Visa policy of the United States#Nonimmigrant visas

The U.S. government requires all individuals entering or departing the United States by air, or entering the United States by sea from outside the Americas, to hold one of the following documents:[https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2023-Nov/Carrier%20Information%20Guide%20ENGLISH.pdf Carrier Information Guide], U.S. Customs and Border Protection, November 2023.

• U.S. passport
• Foreign passport; for entry, a U.S. visa is also required except for:
• Citizens of the freely associated states (Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau)[https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/complete-correct-form-i-9/federated-states-of-micronesia-republic-of-the-marshall-islands-and-palau Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Palau], U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, August 13, 2020.
• Nationals of certain neighboring jurisdictions (Canada and Bermuda generally; Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands under certain conditions; and Mexico under limited categories)
• Nationals of countries in the Visa Waiver Program (or of certain additional countries only for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands)
• U.S. permanent resident card (Form I-551) or temporary I-551 stamp
• U.S. travel document serving as a re-entry permit (Form I-327) or refugee travel document (Form I-571)
• U.S. advance parole authorization (Form I-512), temporary protected status document (Form I-512T), or employment authorization document (Form I-766) annotated "valid for re-entry to U.S." or "serves as I-512 advance parole"
• U.S. military or NATO identification with official travel order
• U.S. merchant mariner credential indicating U.S. citizenship
• NEXUS card indicating U.S. or Canadian citizenship (only to or from Canadian airports with preclearance)
• U.S. government-issued transportation letter or boarding foil (for entry only)
• Foreign emergency travel document or U.S. removal order (for departure only)

For entry by land or sea from the Americas, individuals must present one of the documents acceptable for entry by air or one of the following:

• U.S. passport card
• NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST or Global Entry card indicating U.S. or Canadian citizenship
• U.S. or Canadian enhanced driver's license
• Enhanced tribal card, Native American photo identification card, or Canadian Indian status card
• Border Crossing Card, only for entry from Mexico by land, pleasure vessel or ferry
• U.S. or Canadian birth certificate, U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad, U.S. naturalization certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate, only for children under age 16, or under age 19 in a supervised group[https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1280?language=en_US Children - Traveling into the U.S. as Canadian Citizen], U.S. Customs and Border Protection, September 27, 2019.
• Government-issued photo identification along with U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or naturalization certificate, only for travel by cruise ship returning to the same place of departure in the United States[https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&node=se22.1.53_12 8 CFR §53.2, Exceptions], Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.

Children born to a U.S. permanent resident mother during a temporary visit abroad do not need a passport or visa at the mother's first re-entry to the United States within two years after birth. Children born abroad to a parent with a U.S. immigrant visa after its issuance do not need a visa if holding a passport and a birth certificate.

While there are about 185 different types of U.S. visas,{{cite web |title=GRIST InDepth: Hiring noncitizens - an immigration law primer for US employers |work=Mercer |author-link=Mercer (consulting firm) |date=April 1, 2009 |first1=Neil |last1=Grossman |first2=Howard |last2=Golden |first3=Tracy |last3=Thurnell |format=PDF |url=http://us.select.mercer.com/article/20090080/print/ |access-date=February 1, 2011 |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714072832/http://us.select.mercer.com/article/20090080/print/ |url-status=dead}} there are two main categories:

• Nonimmigrant visa, for temporary stays such as for tourism, business, family visits, study, work or transit;
• Immigrant visa: for permanent residence in the United States. At the port of entry, upon endorsement with an I-551 admission stamp, the visa serves as evidence of permanent residence for one year, and the visa holder is processed for a green card. A child with an IR-3 or IH-3 visa automatically becomes a U.S. citizen upon admission and is processed for a certificate of citizenship (N-560).

A U.S. visa does not authorize entry into the United States or a stay in a particular status, but only serves as a preliminary permission to travel to the United States and to seek admission at a port of entry. The final admission to the United States is made at the port of entry by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. For those entering in a nonimmigrant visa status, the admission details are recorded by the CBP officer on a Form I-94 (or Form I-94W for nationals of the Visa Waiver Program countries for short visits), which serves as the official document authorizing the stay in the United States in a particular status and for a particular period of time.[http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/i-94_instructions/arrival_departure_record.xml FAQs on the Arrival-Departure Record (I-94 Form) & Crewman Landing Permit (I-95 Form).] {{webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306074154/http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/i-94_instructions/arrival_departure_record.xml | date=March 6, 2010}} U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Accessed May 1, 2008 In order to immigrate, one should either have an immigrant visa or have a dual intent visa, which is one that is compatible with making a concurrent application for nonimmigrant and immigrant status.

Entering the United States on an employment visa may be described as a three-step process in most cases. First, the employer files an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requesting a particular type of category visa for a specific individual. If the employer's application is approved, it only authorizes the individual to apply for a visa; the approved application is not actually a visa. The individual then applies for a visa and is usually interviewed at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the native country. If the embassy or consulate grants the visa, the individual is then allowed to travel to the United States. At the airport, border crossing or other point of entry, the individual speaks with an officer from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to request admission, and if approved, the individual may then enter the United States.

In addition to immigration sponsored by a U.S. family member or employer, about 55,000 immigrant visas are available each year to natives of certain countries under the Diversity Immigrant Visa program, also known as the green card lottery.

[[File:Visa policy of the USA.svg|thumb|800px|none|

Visa policy map of the United States

{{legend|#ED1C24|The United States and its territories}}

{{legend|#0082ca|Freely associated states (freedom of movement)}}

{{legend|#008000|Visa not required, ESTA not required (6 months)}}

{{legend|#22B14C|Visa Waiver Program - ESTA (90 days)}}

{{legend|#FFD000|Visa not required with a police certificate (6 months)}}

{{legend|#C0C0C0|Visa required to enter the United States}}

{{legend|#909090|Immigrant, visitor, student and exchange visa issuance suspended}}

{{legend|#606060|Visa issuance suspended (unless special circumstances)}}

{{legend|#000000|Admission refused}}

This map does not include visa waivers that apply only to certain U.S. territories.

]]

{{sidebar | outertitle=Date of visa exemption | contentstyle=text-align: left | content1=

{{timeline-start}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1986|10|21}} |event=Marshall Islands}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1986|11|03}} |event=Micronesia}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1994|10|01}} |event=Palau}}

{{timeline-end}}}}

• {{flag|Marshall Islands}}
• {{flag|Micronesia}}
• {{flag|Palau}}

Under Compacts of Free Association, citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau may enter, reside, study and work in the United States indefinitely without a visa. These benefits are granted to citizens from birth or independence, and to naturalized citizens who have resided in the respective country for at least five years, excluding those who acquired citizenship by investment.{{cite web |url=https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/status-of-citizens-of-the-freely-associated-states-of-the-federated-states-of-micronesia-and-the |title=Status of Citizens of the Freely Associated States of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands Fact Sheet |work=U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services |date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=May 12, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/status-of-citizens-of-the-republic-of-palau-fact-sheet |title=Status of Citizens of the Republic of Palau Fact Sheet |work=U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services |date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=May 12, 2025}}

{{sidebar | outertitle=Date of visa exemption | contentstyle=text-align: left | content1=

• No historical visa requirement: Canada"[https://www.sowi.hu-berlin.de/en/lehrbereiche-en/makro-en/forschung-en/projekte-en/list-of-countries-without-visa-requirements.pdf Table 1: USA: List of Countries for which the Visa Requirement has been lifted]". Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.}}

The United States grants visa-free entry to nationals of two neighboring jurisdictions under most circumstances:[https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-212/section-212.1 8 CFR 212.1 Documentary requirements for nonimmigrants], Code of Federal Regulations, January 21, 2021.

• {{flag|Canada}}{{snd}} Citizens of Canada do not need a visa to visit the United States under most circumstances.{{cite web |url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/citizens-of-canada-and-bermuda.html |title=Citizens of Canada and Bermuda |access-date=January 24, 2021 |publisher=U.S. Department of State |location=Washington, D.C.}} In addition, under the USMCA (and previously the NAFTA), they may obtain authorization to work under a simplified procedure.
• {{flag|Bermuda}}{{snd}} British Overseas Territories citizens of Bermuda do not need a visa to visit the United States under most circumstances for up to 180 days. They may also enter to study there without a visa.{{cite web |url=https://bm.usconsulate.gov/visas/visa-exemptions-bermudians/ |title=Visa Exemptions for Bermudians |publisher=U.S. Consulate General in Bermuda |access-date=November 12, 2016}} To qualify for the visa exemption, they must present a British passport with "Government of Bermuda" on the cover, with the nationality listed as "British Overseas Territories Citizen" or "British Dependent Territories Citizen", and containing an endorsement stamp of "Holder is registered as a Bermudian", "Holder possesses Bermudian status" or "Holder is deemed to possess Bermudian status".

