders engaging in substantial trade between U.S. and treaty country.
E-2: Treaty investors who have invested a substantial amount in a U.S. enterprise.
TN: North American Professionals (USMCA)
Who: Citizens of Canada or Mexico in specified professions (engineer, accountant, scientist, etc.).
Process: Canadian citizens apply at port-of-entry; Mexicans apply at U.S. consulate.
Other Temporary Categories
P: Athletes, artists, entertainers.
Q: International cultural exchange programs.
R: Religious workers.
G, I, B, etc., for other specialized purposes. USCIS
3. Transition & Practical Training for Students
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Must be integral to curriculum; approved by school.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Up to 12 months pre- or post-completion (STEM extensions of 24 months possible).
Change of Status
F-1/J-1 → H-1B or other work visa requires USCIS adjudication and employer petition.
4. Application Workflow & Tips
Select the correct visa category via the Visa Wizard if unsure: Travel.gov
Pay SEVIS fee (for F-1/M-1/J-1).
Complete DS-160 & gather documentation (passport, photos, acceptance/sponsorship forms, financial proofs).
Schedule and attend consular interview.
Petition-based visas require employer/sponsor to file Form I-129 (petition) before you apply for the visa stamp.
Plan ahead: Student visas can take several weeks; H-1B has strict annual deadlines.
Further Resources
USCIS “Working in the United States” (overview of nonimmigrant & immigrant work visas) USCIS
Travel.State.Gov Student Visa pages for step-by-step guidance Travel.gov