Other Types of Nonimmigrant Visas

Tourist Visa for a Medical Emergency (B2)

For applicants who wish to travel to the U.S. on a tourist visa for emergency medical treatment. In addition to the general requirements for a B visa, applicants must also provide: a letter from the medical care facility in the U.S. certifying that the patient has been accepted for treatment, including the estimated cost of the treatment and the length of time the patient will need to remain in the United States; proof from the applicant of the financing, including the cost of any living arrangements or follow-up care required after the initial treatment; the contact information for a sponsor in the United States, if that sponsor will be responsible for the applicant.  

Transit and Crew Members (C1/D)

For crewmembers of international airlines and foreigners required for the normal operation and service of maritime vessels.

Temporary Workers (H, L, O, P, Q)

For individuals who wish to work in the United States. To receive a work visa, the U.S. employer must first file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved, the employer is sent a notice of approval, Form I-797. The applicant must have this form before applying for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

 The following is a list of the different work visa classifications:

• H-1B classification applies to persons in a specialty occupation, which requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge requiring completion of a specific course of higher education. This classification requires a labor attestation issued by the Secretary of Labor. Government-to-Government research and development, or co-production projects administered by the Department of Defense also apply to this classification;
• H-2A classification applies to temporary or seasonal agricultural workers;
• H-2B classification applies to temporary or seasonal nonagricultural workers. This classification requires a temporary labor certification issued by the Secretary of Labor;
• H-3 classification applies to trainees other than medical or academic. This classification also applies to practical training in the education of handicapped children;
• L-1 classification applies to intra-company transferees who, within the three preceding years, have been employed abroad continuously for one year, and who will be employed by a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of that same employer in the U.S. in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity;
  
  There is a $500 "fraud prevention and detection fee" for persons applying for L-1 visas under "blanket" provisions abroad.
• O-1 classification applies to persons who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or extraordinary achievements in the field of cinema;
• O-2 classification applies to persons accompanying an O-1 alien to assist in an artistic or athletic performance for a specific event or performance;
• P-1 classification applies to individual or team athletes, or members of an entertainment group that are internationally recognized;
• P-2 classification applies to artists or entertainers who will perform under a reciprocal exchange program;
• P-3 classification applies to artists or entertainers who perform under a program that is culturally unique (same as P-1); and
• Q-1 classification applies to participants in an international cultural exchange program for the purpose of providing practical training, employment, and the sharing of the history, culture, and traditions of the alien's home country.

Journalists/Media (I)

For representatives of the foreign media, traveling to the U.S. on assignment. An I visa is also appropriate for foreign journalists working for an American media outlet, traveling to the U.S. to report on U.S. events solely for a foreign audience.

Fiancé and Fiancées (K)

Please visit: http://iraq.usembassy.gov/iraq/immigrant_visas.html

Temporary Religious Workers (R)

For individuals who will work in the U.S. temporarily in a religious capacity. Applicants must qualify as a religious worker and have an approved Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Alien Worker, approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before applying for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.