The United States also grants visa-free entry to nationals of some other neighboring jurisdictions under certain conditions:

• {{flag|Bahamas}}{{snd}} Nationals of the Bahamas do not need a visa to the United States if they apply for admission at a U.S. preclearance facility located in the Bahamas. In addition to a Bahamian passport, applicants 14 years of age or older must present a police certificate issued by the Royal Bahamas Police Force in the previous six months indicating no criminal record.{{cite web |url=https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1250?language=en_US |title=Bahamian citizen document requirements |access-date=June 13, 2020}}
• {{flag|British Virgin Islands}}{{snd}} British Overseas Territories citizens of the British Virgin Islands may travel without a visa to the U.S. Virgin Islands with their British Virgin Islands passport. They may also continue travel to other parts of the United States if they present a Certificate of Good Conduct issued by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force indicating no criminal record.{{cite web |url=https://www.bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/bvi-usvi-visa-waiver-scheme |title=BVI & USVI Visa Waiver Scheme - Government of the Virgin Islands}}
• {{flag|Cayman Islands}}{{snd}} British Overseas Territories citizens of the Cayman Islands may travel without a visa to the United States. To qualify, they must receive a visa waiver from the Cayman Islands Passport and Corporate Services Office, for which they must present a Cayman Islands passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure from the United States, a fee of 25 Cayman Islands dollars, and a police clearance certificate for applicants age 13 or older.{{cite web |url=http://www.immigration.gov.ky/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/9628067.PDF |title=APPLICATION FORM FOR A UNITED STATES VISA WAIVER |website=immigration.gov.ky |access-date=April 21, 2019}} The visa waiver is valid for only one entry and for travel directly from the Cayman Islands to the United States.{{cite web |url=https://jm.usembassy.gov/visa-waiver-program-for-cayman-applicants/ |title=Visa Waiver Program for Cayman applicants |date=November 15, 2022 |publisher=U.S. Embassy in Jamaica |access-date=September 27, 2023}}
• {{flag|Turks and Caicos Islands}}{{snd}}British Overseas Territories citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands may travel to the United States without a visa for short stays for business or pleasure. To qualify, they must travel directly from the territory to the United States, present a Turks and Caicos Islands passport or another travel document stating that they are British Overseas Territory citizens with the right of abode in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and applicants 14 years of age or older must also present a police certificate issued by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in the previous six months indicating no criminal record.{{cite web |url=https://bs.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/118/2016/08/turks.pdf |title=TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS CITIZENS |access-date=July 12, 2016}}

Visa-free entry is also granted to limited categories of nationals of another neighboring country:

• {{flag|Mexico}}{{snd}} Some nationals of Mexico do not need a visa to travel to the United States: government officials not permanently assigned to the United States and their accompanying family members, holding diplomatic or official passports, for stays of up to 6 months; members of the Kickapoo tribes of Texas or Oklahoma, holding Form I-872, American Indian Card; and crew members of Mexican airlines operating in the United States. Other nationals of Mexico may travel to the United States with a Border Crossing Card, which functions as a visa and has similar requirements.{{cite web |url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/border-crossing-card.html |title=Border Crossing Card |publisher=U.S. Department of State |location=Washington, D.C.}} Under the USMCA (and earlier NAFTA), they may also obtain authorization to work under a simplified procedure.

{{sidebar | outertitle=Date of visa exemption | contentstyle=text-align: left | width=25em | content1=

{{timeline-start}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1988|7|1}} |event=United Kingdom[https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1997-09-30/html/97-25982.htm Adding Slovenia to the List of Countries Authorized To Participate in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program and Designating Ireland as a Permanent Participating Country (Formerly With Probationary Status)], Federal Register, September 30, 1997.}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1988|12|15}} |event=Japan}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1989|07|01}} |event=France, Switzerland}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1989|07|15}} |event=(West) Germany, Sweden}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1989|07|29}} |event=Italy, Netherlands}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1991|10|01}} |event=Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Spain}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1993|07|29}} |event=Brunei}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1995|04|01}} |event=Ireland[https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1995-03-28/html/95-7450.htm Visa Waiver Pilot Program; Ireland], Federal Register, March 28, 1995.}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1996|07|08}} |event=Argentina}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1997|07|29}} |event=Australia}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1997|09|30}} |event=Slovenia}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1999|08|09}} |event=Portugal, Singapore, Uruguay[https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1999-08-03/html/99-19836.htm Adding Portugal, Singapore and Uruguay to the List of Countries Authorized To Participate in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program], Federal Register, August 3, 1999.}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2002|02|21}} |event=removed Argentina[https://www.federalregister.gov/a/02-4260 Termination of the Designation of Argentina as a Participant Under the Visa Waiver Program], Federal Register, February 21, 2002.}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2003|04|15}} |event=removed Uruguay[https://www.federalregister.gov/a/03-5244 Attorney General's Evaluations of the Designations of Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and Uruguay as Participants Under the Visa Waiver Program], March 7, 2003.}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2008|11|17}} |event=Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, South Korea[https://www.federalregister.gov/a/E8-27062 Additional Countries Designated for the Visa Waiver Program], Federal Register, November 17, 2008.}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2008|12|30}} |event=Malta[https://www.federalregister.gov/a/E8-30818 Designation of Malta for the Visa Waiver Program], Federal Register, December 30, 2008.}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2010|04|05}} |event=Greece[https://www.federalregister.gov/a/2010-7211 Designation of Greece for the Visa Waiver Program], Federal Register, March 31, 2010.}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2012|11|01}} |event=Taiwan[https://www.federalregister.gov/a/2012-25986 Designation of Taiwan for the Visa Waiver Program], Federal Register, October 22, 2012.}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2014|03|31}} |event=Chile[https://www.federalregister.gov/a/2014-07254 Designation of Chile for the Visa Waiver Program], Federal Register, March 31, 2014.}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2019|11|11}} |event=Poland[https://www.federalregister.gov/a/2019-24328 Designation of Poland for the Visa Waiver Program], Federal Register, November 11, 2019.}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2021|10|23}} |event=Croatia{{cite web |url=https://hr.usembassy.gov/faq-croatias-inclusion-in-the-visa-waiver-program/ |title=FAQ: Croatia's Inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program |date=October 22, 2021 |publisher=U.S. Embassy in Croatia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160650/https://hr.usembassy.gov/faq-croatias-inclusion-in-the-visa-waiver-program/ |archive-date=October 25, 2021}}}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2023|10|19}} |event=Israel{{cite web |url=https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/10/19/dhs-announces-start-applications-visa-free-travel-us-eligible-israeli-citizens-and |title=DHS Announces Start of Applications for Visa-Free Travel to U.S. for Eligible Israeli Citizens and Nationals |publisher=U.S. Department of Homeland Security |date=October 19, 2023}}}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2024|11|21}} |event=Qatar{{cite web |url=https://www.cbp.gov/document/bulletins/designation-qatar-visa-waiver-program |title=Designation of Qatar into the Visa Waiver Program |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |access-date=November 22, 2024}}}}

{{timeline-end}}}}

{{main|Visa Waiver Program}}

As of 2025, 42 countries{{efn|According to the Taiwan Relations Act, U.S. laws treat Taiwan as a country despite the absence of diplomatic recognition.[https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html Visa Waiver Program], U.S. Department of State.{{USC|22|3303}} – Application to Taiwan of laws and international agreements}} have been selected by the U.S. government for inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).{{cite web |url=https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program |title=U.S. Visa Waiver Program |publisher=U.S. Department of Homeland Security}} Their nationals do not need a U.S. visa for short stays, but they are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to arrival.{{cite press release |url=https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-expands-esta-requirements-visa-waiver-program-travelers?language_content_entity=en |title=CBP Expands ESTA Requirements for Visa Waiver Program Travelers |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |date=April 7, 2022 |location=Washington, D.C.}} Visitors may stay for up to 90 days in the United States, which also includes time spent in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the islands in the Caribbean if the arrival was through the United States.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is not considered a visa,{{cite web |date=2023-08-04 |title=Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) {{!}} U.S. Customs and Border Protection |url=https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/frequently-asked-questions-about-visa-waiver-program-vwp-and-electronic-system-travel |access-date=2023-09-09 |website=www.cbp.gov |language=en}} but a prerequisite to traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA has an application fee of 4 USD, and if approved, an additional fee of 17 USD is charged, for a total of 21 USD. Once obtained, the authorization is valid for up to two years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first, and is valid for multiple entries into the United States.{{efn|name=bn}}{{efn|name=hu}} Passengers are advised to apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before departure.[https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1073?language=en_US Apply or change information in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)], U.S. Customs and Border Protection, September 13, 2021.{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |website=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection}}

Travel by air or sea with ESTA must be made on a participating commercial carrier. The VWP does not apply at all if arriving by air or sea on an unapproved carrier (e.g. a private ship or plane), in which case a standard visa is required. ESTA is also required for entry by land.{{cite press release |url=https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-expands-esta-requirements-visa-waiver-program-travelers |title=CBP Expands ESTA Requirements for Visa Waiver Program Travelers |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |location=Washington, D.C. |date=April 7, 2022}}

As of 2024, those who have previously been in Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, or who are dual nationals of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan or Syria, are not eligible to travel under the VWP and must obtain a standard visa. However, those who traveled to such countries for diplomatic, military, humanitarian, reporting or legitimate business purposes may have this ineligibility waived.{{cite press release |url=https://www.dhs.gov/news/2016/01/21/united-states-begins-implementation-changes-visa-waiver-program |title=United States Begins Implementation of Changes to the Visa Waiver Program |publisher=U.S. Department of Homeland Security |location=Washington, D.C. |date=January 21, 2016}}

{{clear}}

Although the visa policy of the United States also applies to the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, both territories have an additional visa waiver program for certain nationalities. The Guam–CNMI Visa Waiver Program, first enacted in October 1988 and periodically amended, permits nationals of 12 countries to visit Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands for up to 45 days, and nationals of China to visit the Northern Mariana Islands for up to 14 days, for tourism or business, without the need to obtain a U.S. visa.

