Guides to Obtaining Visas

Visa

Guides to Obtaining Visas

A visa is obtained from the U.S. Consulate in the country where the foreign national resides. To obtain a visa, you begin by filling out the appropriate form for the type of visa you need: immigration, student, work, or business. You will also need supporting documentation, which will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. These guides will assist you in figuring out what type of visa you need, and how to get it.

Next: Family Based Visas

Legal Guides

Processing an Immigrant Visa Through the National Visa Center

Written by attorney David Stoller.

This legal guidewill describe the process of applying for an immigrant visa through a US Consular Office. This process is used by foreign nationals to obtain the issuance of a visa (usually through... more
How to Change Your Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Visa Status (COS)

Written by attorney Rachel Hersh.

The COS Basics. Non-immigrant visa holders in valid (unexpired and qualifying) visa status may, in certain circumstances, stay in the United States for a different non-immigrant purpose than the one... more
How to Apply for an Immigration Visa

Written by attorney Carl Shusterman. STAFF PICK

If you are a foreign citizen who wants to immigrate to and live in the U.S., you must first get an immigration visa. Specific immigration laws and procedures must be followed during the immigration... more
How to Get an E-2 Visa for Treaty Investors

Written by attorney Eli Kantor.

What is the Minimum Amount That Must Be Invested?. There is no minimum amount, but generally speaking, $150,000 invested in the US is considered enough, when changing from other visas to an E2 visa... more
How to Obtain a TN Visa

Written by attorney Eli Kantor.

No Annual Cap. There is no annual limit on the number of TN admissions to the United States. A single individual may enter the United States in TN status multiple times per year.
How To Get a Temporary Work Visa

Written by attorney Carl Shusterman.

For those who wish to work temporarily in the United States, there are a number of different work visas you can apply for. You will need a specific visa based on the type of work you will be... more
U.S. Student Visa: How to Obtain an F-1 Visa to Study in the United States

Written by attorney Peter Loughlin. STAFF PICK

U.S. Student Visa ProcessMany international students give up their dreams of obtaining a U.S. student visa and studying at an American university simply because they dont understand the application... more
How to Obtain a B-2 Travel Visitor Visa

Written by attorney Carl Shusterman. STAFF PICK

Travel Visitor Visa For citizens of foreign countries attempting to enter the United States as temporary visitors for pleasure, it is generally required that they obtain a B-2, or "visitor" visa.... more
How To Get a K-1 Visa (Non-Immigrant Fiance)

Written by attorney Todd Gallinger.

The K-1 visa is the most effective method for bringing an alien fiance to the United States. A U.S. citizen may bring their fiance to the U.S. by filing a petition with the USCIS. When the fiance... more
How To Get a K-3 and K-4 Visa (Non-Immgrant Spouse and Child)

Written by attorney Todd Gallinger.

How To Get a K-3 and K-4 Visa ?. The Legal Immigration Family Equity Act and its amendments (LIFE Act) established a new nonimmigrant category to allow the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen to be... more