The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHSC) is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its stated missions involve anti-terrorism, border security, immigration customs, cyber security, and disaster prevention and management There are two main categories of U.S. visa.
Types of us visa
- No- Immigrant Visa
- Immigrant Visa
US Tourism & Business Visa
- B-1 Visa, Business visitors (meetings, conferences, negotiating contracts)
- B-2 Visa, Tourism, vacation, or medical treatment
- B-1/B-2 Visa, Combo, issued together for combined business/tourist visits.
Study & Exchange
- F-1 Visa, Academic student (All universities, colleges, high schools, language training programs Etc.)
- M-1 Visa, Vocational or non-academic training
- J-1 Visa, Exchange visitor (includes scholars, interns, au pairs, etc.)
Temporary Work Visas
- H-1B Visa Skilled workers in specialty occupations (requires employer sponsorship)
- H-2A Visa Seasonal agricultural workers
- H-2B Visa Temporary non-agricultural workers
- L-1 Visa Intra-company transferees (managers, executives, specialized knowledge employees)
- O-1 Visa Individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
- P-1 Visa Athletes and entertainers
- TN Visa Canadian or Mexican professionals under USMCA (formerly NAFTA)
Others visa
- R-1visa, Religious workers
- K-1 visa, Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen (technically leads to immigration)
- C-1 visa, Transit visa (for passing through the U.S.)
- U-visa, Victims of certain crimes (nonimmigrant status leading to green card later)
- T-visa, Victims of human trafficking
U.S. Immigrant Visas
Family-Based Immigrant Visas Immediate Relative (IR)
- IR-1: Spouse of a U.S. citizen
- IR-2: Unmarried child (under 21) of a U.S. citizen
- IR-3/IR-4: Orphans adopted abroad or to be adopted in the U.S.
- IR-5: Parent of a U.S. citizen (petitioner must be 21+)
Family Preference (F) Visas (Annual limit applies)
- F1: Unmarried sons/daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens
F2A: Spouses and children (under 21) of Green Card holders
F2B: Unmarried sons/daughters (21+) of Green Card holders
F3: Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens
F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens (petitioner must be 21+)
Green Card
Permanent Residency Green Card holders are legally allowed to reside in the U.S. indefinitely, Green Card holders can apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting specific requirements.
- I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
- I-765 (Work Authorization – optional)
- I-131 (Advance Parole – optional)
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
- EB-1 Visa, Priority workers: extraordinary ability (arts, science, business, athletics), outstanding professors/researchers, multinational execs
- EB-2 Visa, Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability (may require labor certification)
EB-3 Visa, Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers (requires labor certification) - EB-4 Visa, Special immigrants (e.g., religious workers, certain U.S. government employees abroad)
EB-5 Visa, Immigrant investors who invest $800K–$1.05M in U.S. business that creates 10+ jobs.
Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery
The DV Lottery is a U.S. government program that issues 55,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. It provides a pathway to lawful permanent residency (Green Card)
- Must meet education or work experience requirements.
- Entry is free and submitted online (usually October–November each year).
Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)
- For individuals who assisted the U.S. government abroad Afghan or Iraqi translators/interpreters).
- Cuban Adjustment Act
- Also includes certain religious workers, international organization employees, and juveniles needing protection.
U.S. Green Card–Related Forms& Details
I-551 Green Card itself (not filed by applicant)
I-485 Adjustment of status to permanent resident (filed in U.S.)
DS-260 Immigrant visa application (filed abroad)
I-90 Green Card renewal or replacement
I-751 Remove conditions on residence (marriage-based)
I-829 Remove conditions on investor Green Card
I-131 Reentry permit / travel document
N-400 Application for U.S. citizenship (after 3–5 years as LPR)