{{sidebar | outertitle=Changes to visa waiver program of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands | width=100% | float=left | style=margin-top: 20px | contentstyle=text-align: left | content1=

{{timeline-start}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1988|10|01}} |event=Visa waiver program of Guam created for nationals of Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, United Kingdom (British citizens, British Dependent Territories citizens of Hong Kong, British Nationals (Overseas)), Vanuatu}}[https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1994/07/13/94-16965/guam-visa-waiver-program-taiwan Guam Visa Waiver Program; Taiwan], Federal Register, July 13, 1994.[https://www.federalregister.gov/a/2011-6555 Clarification of Countries and Geographic Areas Eligible for Participation in the Guam-Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Visa Waiver Program], Federal Register, March 23, 2011.
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1993|07|15}} |event=For Guam, visa waiver added for nationals of Taiwan with national identification card on nonstop flights from Taiwan}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1994|07|13}} |event=For Guam, visa waiver added for nationals of Taiwan with national identification card on flights from Taiwan with stop in another U.S. territory}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2001|01|10}} |event=For Guam, visa waiver removed for nationals of Myanmar}}[https://www.federalregister.gov/a/01-55 Removing Burma From the Guam Visa Waiver Program], Federal Register, January 3, 2001.
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2009|11|28}} |event=Visa waiver program of Guam extended to the Northern Mariana Islands; visa waiver removed for nationals of Indonesia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and added for holders of Hong Kong SAR passport with Hong Kong identity card;[https://www.federalregister.gov/a/E9-942 Establishing U.S. Ports of Entry in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Implementing the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program], Federal Register, January 16, 2009.[https://www.federalregister.gov/a/E9-12345 Establishing U.S. Ports of Entry in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Implementing the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program; Change of Implementation Date], Federal Register, May 28, 2009. for the Northern Mariana Islands only, visa waiver also added under parole policy for nationals of China and Russia[https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/russian-citizens-now-eligible-travel-guam-visa-free Russian Citizens Now Eligible to Travel to Guam Visa-Free], U.S. Customs and Border Protection, January 26, 2012.}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2011|05|23}} |event=Hong Kong identity card required for visa waiver for holders of British National (Overseas) passport}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2012|01|15}} |event=Visa waiver under parole policy for nationals of Russia extended to Guam}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2019|10|03}} |event=Visa waiver under parole policy removed for nationals of Russia;[https://www.federalregister.gov/a/2019-18841 Rescission of Discretionary Parole Policies Relating to Nationals of the Russian Federation Seeking Entry Into Guam and/or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for a Temporary Visit for Business or Pleasure], Federal Register, September 3, 2019. for the Northern Mariana Islands only, period of stay with visa waiver under parole policy for nationals of China reduced from 45 to 14 days"[https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2019-Nov/20191002%20PRC%20CNMI%20Parole%20Program.pdf CBP Publication Number 0966-1019: Limit of Parole of Nationals of the People's Republic of China into the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands]". U.S. Customs and Border Protection. October 2, 2019.}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2020|07|14}} |event=Visa waiver removed for holders of Hong Kong SAR and British National (Overseas) passports}}{{cite web |url=https://www.kanditnews.com/post/trump-ends-hong-kong-tourism-to-guam-cnmi-msn-saves-the-rest-from-cuts-casino-may-be-affected |title=Trump ends Hong Kong tourism to Guam & CNMI; MSN saves the rest from cuts; casino may be affected |publisher=Kandit News Group |date=July 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805072315/https://kanditnews.com/post/trump-ends-hong-kong-tourism-to-guam-cnmi-msn-saves-the-rest-from-cuts-casino-may-be-affected |archive-date=August 5, 2021}}[https://www.mobilework.law/2020/07/president-trump-issues-executive-order-on-us-hong-kong-relations/ President Trump Issues Executive Order on US-Hong Kong Relations], Mayer Brown, July 27, 2020.
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2021|07|09}} |event=Visa waiver restored for holders of Hong Kong SAR and British National (Overseas) passports}}[https://governor.gov.mp/news/press-releases/biden-administration-approves-governor-torres-request-to-re-include-hong-kong-on-cnmi-visa-waiver-program/ Biden administration approves Governor Torres' request to re-include Hong Kong on CNMI visa waiver program], Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands, July 9, 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2024-00645 |title=Guam-Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Visa Waiver Program Automation and Electronic Travel Authorization; Creation of CNMI Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP) |publisher=Federal Register |date=January 18, 2024}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2024|11|29}} |event=Electronic authorization required before travel under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2025|02|20}} |event=Visa waiver for nationals of China, for the Northern Mariana Islands only, implemented as a sub-program of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program rather than a parole policy, requiring the same electronic authorization}}{{cite web |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2024-31326 |title=Implementation of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP) |publisher=Federal Register |date=January 6, 2025}}

{{timeline-end}}

}}

Travelers with a visa or ESTA are admitted to the territories in accordance with the terms of the visa or ESTA.

Travelers using the Guam–CNMI Visa Waiver Program are required to obtain a Guam–CNMI Electronic Travel Authorization (G-CNMI ETA), similar to ESTA. This authorization is valid for up to two years (one year for nationals of China), or until the traveler's passport expires (six months before the passport expires, for nationals of Brunei, China and Nauru), whichever comes first, and it is valid for multiple entries during this period. This authorization does not require a fee.{{cite web |url=https://g-cnmi-eta.cbp.dhs.gov |title=Guam-Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Electronic Travel Authorization (G-CNMI ETA) |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection}}

Travelers using this program must also hold a machine-readable passport and nonrefundable return ticket, and are not permitted to travel to other parts of the United States. Because of work visas and waivers specific to the Northern Mariana Islands, traveling between Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands still requires a full immigration inspection, and all visitors departing Guam or Northern Mariana Islands are inspected regardless of final destination.{{cite web |url=https://www.dhs.gov/guam-cnmi-visa-waiver-program |title=Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program |date=July 6, 2009 |website=Department of Homeland Security |language=en |access-date=March 26, 2019}}

File:American Samoa Entry Stamp.tif

U.S. visa policy does not apply to the territory of American Samoa, as it has its own entry requirements and maintains control of its own borders. Hence, neither a U.S. visa nor an ESTA can be used to enter American Samoa. If required, an entry permit or an electronic authorization called "OK Board" must be obtained from the Department of Legal Affairs of American Samoa.[https://www.legalaffairs.as.gov/copy-of-immigration-office-1 Immigration Office], Department of Legal Affairs of American Samoa.

To travel to American Samoa, U.S. nationals must present a valid U.S. passport, a valid American Samoan certificate of identity, or a certified birth certificate in combination with a valid identification card.[https://www.legalaffairs.as.gov/copy-of-ok-boards OK Boards], Department of Legal Affairs of American Samoa. Alternatively, they may apply online for an electronic authorization providing a copy of their birth certificate or expired travel document, a copy of their identification card, itinerary, and a fee of 50 USD for verification of vital records.[https://www.legalaffairs.as.gov/copy-of-ok-board-us-cit-nat-1 OK Board – U.S. Citizen or U.S. National], Department of Legal Affairs of American Samoa.

In addition to their identification document or electronic authorization, U.S. nationals must also show proof of residence or employment in American Samoa or a ticket for future departure from the territory.[https://asbar.org/code-annotated/41-0502-entry-requirements/ 41.0502 Entry requirements], Code Annotated, American Samoa Bar Association. However, after entering American Samoa, U.S. nationals may reside there indefinitely and cannot be deported.[https://asbar.org/immigration-d39/ Immigration], American Samoa Bar Association.

