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Business Immigration - Nonimmigrant Visas

More Information about Nonimmigrant Visas

Nonimmigrant visas can be broken into two categories, visas for foreign citizens who will be working in the United States and for those who will not be working. Generally, employment-based visas are available for the following individuals:

• business travelers entering the United States for a relatively short period on behalf of a foreign employer (B-1/2);

• employees who are transferred from a foreign employer to a United States affiliate or subsidiary (L-1, download our infosheet);

• employees with the equivalent of a US bachelors degree who have specialized knowledge in a particular profession (H-1B, download our infosheet);

• Canadian or Mexican nationals who are members of certain professions outlined in the NAFTA (TN);

• foreign nationals who will be investing in the United States (E-2, download our infosheet);

• foreign nationals who will be facilitating trade between the United States and the national's home country (E-1, download our infosheet);

• individuals or athletes who are renowned in their profession, and who have awards and other public recognition of their accomplishments (O, download our infosheet);

• interns, participants in international exchange programs, or trainees (J); and

• religious workers (R).

This list is not exhaustive, but can be used as a starting point in determining whether you or your employee might be eligible for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States. Some examples of travelers who do not intend to work in the United States who may enter on nonimmigrant visas include:

• vacation traveler;

• spouse and children to accompany a holder of one of the above visas;

• refugees and persons seeking asylum in the United States; and

• students.

Always consult an immigration attorney before entering the United States for extended business travel or non-vacation activities.