U.S. Visa Categories Guide
Understanding Your Immigration Options
Navigate the complex world of U.S. visas with confidence
Finding the Right Visa Path for Your American Dream
With over 30,000 successful cases, Vasquez Law Firm has helped families and individuals navigate every type of visa. We fight to find the best path for your unique situation — because your story matters.
Family-Based Visas
Reuniting families is at the heart of U.S. immigration law
IR-1/CR-1
Spouse of U.S. Citizen
For married couples where one spouse is a U.S. citizen
Key Requirements:
- •Valid marriage certificate
- •Proof of U.S. citizenship
- •Evidence of bona fide marriage
- •Financial support (I-864)
K-1
Fiancé(e) Visa
For foreign fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens
Key Requirements:
- •Intent to marry within 90 days
- •Met in person within 2 years
- •Both legally free to marry
- •Financial support documentation
K-3
Spouse Awaiting Green Card
Allows spouse to enter U.S. while I-130 is pending
Key Requirements:
- •I-130 already filed
- •Married to U.S. citizen
- •Waiting outside U.S.
F-1
Unmarried Children of Citizens
For unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens
Key Requirements:
- •Unmarried status
- •Age 21 or older
- •Parent is U.S. citizen
F-2A
Spouses/Children of LPRs
For spouses and minor children of green card holders
Key Requirements:
- •Spouse or child under 21
- •Petitioner has green card
- •Valid family relationship
F-2B
Unmarried Children of LPRs
For unmarried children (21+) of green card holders
Key Requirements:
- •Unmarried status
- •Age 21 or older
- •Parent has green card
F-3
Married Children of Citizens
For married children of U.S. citizens
Key Requirements:
- •Married status
- •Parent is U.S. citizen
- •Include spouse and children
F-4
Siblings of Citizens
For brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens
Key Requirements:
- •Petitioner age 21+
- •Sibling relationship proof
- •Include spouse and children
Employment-Based Visas
Building America's workforce through skilled immigration
H-1B
Specialty Occupation
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring bachelor's degree
Key Requirements:
- •Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- •Job requires degree
- •Employer sponsorship
- •Prevailing wage compliance
L-1A/L-1B
Intracompany Transfer
For managers/executives (L-1A) or specialized knowledge (L-1B)
Key Requirements:
- •Worked abroad 1 year in 3
- •Qualifying relationship between entities
- •Executive/managerial or specialized knowledge
- •Coming to work for related U.S. entity
O-1
Extraordinary Ability
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, business
Key Requirements:
- •Extraordinary ability evidence
- •National/international acclaim
- •Coming to work in field
- •Peer letters and documentation
EB-1
Priority Workers
For outstanding professors, researchers, executives, extraordinary ability
Key Requirements:
- •Extraordinary ability OR
- •Outstanding professor/researcher OR
- •Multinational executive/manager
- •Extensive documentation
EB-2
Advanced Degree/Exceptional
For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability
Key Requirements:
- •Advanced degree or bachelor's + 5 years
- •Job requires advanced degree
- •Labor certification (usually)
- •National Interest Waiver option
EB-3
Skilled/Professional Workers
For skilled workers, professionals, and other workers
Key Requirements:
- •2+ years experience (skilled)
- •Bachelor's degree (professional)
- •Labor certification required
- •Permanent job offer
TN
NAFTA Professional
For Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA
Key Requirements:
- •Canadian or Mexican citizen
- •Qualifying profession
- •Bachelor's degree usually
- •Job offer letter
E-3
Australian Specialty
H-1B equivalent for Australian nationals
Key Requirements:
- •Australian citizen
- •Specialty occupation
- •Bachelor's degree
- •Labor condition application
Student & Exchange Visas
Educational opportunities in the United States
F-1
Academic Student
For full-time students at universities, colleges, high schools
Key Requirements:
- •Acceptance at SEVP school
- •Full course of study
- •Financial support proof
- •Ties to home country
M-1
Vocational Student
For vocational and technical school students
Key Requirements:
- •Acceptance at approved school
- •Vocational program
- •Financial resources
- •Intent to return home
J-1
Exchange Visitor
For educational and cultural exchange programs
Key Requirements:
- •Program sponsor
- •Specific program category
- •May have 2-year home rule
- •Insurance requirements
Investment & Business Visas
Creating jobs and economic growth through investment
EB-5
Immigrant Investor
Green card through investment creating U.S. jobs
Key Requirements:
- •$800K-$1.05M investment
- •Create 10 full-time jobs
- •At-risk investment
- •Source of funds documentation
E-2
Treaty Investor
For investors from treaty countries
Key Requirements:
- •Treaty country national
- •Substantial investment
- •Develop and direct business
- •Not marginal enterprise
E-1
Treaty Trader
For substantial trade with treaty countries
Key Requirements:
- •Treaty country national
- •Substantial trade
- •50%+ trade with treaty country
- •Executive/supervisor/essential
Humanitarian Visas
Protection for those in need
Asylum
Refugee/Asylee Status
Protection from persecution
Key Requirements:
- •Fear of persecution
- •Based on protected ground
- •Apply within one year
- •Unable to return home
U Visa
Crime Victims
For victims of certain crimes who help law enforcement
Key Requirements:
- •Victim of qualifying crime
- •Suffered substantial harm
- •Helpful to law enforcement
- •Admissible to U.S.
T Visa
Trafficking Victims
For victims of human trafficking
Key Requirements:
- •Victim of severe trafficking
- •In U.S. due to trafficking
- •Comply with law enforcement
- •Extreme hardship if removed
VAWA
Violence Against Women Act
For abused spouses and children
Key Requirements:
- •Abused by USC/LPR family
- •Good moral character
- •Lived with abuser
- •Evidence of abuse
Not Sure Which Visa Is Right for You?
Every immigration journey is unique. Our experienced attorneys will analyze your situation and identify the best visa options for your specific goals, timeline, and circumstances.
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Don't let visa confusion delay your dreams. With Vasquez Law Firm's expertise, you'll have a clear path forward and a team that fights for your success.
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