Nationals of countries in the American Samoa Entry Permit Waiver Program may visit the territory for up to 30 days without an entry permit. However, if arriving by air, they must apply online for an electronic authorization called "OK Board", at least 3 business days before travel, providing a copy of their passport valid for at least 6 months after their planned departure from the territory, a ticket for such departure, proof of accommodation, and a fee of 40 USD.[https://www.legalaffairs.as.gov/copy-of-entry-permit-waiver-program Entry Permit Waiver Program], Department of Legal Affairs of American Samoa.

Nationals of Samoa may also apply for a similar electronic authorization to visit American Samoa for up to 10 days, for a fee of 10 USD. Up to 400 such authorizations are granted per month.[https://www.legalaffairs.as.gov/permit-waiver-10 Entry Permit Waiver Program (PW10)], Department of Legal Affairs of American Samoa.

{{clear}}

{{sidebar | outertitle=Changes to entry permit waivers for American Samoa | width=100% | float=left | style=margin-top: 20px | contentstyle=text-align: left | content1=

{{timeline-start}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2007|03|28}} |event=Added or retained Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom}}{{cite web |url=https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/migrated/oia/islands/upload/AS-Travel-Requirements-Exceptions.pdf |title=American Samoa entry permit waiver countries |publisher=Office of the Attorney General of American Samoa |date=March 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508200733/https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/migrated/oia/islands/upload/AS-Travel-Requirements-Exceptions.pdf |archive-date=May 8, 2020}}
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2017|09|18}} |event=Added Chile, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia, South Korea, Taiwan; removed Ireland, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau}}[https://www.talanei.com/2017/09/20/rules-for-as-entry-permit-waiver-program/ Rules for AS Entry Permit Waiver Program], Talanei, September 20, 2017.
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2019|10}} |event=Added Ireland, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau}}[https://corporatetravelcommunity.com/american-samoa-lists-five-new-entry-permit-waiver-list-nations/ American Samoa lists five new Entry Permit Waiver List nations], Corporate Travel Community, October 14, 2019.
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2023|10|19}} |event=Added Croatia, Poland; added Samoa for stays of up to 7 days, up to 400 authorizations per month}}[https://www.legalaffairs.as.gov/post/immigration-rules-entry-permit-waiver-program Immigration rules, Entry Permit Waiver Program], Department of Legal Affairs of American Samoa.
• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2024|08|12}} |event=Period of stay with entry permit waiver for nationals of Samoa increased from 7 to 10 days}}{{cite web |url=https://www.talanei.com/2024/08/16/entry-permit-waiver-for-citizens-of-samoa-extended-to-10-days/ |title=Entry permit waiver for citizens of Samoa extended to 10 days |publisher=Talanei |date=August 16, 2024}}

{{timeline-end}}}}

Other visitors need an entry permit. To apply, they must have a local sponsor, who must appear in person at the Immigration Office of the Department of Legal Affairs. The application must be signed by the sponsor's saʻo (head chief), unless the sponsor provides a deed of private land, and by the sponsor's pulenuʻu (village mayor). Applicants must also provide a copy of their passport or identity document valid for at least 6 months after their planned departure from the territory, a ticket for such departure, clearances from the District Court of American Samoa and Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center, police and medical clearances from the country of origin (medical clearance not required for nationals of Samoa), and a fee of 40 USD (no fee if under age 5). The application for an entry permit must be made at least 3 business days before travel, and the permit is valid for a stay of up to 30 days, but an extension may be requested for a fee of 50 USD.[https://www.legalaffairs.as.gov/30-day-permit-info 30-day permit], Department of Legal Affairs of American Samoa.

Business travelers may apply for a multiple-entry permit, for a fee of 50 USD per month, up to one year.[https://www.legalaffairs.as.gov/copy-of-7-day-permit Multiple-entry permit], Department of Legal Affairs of American Samoa. Nationals of Samoa traveling on business may also apply for an entry permit for a stay of up to 14 days, for a fee of 10 USD.[https://www.legalaffairs.as.gov/14-day-permit-info 14-day business travel pass], Department of Legal Affairs of American Samoa.

Transit travelers of any nationality may apply for an electronic authorization free of charge, allowing a stay of up to 24 hours.[https://www.legalaffairs.as.gov/copy-of-ok-board-transit-1 OK Board – In-transit], Department of Legal Affairs of American Samoa.

Residents of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug in Russia who are members of the indigenous population do not need a visa to visit Alaska if they have relatives (blood relatives, members of the same tribe, native people who have similar language and cultural heritage) in Alaska. Entry points are in Gambell and Nome. Individuals must be invited by a relative in Alaska, must notify local authorities at least ten days before traveling to Alaska, and must leave Alaska within 90 days.

The agreement establishing this policy was signed by Russia (then the Soviet Union) and the United States on September 23, 1989. The United States made it effective as of July 17, 2015.{{cite web |title=Bering Strait Visa-Free Travel Program |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/p/eur/ci/rs/bering/index.htm |access-date=2020-10-07 |website=2009-2017.state.gov}}{{cite news |title=Russia's Chukotka and America's Alaska are an era apart |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/international/2019/10/17/russias-chukotka-and-americas-alaska-are-an-era-apart |access-date=2020-10-07 |issn=0013-0613}}

Members of certain indigenous peoples born in Canada may enter and remain in the United States indefinitely "for the purpose of employment, study, retirement, investing, and/or immigration" or any other reason by virtue of the Jay Treaty of 1794, as codified in Section 289 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act.Boos, Greg; McLawsen, Greg (October 1, 2013). "[https://poseidon01.ssrn.com/delivery.php?ID=660029082067072117113106069118082113007059056088020045126118018097091091104092119005013117053102018063007118114007028121072017112038078013065113012121088115114088068088040053112103117107127080127100125090000082028010028086023068084104073086005002112101&EXT=pdf American Indians Born in Canada and the Right of Free Access to the United States]". Bender's Immigration Bulletin. 18 (18). via Social Science Research Network.

In order to qualify, an individual must possess "at least 50 per centum blood of the American Indian Race"."[https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1359 8 U.S. Code § 1359 - Application to American Indians born in Canada]". via Legal Information Institute, Cornell University Law School. Tribal membership alone does not qualify an individual. The individual bears the burden of proof in establishing eligibility, typically by way of presenting identification based on reliable tribal records, birth certificates, and other documents establishing the percentage of indigenous ancestry.{{cite web |url=https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-7-part-o-chapter-5 |title=American Indians Born in Canada |work=USCIS Policy Manual |date=May 11, 2021 |at=Volume 7, part O, chapter 5 |publisher=United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}} A Canadian Certificate of Indian Status is insufficient proof because it does not indicate the percentage of indigenous ancestry.

This provision does not extend to family members unless they qualify in their own right."[https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/8/292.1 8 CFR 292.1 - Representation of others]". via Legal Information Institute, Cornell University Law School. However, qualifying American Indians residing in the United States are considered to be lawfully admitted for U.S. permanent residence and therefore may file a petition for their spouse and dependent children, subject to statutory numerical limitations and a potential backlog of applications."[https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/american-indian-born-in-canada Green Card for an American Indian Born in Canada]". United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. United States Department of Homeland Security. February 28, 2011."[https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Bulletins/visabulletin_January2018.pdf Visa Bulletin]". Volume X. Number 13. Bureau of Consular Affairs. United States Department of State. January 2018.

The United States has suspended the issuance of certain types of visas for certain people from certain countries as sanctions for their lack of cooperation in accepting the return of their nationals deported from the United States.[https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11025 Immigration: "Recalcitrant" Countries and the Use of Visa Sanctions to Encourage Cooperation with Alien Removals], Congressional Research Service, July 10, 2020.[https://www.ice.gov/remove/visa-sanctions Visa sanctions against multiple countries pursuant to section 243(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act], U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, August 17, 2022. As of 2025, these sanctions apply to visitor (B) visas of certain officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia and their family members,[https://www.ustraveldocs.com/kh/en/nonimmigrant-visa U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants], CGI Federal. and to all visas of all nationals of South Sudan.{{cite web |url=https://www.state.gov/defending-americas-security-through-visa-and-travel-restrictions-on-south-sudan/ |title=Defending America's Security through Visa and Travel Restrictions on South Sudan |publisher=United States Department of State |date=April 5, 2025}}

The United States has also prohibited visas for certain people as sanctions for many other reasons, such as government officials allegedly violating human rights or undermining democracy.{{cite web |url=https://www.justsecurity.org/91468/shaming-without-naming-the-limits-of-anonymous-u-s-visa-sanctions-for-accountability/ |title=Shaming without Naming: The Limits of Anonymous U.S. Visa Sanctions for Accountability |publisher=Just Security |date=January 25, 2024}}

On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation suspending the issuance of visas for nationals of several countries, effective June 9, 2025, due to insufficient sharing of information for their security screening.{{cite web |url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/restricting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and-other-national-security-and-public-safety-threats/ |title=Restricting The Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats |publisher=White House |date=June 4, 2025}}

With limited exceptions, the proclamation suspends the issuance of new visas for nationals of the following countries:

With limited exceptions, the proclamation suspends the issuance of new immigrant, visitor (B), student (F, M) and exchange (J) visas for nationals of the following countries:

Exceptions include people already in the United States or holding valid U.S. visas on the effective date of the proclamation; U.S. permanent residents; dual nationals of a country not included in the proclamation; non-immigrant visas for government officials and their family members (A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G, NATO); athletes, their supporting staff and family members traveling for major sporting events; immigrant visas for spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens; special immigrant visas for Afghans who worked for the U.S. government; immigrant visas for persecuted minorities in Iran; witnesses in criminal proceedings; and national interest cases.

