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Visas and Temporary Status

Visas and temporary status are the permissions that let foreign nationals enter or stay in the United States for a limited time and a stated purpose. Each type has its own rules about how long a person may stay and what the person may do. The Department of State issues visas abroad, and the Department of Homeland Security manages status inside the country.

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October 8last updated

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Latest in Visas and Temporary Status

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

About the A-1 Diplomatic Visa for Foreign Officials

The United States immigration system includes a category of non-immigrant visas known as A-visas. These are reserved exclusively for ambassadors, diplomats, foreign government officials, and their…

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

The I Visa for Foreign Media and Journalists

The United States immigration system provides a specific pathway for international journalists and media professionals known as the Media (I) Visa. This nonimmigrant visa is designed…

Topics in Visas and Temporary Status

Work and business

Work Visas cover employment for a limited time, and Investor and Treaty Visas cover trade and investment under agreements between nations.

Study and travel

Student Visas cover schooling in the United States, and Visitor Visas cover short stays for tourism, business, and transit.

All Articles on Visas and Temporary Status

The J-1 Visa for the U.S. Exchange Visitor Program

The Exchange Visitor (J-1) visa is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals approved to participate in a wide array of work-and-study-based exchange programs in the…

48 Min Read

The R-1 Visa for Religious Workers and Organizations

The R-1 visa allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in the United States in a religious capacity. Ministers and non-ministers engaged in religious vocations…

35 Min Read

About the P-3 Visa for Culturally Unique Artists and Entertainers

The P-3 visa is a temporary work visa for foreign artists and entertainers who travel to the United States to share their unique cultural…

26 Min Read

The P-2 Visa for Artists and Entertainers in Reciprocal Exchange Programs

The P-2 visa is a specialized, temporary U.S. work visa for artists and entertainers who are entering the United States to perform under a…

25 Min Read

The L-1 Visa for Transfer Employees to the United States

The L-1 Intracompany Transferee visa lets multinational companies temporarily move key employees from their foreign offices to operations in the United States. It's a…

43 Min Read

The O-1 Visa for Extraordinary Ability Workers

The U.S. immigration system includes several temporary work visas, but the O-1 stands out as one of the most prestigious. Created by the Immigration…

29 Min Read

The P-1 Visa for Athletes and Entertainers

The P-1 visa allows internationally recognized athletes and entertainment groups to work temporarily in the United States. Unlike general employment visas, the P-1 targets…

24 Min Read

The H-2B Visa for Temporary Foreign Workers

The H-2B visa program lets American businesses hire foreign workers for temporary, non-agricultural jobs. It serves as a pressure valve for seasonal industries facing…

35 Min Read

About the H-2A Visa for Foreign Agricultural Workers

The H-2A visa program lets U.S. agricultural employers hire foreign nationals for temporary or seasonal farm jobs when American workers aren't available. It operates…

31 Min Read

About the M-1 Vocational Student Visa

The M-1 visa lets international students pursue vocational and technical training at certified U.S. institutions. Unlike the F-1 academic student visa, the M-1 is…

27 Min Read