Nonimmigrant visas allow the individual to come to the United States temporarily for pleasure, business or for employment. Common nonimmigrant visas are:
- H-1B visas for professional workers
- R-1 visas for religious workers
- L-1 visas for intra-company transfers
- E-1/E-2 visas for treaty traders and investors
- F-1/M-1 student visas
- B-1/B-2 visas for visitors.
Family members of persons granted worker and student visas may accompany their spouse or parent.
Another common visa is the TN visa which allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to come to the United States as temporary workers in certain professional occupations listed in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). As with the visas listed above, family members may accompany their spouse or parent.
The K-1 visa permits the fiancé/fiancée of a U.S. citizen to come to the United States for the purpose of marrying his/her USC. The marriage must occur within 90 days of arriving in the United States and must be to the original petitioner of the visa.
The K-3 visa is a similar visa which allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen to come to the United States for the purpose of obtaining permanent resident status. Minor children of the USC fiancé/fiancée or spouse may accompany his/her parent.
Other visas are available for specialized occupations and for specialized purposes. If you, a family member or a prospective employee wish to explore options about coming to the United States,contact our office for a consultation as to what might be available given your particular set of circumstances.