Visits to the United States Minor Outlying Islands{{snd}}Baker Island,[https://www.fws.gov/refuge/baker-island/visit-us Baker Island National Wildlife Refuge], U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Howland Island,[https://www.fws.gov/refuge/howland-island/visit-us Howland Island National Wildlife Refuge], U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Jarvis Island,[https://www.fws.gov/refuge/jarvis-island/visit-us Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge], U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Johnston Atoll,[https://www.fws.gov/refuge/johnston-atoll/visit-us Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge], U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Kingman Reef,[https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kingman-reef/visit-us Kingman Reef National Wildlife Refuge], U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Midway Atoll,[https://www.fws.gov/refuge/midway-atoll/visit-us Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge], U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Navassa Island,[https://www.fws.gov/refuge/navassa-island/visit-us Navassa Island National Wildlife Refuge], U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Palmyra Atoll[https://www.fws.gov/refuge/palmyra-atoll/visit-us Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge], U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. and Wake Island[https://www.fws.gov/refuge/wake-atoll/visit-us Wake Atoll National Wildlife Refuge], U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.{{snd}}are severely restricted. The islands are not accessible to the general public, and all visits require special permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or from The Nature Conservancy for Palmyra Atoll, or from the U.S. Air Force for Johnston Atoll and Wake Island.[https://www.15wing.af.mil/UNITS/11th-AF-Det-1-Wake-Island/ Wake Island], 15th Wing of the U.S. Air Force.

Image:Visas Mantis.png check]]

Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The presumption in the law is that every nonimmigrant visa applicant (except certain employment-related applicants, who are exempt) is an intending immigrant unless otherwise proven. Therefore, applicants for most nonimmigrant visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:

• The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for a specific, intended purpose;
• They plan to remain for a specific, limited period; and
• They have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will ensure their return at the end of their stay.

All visit, business, transit, student, and exchange visitor visa applicants must pay an application fee of 185 USD[https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html Fees for Visa Services], United States Department of State. to the consular section at a U.S. embassy or consulate in order to be interviewed by a consular officer who will determine if the applicant is qualified to receive a visa to travel to the United States (additionally, the officer may also ask the United States Department of State for a Security Advisory Opinion, which can take several weeks to resolve). The application fee is increased to 205 USD for most work visas and can be even higher for certain categories.

If the applicant is rejected, the application fee is not refunded. If the application is approved, nationals of certain countries must also pay a visa issuance fee, based on reciprocity.[https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html U.S. visa: reciprocity and civil documents by country], United States Department of State. Amongst the items included in the qualification decision are financial independence, adequate employment, material assets and a lack of a criminal record in the applicant's native country.

In April 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered the review of social media accounts of visa applicants who had visited the Gaza Strip since 2007, to investigate their potential security risks. The Department of State also revoked the visas of some students who had criticized Israel's actions in Gaza.{{cite web |title=US to screen social media of visa applicants who spent time in Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/18/us-to-screen-social-media-of-visa-applicants-who-spent-time-in-gaza |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=April 18, 2025}}

[[File:Admission USA 2017.png|700px|upright=2.7|thumb|

{{legend|#ed1c24|United States}} Number of non-immigrant admissions for tourist and business purposes into the United States in fiscal year 2017:

{{div col|colwidth=10em|content=

{{legend inline|#061014|Over 2 million}}

{{legend inline|#11303d|Over 1 million}}

{{legend inline|#266e8c|Over 500 thousand}}

{{legend inline|#3a9fca|Over 250 thousand}}

{{legend inline|#90c8e1|Over 100 thousand}}

{{legend inline|#c7e4f0|Over 15 thousand}}

{{legend inline|#eef7fa|Under 15 thousand}}

}}]]

The highest number of non-immigrant admissions for tourists and for business purposes into the United States in fiscal year 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 was from the following countries (listed over 700,000 admissions):

All U.S. visa types and subtypes are listed below:state.gov: [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/all-visa-categories.html Directory of Visa Categories], access-date: June 1, 2019Embassy of the United States Dublin, Ireland: [http://dublin.usembassy.gov/classification_symbols.html Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Symbols | Embassy of the United States Dublin, Ireland], access-date: June 6, 2015

{{see also|Travel visa#Immigrant visas}}

The Trump administration issued new rules on August 12, 2019, that will reject applicants for temporary or permanent visas for failing to meet income standards or for receiving public assistance such as welfare, food stamps, public housing or Medicaid.{{citation |website=Independent.com.uk |date=August 12, 2019 |access-date=August 12, 2019 |title=Trump administration announces new immigration rules to deny people visas for being poor |author=Andrew Buncombe |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-immigration-green-card-visa-us-poor-residency-a9054551.html}}

Critics{{who|date=May 2020}} feared the new law, which was set to go into effect in October 2019, could negatively impact the lives of children who are U.S. citizens.{{citation |website=Business Insider |date=August 12, 2019 |access-date=August 12, 2019 |title=The Trump administration rolled out a new rule to reject green cards for immigrants on food stamps and other public aid |author=Joseph Zeballos-Roig |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-administration-public-charge-reject-green-cards-immigrants-government-aid-2019-8}}

{{cite web |title=Immigration Classifications and Visa Categories - ARCHIVE as of 2010-Jan-28. Page no longer available. |work=United States Citizenship and Immigration Services |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20080228094059/http%3A//www%2Euscis%2Egov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem%2E5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid%3De6c08875d714d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD |archive-date=February 28, 2008 |access-date=January 28, 2010 |url=http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=e6c08875d714d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD}}{{cite web |title=Types of Visas for Temporary Visitors |url=https://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1286.html |access-date=September 11, 2011}}{{cite web |title=Types of Visas for Temporary Visitors |url=https://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1326.html |access-date=September 11, 2011 |archive-date=September 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917044949/http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1326.html |url-status=dead}}

{{main article|A visa}}

A visas are issued to representatives of a foreign government traveling to the United States to engage in official activities for that government. A visas are granted to foreign government ambassadors, ministers, diplomats, as well as other foreign government officials or employees traveling on official business (A-1 visa). Certain foreign officials require an A visa regardless of the purpose of their trip.

The A visa is also granted to immediate family members of such foreign government officials, defined as "the principal applicant's spouse and unmarried sons and daughters of any age who are not members of some other household and who will reside regularly in the household of the principal alien" (A-2 Visa) and which "may also include close relatives of the principal alien or spouse who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption who are not members of some other household; who will reside regularly in the household of the principal alien; and who are recognized as dependents by the sending government (A-3 Visa).Embassy of the United States: [http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/dipvisas.html Diplomatic Visas (A-1 & A-2) | Embassy of the United States] {{Webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150217/http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/dipvisas.html | date=June 7, 2015}}, accessed June 6, 2015

{{main article|B visa}}

The most common non-immigrant visa is the multiple-purpose B-1/B-2 visa, also known as the "visa for temporary visitors for business or pleasure." Visa applicants sometimes receive either a B-1 (temporary visitor for business) or a B-2 (temporary visitor for pleasure) visa, if their reason for travel is specific enough that the consular officer does not feel they qualify for combined B-1/B-2 status.{{cite web |url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html |title=Visitor Visa |website=travel.state.gov |access-date=March 27, 2019}}

Holders of B visas may also attend short non-credit courses. Nationals of Mexico are eligible for Border Crossing Cards.{{cite web |url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/border-crossing-card.html |title=Border Crossing Card |website=travel.state.gov |access-date=March 27, 2019}}

From November 29, 2016, all holders of Chinese passports who also hold 10-year B visas are required to enroll in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) before traveling to the United States. This requirement may be extended to other nationalities in the future.{{cite web |title=CBP Announces the Electronic Visa Update System |url=https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/2016-03-15-000000/cbp-announces-electronic-visa-update-system |publisher=USCBP |access-date=May 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807153729/https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/2016-03-15-000000/cbp-announces-electronic-visa-update-system |archive-date=August 7, 2016 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/electronic-visa-update-system-evus/frequently-asked-questions |publisher=USCBP |access-date=May 24, 2016}}

Effective January 24, 2020, B visas are not issued to individuals expected to give birth during their stay, unless they demonstrate that the primary purpose of their visit is not to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child. In addition, B visa applicants seeking medical treatment in the United States must demonstrate their arrangements for the medical treatment and sufficiently establish their ability to pay for it."[https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-01-24/pdf/2020-01218.pdf Visas: Temporary Visitors for Business or Pleasure]". Federal Register. National Archives and Records Administration. January 24, 2020.

The C-1 visa is a transit visa issued to individuals who are traveling in "immediate and continuous transit through the United States en-route to another country". The only reason to enter the United States must be for transit purposes.

A subtype C-2 visa is issued to diplomats transiting to and from the Headquarters of the United Nations and is limited to the vicinity of New York City. A subtype C-3 visa is issued to diplomats and their dependents transiting to and from their posted country.{{cite web |url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/transit.html |title=Transit Visa |website=travel.state.gov |access-date=March 27, 2019}}

D visa is issued to crew members of sea-vessels and international airlines in the United States. This includes commercial airline pilots and flight attendants, captain, engineer, or deckhand of a sea vessel, service staff on a cruise ship and trainees on board a training vessel. Usually a combination of a C-1 visa and D visa is required.{{cite web |url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/crewmember-visa.html |title=Crewmember Visa |website=travel.state.gov |access-date=March 27, 2019}}

Treaty Trader (E-1 visa) and Treaty Investor (E-2 visa) visas are issued to citizens of countries that have signed treaties of commerce and navigation with the United States.{{cite web |url=http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/fees/treaty.html |title=Treaty Countries |website=travel.state.gov |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116051204/http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/fees/treaty.html |archive-date=16 January 2014 |url-status=dead}}

They are issued to individuals working in businesses engaged in substantial international trade or to investors (and their employees) who have made a 'substantial investment' in a business in the United States.{{cite web |title=Treaty Traders (E-1) and Treaty Investors (E-2) |url=http://www.usvisalawyers.co.uk/article9add2.htm |publisher=Gudeon & McFadden |access-date=May 20, 2016}}

The variant visa issued only to citizens of Australia is the E-3 visa (E-3D visa is issued to spouse or child of E-3 visa holder and E-3R to a returning E-3 holder).Embassy of the United States Canberra, Australia: [http://canberra.usembassy.gov/e3visa.html E-3 Visa | Embassy of the United States Canberra, Australia] {{Webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527030710/http://canberra.usembassy.gov/e3visa.html | date=May 27, 2015 }}, accessed June 6, 2015

{{main article|F visa}}

These visas are issued for foreign students enrolled at accredited U.S. institutions.

F-1 visas are for full-time students, F2 visas are for spouses and children of F-1 visa holders and F-3 visas are for "border commuters" who reside in their country of origin while attending school in the United States.{{cite web |url=http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/study-exchange/student.html |title=Student Visa |website=travel.state.gov |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112113628/http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/study-exchange/student.html |archive-date=12 January 2014 |url-status=dead}} They are managed through SEVIS.{{cite web |url=https://www.ice.gov/sevis |title=Student and Exchange Visitor Program |website=www.ICE.gov |access-date=April 21, 2019}}

{{main article|G visa}}

G visas are issued to diplomats, government officials, and employees who will work for international organizations in the United States. The international organization must be officially designated as such.{{cite web |url=https://fam.state.gov/FAM/09FAM/09FAM040203.html#M402_3_7_N |title=9 FAM 102.3 (U) DEFINITIONS}}

The G-1 visa is issued to permanent mission members; the G-2 visa is issued to representatives of a recognized government traveling temporarily to attend meetings of a designated international organization; the G-3 visa is issued to persons who represent a non-recognized government; the G-4 visa is for those who are taking up an appointment; and the G-5 visa is issued to personal employees or domestic workers of G1–G4 visa holders.{{cite web |url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visa-employees-nato.html |title=Visas for Employees of International Organizations and NATO |website=travel.state.gov |access-date=March 27, 2019}} G1–G4 visas are also issued to immediate family members of the principal visa holder, if they meet certain criteria.

Officials who work for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization require a NATO visa.

The NATO-1 visa is issued to permanent representatives of NATO and their staff members, NATO-2 visa is issued to a representative of member state to NATO or its subsidiary bodies, advisor or technical expert of the NATO delegation visiting the United States, a member of the NATO military forces component or a staff member of the NATO representative, NATO-3 visa is issued to official clerical staff accompanying the representative of a NATO member state, NATO-4 visa is issued to foreign national recognized as a NATO official, NATO-5 visa is issued to a foreign national recognized as a NATO expert and NATO-6 visa is issued to a member of the civilian component of the NATO. All NATO visas are issued to immediate family members as well. NATO-7 visas are issued to personal employees or domestic workers of a NATO-1 – NATO-6 visa holders.

H visas are issued to temporary workers in the United States.

;Specialty occupations, DOD Cooperative Research and Development Project Workers, and fashion models

The discontinued H-1A and H-1C visas existed during periods when the United States experienced a shortage of nurses from 1989. The H-1A classification was created by the Nursing Relief Act of 1989 and ended in 1995.

The H-1C visa was created by the Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Area Act of 1999 and expired in 2005. Currently nurses must apply for H-1B visas.{{cite web |last1=Monica |first1=Edna |title=USA Work Visa for Nurses |url=http://www.public.iastate.edu/~monica66/wbtu/teachingunit/usaworkvisa.html |publisher=Iowa State University |access-date=August 6, 2015 |archive-date=May 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512003818/http://www.public.iastate.edu/~monica66/wbtu/teachingunit/usaworkvisa.html |url-status=dead}}

{{main article|H-1B visa}}

The H-1B classification is for professional-level jobs that require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a specific academic field. In addition, the employee must have the degree or the equivalence of such a degree through education and experience.

There is a required wage, which is at least equal to the wage paid by the employer to similarly qualified workers or a prevailing wage for such positions in the geographic regions where the jobs are located.

This visa also covers fashion models of distinguished merit and ability.{{cite web |url=https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/immigration/h1b |title=H-1B Program - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) - U.S. Department of Labor |website=www.DOL.gov |access-date=April 21, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-dod-cooperative-research-and-development-project-workers-and-fashion-models |title=H-1B Specialty Occupations, DOD Cooperative Research and Development Project Workers, and Fashion Models |date=March 19, 2019 |website=USCIS |access-date=April 21, 2019}} The H-1B1 visa is the variant issued to citizens of Singapore and Chile.

;Temporary agricultural workers

{{main article|H-2A visa}}

The H-2A visa allows a foreign national entry into the United States for temporary or seasonal agricultural work for eligible employers under certain conditions (seasonal job, no available U.S. workers).{{cite web |url=https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers |title=H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers |date=January 24, 2019 |website=USCIS |access-date=April 21, 2019}}

;Temporary nonagricultural workers

{{main article|H-2B visa}}

The H-2B visa allows a foreign national entry into the United States for temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work for eligible employers under certain conditions (seasonal job, no available U.S. workers).{{cite web |url=http://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2b-non-agricultural-workers/h-2b-temporary-non-agricultural-workers |title=H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers |publisher=Uscis.gov |access-date=May 26, 2019}}

;Nonimmigrant trainee or special education exchange Visitor

{{main article|H-3 visa}}

The H-3 visa is available to those foreign nationals looking to "receive training in any field of endeavor, other than graduate medical education or training, that is not available in the foreign national's home country" or "participate in a special education exchange visitor training program that provides for practical training and experience in the education of children with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities".{{cite web |url=https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/h-3-nonimmigrant-trainee/h-3-nonimmigrant-trainee-or-special-education-exchange-visitor |title=H-3 Nonimmigrant Trainee or Special Education Exchange Visitor |date=July 20, 2015 |website=USCIS |access-date=April 21, 2019}}

;Family members

{{main article|H-4 visa}}

H-4 visa is issued to immediate family members of H visa holders. In some cases, they are eligible for employment.{{cite web |title=DHS Extends Eligibility for Employment Authorization to Certain H-4 Dependent Spouses of H-1B Nonimmigrants Seeking Employment-Based Lawful Permanent Residence |date=February 24, 2015 |url=http://www.uscis.gov/news/dhs-extends-eligibility-employment-authorization-certain-h-4-dependent-spouses-h-1b-nonimmigrants-seeking-employment-based-lawful-permanent-residence |newspaper=USCIS |access-date=February 25, 2015}}

{{main article|I-1 visa}}

The I-1 visa is issued to representatives of the foreign media, including members of the press, radio, film, and print industries travelling to temporarily work in the United States in the profession.{{cite web |url=http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/employment/media.html |title=Media Visa |website=travel.state.gov |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117184425/http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/employment/media.html |archive-date=17 January 2014 |url-status=dead}}

{{main article|J-1 visa}}

{{see also|J-2 visa}}

The J-1 visa is issued to participants of work-and study-based exchange visitor programs.{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/basics/ |title=J-1 Visa Basics - J-1 Visa |website=j1visa.State.gov |access-date=April 21, 2019}}

The Exchange Visitor Program is carried out under the provisions of the Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961, officially known as the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 ({{USPL|87|256}}, {{USStat|75|527}}). The purpose of the act is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges. The Exchange Visitor Program is administered by the Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

In carrying out the responsibilities of the Exchange Visitor Program, the department designates public and private entities to act as exchange sponsors. Spouses and dependents of J-1 exchange visitors are issued a J-2 visa.{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/basics/j2-visa/ |title=About the J-2 Visa - J-1 Visa Basics - J-1 Visa |website=j1visa.State.gov |access-date=April 21, 2019}}

Exchange visa categories are:

• Au pair and EduCare{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/au-pair/ |title=Au Pair Program |first=Department of |last=State |website=J-1 Visa |access-date=April 21, 2019}}
• Camp counselor{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/camp-counselor/ |title=Camp Counselor Program |first=Department of |last=State |website=J-1 Visa |access-date=April 21, 2019}}
• College and university student{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/college-and-university-student/ |title=College and University Student Program |first=Department of |last=State |website=J-1 Visa |access-date=April 21, 2019}}
• Government visitor{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/government-visitor/ |title=Government Visitor Program |first=Department of |last=State |website=J-1 Visa |access-date=April 21, 2019}}
• Intern{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/intern/ |title=Intern Program |first=Department of |last=State |website=J-1 Visa |access-date=April 21, 2019}}
• International visitor{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/international-visitor/ |title=International Visitor Program |first=Department of |last=State |website=J-1 Visa |access-date=April 21, 2019}}
• Physician{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/physician/ |title=Physician Program |first=Department of |last=State |website=J-1 Visa |access-date=April 21, 2019}}
• Professor and research scholar{{Cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/professor-and-research-scholar/ |title=Programs | Professor and Research Scholar | Programs | J-1 Visa |access-date=June 6, 2015 |archive-date=June 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617185228/http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/professor-and-research-scholar |url-status=dead}}
• Secondary school student{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/secondary-school-student/ |title=Secondary School Student Program |first=Department of |last=State |website=J-1 Visa |access-date=April 21, 2019}}
• Short-term scholar{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/short-term-scholar/ |title=Short-Term Scholar Program |first=Department of |last=State |website=J-1 Visa |access-date=April 21, 2019}}
• Specialist{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/specialist/ |title=Specialist Program |first=Department of |last=State |website=J-1 Visa |access-date=April 21, 2019}}
• Summer Work Travel Program participant{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/summer-work-travel/ |title=Summer Work Travel Program |first=Department of |last=State |website=J-1 Visa |access-date=April 21, 2019}}
• Teacher{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/teacher/ |title=Teacher Program |first=Department of |last=State |website=J-1 Visa |access-date=April 21, 2019}}
• Trainee{{cite web |url=http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/trainee/ |title=Trainee Program |first=Department of |last=State |website=J-1 Visa |access-date=April 21, 2019}}

Exchange Visitor Pilot Programs exist for citizens of Australia,{{cite web |url=https://ustraveldocs.com/au/en/exchange-visitor-visa/ |title=Australia Summer Work Travel Pilot Program |publisher=U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service |access-date=September 27, 2023}} Ireland,{{cite web |url=https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/pilot-program-irish-iwt.pdf |title=Guidelines for Administration of the Intern Work and Travel Pilot Program with Ireland |publisher=U.S. Department of State |access-date=September 27, 2023}} New Zealand{{cite web |url=https://www.ustraveldocs.com/nz/en/exchange-visitor-visa/ |title=New Zealand Twelve-Month Student Work and Recent Graduate Travel Programs |publisher=U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service |access-date=September 27, 2023}} and South Korea.{{cite web |url=https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/pilot-program-west.pdf |title=Guidelines for Administration of the WEST (Work, English Study, and Travel) Program Eighteen-Month Intern Pilot Program |publisher=U.S. Department of State |access-date=September 27, 2023}}

{{main article|K-1 visa}}

A K-1 visa is a visa issued to the fiancé or fiancée of a United States citizen to enter the United States. A K-1 visa requires a foreigner to marry his or her U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of entry, or depart the United States. Once the couple marries, the foreign citizen can adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States (Green Card holder).{{cite web |url=https://www.uscis.gov/family/family-us-citizens/visas-fiancees-us-citizens |title=Fiancé(e) Visas |date=March 23, 2018 |website=USCIS |access-date=April 21, 2019}}

A K-2 visa is issued to unmarried children under the age of 21. Foreign same-sex partners of United States citizens are currently recognized by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and accordingly can be sponsored for K-1 visas and for permanent resident status.'Same-Sex Marriage and Spousal Visas,' http://www.usvisalawyers.co.uk/article23.html, accessed October 1, 2013.

K-3/K-4 visas are issued to foreign spouses and children of U.S. citizens.{{cite web |url=https://www.uscis.gov/family/family-us-citizens/k-3k-4-nonimmigrant-visas |title=K-3/K-4 Nonimmigrant Visas |date=February 13, 2018 |website=USCIS |access-date=April 21, 2019}}

{{Main article|L-1 visa}}

{{see also|L-2 visa}}

The L-1 classification is for international transferees who have worked for a related organization abroad for at least one continuous year in the past three years and who will be coming to the United States to work in an executive or managerial (L-1A) or specialized knowledge capacity (L-1B).{{cite web |url=https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/working-us |title=Working in the U.S. |date=June 14, 2017 |website=USCIS |access-date=April 21, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1a-intracompany-transferee-executive-or-manager |title=L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager |date=October 31, 2018 |website=USCIS |access-date=April 21, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1b-intracompany-transferee-specialized-knowledge |title=L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge |date=October 31, 2018 |website=USCIS |access-date=April 21, 2019}}

The L-2 visa is issued to dependent spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age of qualified L-1 visa holders.

{{Main article|M-1 visa}}

The M-1 visa is a type of student visa reserved for vocational and technical schools.

Students in M-1 status may not work on or off campus while studying, and they may not change their status to F-1. The M-2 visa permits the spouse and minor children of an M-1 vocational student to accompany him or her to the United States.

{{Main article|O visa}}

The O visa is a classification of non-immigrant temporary worker visa granted to an alien "who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (O-1A visa), or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements," (O-1B visa) and to certain assistants (O-2 visa) and immediate family members of such aliens (O-3 visa).{{cite web |url=http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=b9930b89284a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=b9930b89284a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD |title=O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement |access-date=September 16, 2012 |archive-date=July 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728093906/http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=b9930b89284a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=b9930b89284a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD |url-status=dead}}

{{See also|Alien of extraordinary ability}}

{{main article|P visa}}

P visas are issued to individuals or team athletes, or member of an entertainment group including persons providing essential support services (P-1 visa), artists or entertainers (individual or group) under a reciprocal exchange program (P-2 visa) and artists or entertainers (individual or group) visiting to perform, teach or coach under a program that is culturally unique (P-3 Visa).{{cite web |url=http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/employment/temporary.html |title=Temporary Worker Visa |website=travel.state.gov |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303035607/http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/employment/temporary.html |archive-date=3 March 2014 |url-status=dead}}

P-4 visas are issued to spouses, or children under the age of 21, of a P-1, P-2, or P-3 alien and who is accompanying, or following to join.

The Q visa is issued to participants in an international cultural exchange program.

{{main article|R visa}}

The R-1 visa is issued to temporary religious workers. They must have been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States for at least 2 years.USCIS: [http://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/r-1-temporary-religious-workers/r-1-temporary-nonimmigrant-religious-workers R-1 Temporary Nonimmigrant Religious Workers | USCIS], accessed June 6, 2015 R-2 visa is issued to dependent family members.state.gov: [https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/other/religious.html Religious Worker Visa], accessed June 6, 2015

S visas are nonimmigrant visas issued to individuals who have assisted law enforcement as a witness or informant. There is a limit of 200 S visas a year.USDOJ: [https://www.justice.gov/usam/criminal-resource-manual-1862-s-visa-program-eligibility S Visa Program -- Eligibility], access-date: December 31, 2015

A law enforcement agency can then submit an application for resident alien status, i.e. a green card on behalf of the witness or informant once the individual has completed the terms and conditions of his or her S visa.USCIS: [http://www.uscis.gov/green-card/other-ways-get-green-card/green-card-informant-s-nonimmigrant Green Card for an Informant (S Nonimmigrant)], access date: December 31, 2015

{{main article|TN status}}

NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico whose profession is on the NAFTA listNAFSA: [http://www.nafsa.org/_/file/_/amresource/8cfr2146.htm 8 CFR § 214.6], access-date: June 6, 2015 and who must hold a bachelor's degree to work in the United States on a prearranged job. Canadian citizens usually do not need a visa to work under the TN status (unless they live outside Canada with non-Canadian family members) while Mexican citizens require a TN visa.

Spouse and dependent children of a TN professional can be admitted into the United States in the TD status.state.gov: [https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/employment/nafta.html Visas for Canadian and Mexican NAFTA Professional Workers] {{Webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905102128/http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/employment/nafta.html | date=September 5, 2015 }}, access-date: June 6, 2015

The T-1 visa is issued to victims of severe forms of human trafficking.

Holders may adjust their status to permanent resident status.USCIS: [http://www.uscis.gov/green-card/other-ways-get-green-card/green-card-victim-trafficking-t-nonimmigrant Green Card for a Victim of Trafficking (T Nonimmigrant) | USCIS], accessed June 6, 2015

Subtypes of this visa are T-2 (issued to spouses of T-1), T-3 (issued to children of T-1), T-4 (issued to parents of T-1 under the age of 21), and T-5 (issued to unmarried siblings under the age of 18 of T-1 who is under 21).

The U-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa which is set aside for victims of crimes (and their immediate family members) who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.{{cite web |url=https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-of-criminal-activity-u-nonimmigrant-status |title=Victims of Criminal Activity: U Nonimmigrant Status |date=March 20, 2023 |publisher=U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services |access-date=September 27, 2023}}

Subtypes of this visa are U-2 issued to spouses of U-1, U-3 issued to children of U-1, U-4 issued to parents of U-1 under the age of 21 and U-5 issued to unmarried siblings under the age of 18 of U-1 who is under 21.

{{main article|V visa}}

The V visa is a temporary visa available to spouses and minor children (unmarried, under 21) of U.S. lawful permanent residents (LPR, also known as green card holders).

It allows permanent residents to achieve family unity with their spouses and children while the immigration process takes its course. It was created by the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act of 2000.{{cite web |title=Immigration through Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE) of 2000 |publisher=U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services |url=http://149.101.23.2/graphics/services/residency/life.htm |access-date=May 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051221145544/http://149.101.23.2/graphics/services/residency/LIFE.htm |archive-date=December 21, 2005 |url-status=dead}}

The Act is to relieve those who applied for immigrant visas on or before December 21, 2000. Practically, the V visa is currently not available to spouses and minor children of LPRs who have applied after December 21, 2000.USCIS: [http://www.uscis.gov/family/family-green-card-holders-permanent-residents/v-visa/v-nonimmigrant-visas V Nonimmigrant Visas | USCIS], access-date: June 6, 2015

The concept of the dual intent visa is to grant legal status to certain types of visa applicants when they are in the process of applying for a visa with the intent to obtain a permanent residency/green card. Generally, nonimmigrant visas require the applicant to show they plan to return to their home country after their stay.

There are a certain number of U.S. visa categories that grant permission for dual intent, or to get a temporary visa status while having an intention to get a green card and stay permanently in the United States of America.{{citation needed|date=August 2017}}

Most visas are named after the paragraph of the Code of Federal Regulations that established the visa."[https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/8/214.2 8 CFR 214.2 - Special requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of status]". Legal Information Institute. Cornell University Legal Law School. Retrieved May 17, 2017.

The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs began developing and trialling an electronic visa system envisioned to eventually replace traditional sticker visas on passports. In 2023, this was trialled with K-1 visas issued at the Embassy of the United States, Dublin, Ireland.{{cite web |url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/digital-visa-authorization-dva-proof-of-concept.html |title=Digital Visa Authorization (DVA) Proof of Concept |publisher=Department of State}}

As this will only apply to individuals requiring a visa, this is different to the established ESTA system for visa-waived nationals.

File:Mock-up United States Nonimmigrant Visa Denial Letter INA 214b Shanghai.pdf

Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act defined several classes of aliens ineligible to receive visas.

Grounds for denial may include, but are not limited to:

• Risk of visa overstay
• Financial insecurity
• Having low or middle class income
• Having an informal job
• Unemployment
• Not having children and/or being single
• Relatives living in the United States
• Political, economic or social instability in the country of origin
• Incomplete education
• Health grounds
• Criminal history
• Security fears
• Public charge (charge means burden in this context)
• Illegal entrants or immigration violators
• Failure to produce requested documents
• Ineligible for citizenship
• Previously removed from the U.S.
• The spouse of a U.S. Citizen is almost always denied a visitor's (B1/B2) visa on the grounds that the spouse might want to stay in the United States.

Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (also cited as 8 United States Code § 1184(b)){{cite web |url=http://uscode.house.gov/uscode-cgi/fastweb.exe?getdoc+uscview+t05t08+5108+0++%28presumed%29%20%20AND%20%28%288%29%20ADJ%20USC%29%3ACITE%20AND%20%28USC%20w%2F10%20%281184%29%29%3ACITE%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 |title=Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 USC Sec. 1158 |website=House.gov |access-date=April 21, 2019}} states that most aliens must be presumed to be intending to remain in the U.S., until and unless they are able to show that they are entitled to non-immigrant status. This means there are two sides to a 214(b) denial. Denials occur when applicants do not convince the consular officer of their intent to stay in the U.S. temporarily, or were qualified for the visa.

An example of a denial based upon the first ground would be an applicant for an F-1 student visa who the consular officer felt was secretly intending to remain in the U.S. permanently.

An example of a denial based upon the second ground would be an H-1B applicant who couldn't prove he possessed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree in a specialty field—such an equivalency being a requirement for obtaining an H-1B visa.

In order to thereafter obtain a visa applicants are recommended to objectively evaluate their situation, see in what way they fell short of the visa requirements, and then reapply.{{cite web |url=http://www.usvisalawyers.co.uk/article20.htm |title=A 214(b) Denial: What It Means, What You Can Do |publisher=Usvisalawyers.co.uk}}

In rare cases, Section 212(d)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows for the temporary entry of certain aliens who would otherwise be prohibited from entering the United States.

The person applies for a Hranka waiver and pays the filing fee. When deciding whether to approve the waiver, the Board of Immigration Appeals considers whether there would be harm to society if the applicant were admitted to the United States, the seriousness of the applicant's prior violations, and the nature of the applicant's reasons for wishing to enter the United States.

If approved for a Hranka waiver, the applicant would need to have this documentation when requesting entry to the United States."[https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2012/08/17/2644.pdf Matter of Hranka]". 16 I&N Dec. 491. Board of Immigration Appeals. April 6, 1973.

There are cases when a U.S. visa has been granted to aliens who were technically ineligible.

Japanese mafia (yakuza) leader Tadamasa Goto and three others were issued visas for travel between 2000 and 2004 to undergo liver transplant surgery at UCLA Medical Center.Charles Ornstein and John M. Glionna, Los Angeles Times [https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ucla31-2008may31,0,1503718.story After livers, cash to UCLA] May 31, 2008 The FBI had aided the men in the visa application process hoping that they would provide information regarding yakuza activities in the U.S.

In 2005, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (then Chief Minister of Gujarat) was denied a diplomatic visa to the United States. The B-1/B-2 visa that had previously been granted to him was also revoked, under a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act which makes any foreign government official who was responsible or "directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom" ineligible for the visa (the violations of religious freedom in question being the 2002 Gujarat riots).{{cite news |title=No entry for Modi into US: visa denied |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/us |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713025332/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-03-18/india/27866126_1_business-visa-gujarat-riots-immigration-and-nationality-act |url-status=live |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |date=March 18, 2005 |work=The Times of India |access-date=February 3, 2012}} Modi is the only person ever denied a visa to the U.S. under this provision.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=James |title=Why Narendra Modi Was Banned From the U.S. |url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303380004579520041301275638 |access-date=June 3, 2014 |date=May 2, 2014}} In 2014, after Modi's BJP political party won the 2014 Indian general election, U.S. President Barack Obama ended the visa issue by calling Modi to congratulate him on his victory, and invited him to the White House. On June 8, 2016, Modi addressed a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress.Gowen, Annie (June 6, 2016). "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/06/06/from-pariah-to-capitol-hill-narendra-modis-extraordinary-rise/ Once banned from the U.S., India's Modi set for historic address to Congress]". The Washington Post.

{{Portal|United States|Politics}}

• Diversity Immigrant Visa
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization
• Real ID Act
• Security Advisory Opinion
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Visa requirements for United States citizens
• Visa Waiver Program
• Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category|Visas of the United States}}

{{Wikivoyage|American Samoa}}

{{Wikivoyage|Guam}}

{{Wikivoyage|Northern Mariana Islands}}

{{Wikivoyage|Puerto Rico}}

{{Wikivoyage|United States}}

{{Wikivoyage|U.S. Virgin Islands}}

• [https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html U.S. Visas], Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State
• [https://www.usembassy.gov/ List of diplomatic missions of the U.S.]
• [https://www.dhs.gov/ U.S. Department of Homeland Security]
• [https://www.cbp.gov/ U.S. Customs and Border Protection]

{{United States visas}}

{{Visa policy by country}}

{{Visa Requirements}}

{{Immigration to the United States}}

{{United States policy}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:United States Visas}}

Category:Tourism in the United States

Category:United States Department of State

Visa policy