Temporary VISAS
VISAS TO THE USA FOR NON-IMMIGRANT PURPOSES
As the name suggests, temporary visas only grant the right to travel to the United States for a specific purpos and period of time. Temporary visas do not grant any immigration rights or benefits and should be used for tourism travel, study, exchange, artistic performances, media or religious work, temporary work and a number of other categories.
Many temporary visas require complex documentation, especially those that require a work petition. In these cases, it is always recommended to rely on the services of an immigration law firm to prepare and monitor your visa petition with the American authorities. AG is able to handle all types of temporary visas and can provide you with the necessary legal advice and assistance.
KNOW THE MANY TYPES OF TEMPORARY VISAS:
B1/B2 (TOURISM AND/OR BUSINESS)
This visa is the combination of B1 (business) and B2 (tourism), and can be used for one or both purposes to the United States. To qualify for a B1/B2 the applicant needs to prove in an interview with a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that he/she has no intention of becoming an illegal immigrant in the U.S.
F1 (STUDENT VISA)
This visa is for several types of study programs, such as English, undergraduate and master’s degree courses. The chosen U.S. Educational Institution must issue a form called I-20, where they confirm student acceptance and report basic program data to the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the consular officer at the time of the visa interview.
J1 (EXCHANGE VISA)
The J1 visa covers numerous exchange programs, such as au pair, summer work and travel, research, trainee, among others. Entities carrying out these exchange programs must issue a form called DS-2019, where they confirm the beneficiary’s acceptance and inform details of the exchange program. Beneficiaries of exchange visas have the right to bring their spouses and children under 21 years as their dependents, under J-2 visas.
I (MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES)
I visas are intended for press or media professionals. To be considered for these visas, professionals must have an employment contract or similar document issued by a company justifying the need for their assignments during travel to the United States. In general, this visa is used by reporters and other media professionals to cover events by foreign media.
P (PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES OR ARTISTS)
P visas are intended for athletes with the purpose of being part of a professional team in the United States to engage in professional competitions. Coaches of these athletes are also eligible for this classification. The P visa can also be used by artists who intend to travel to the U.S. for artistic performances, music recordings or other types of records of their art. A P visa must be requested by a U.S. petitioner or an agent, who must detail the terms of work or event itinerary.
O (INDIVIDUALS WITH EXCEPTIONAL SKILLS IN TEMPORARY TRAVEL)
O visas are aimed at individuals with exceptional skills in the fields of science, education, sports, arts, business, among others, considered “top of the field” in their professional segment, and who intend to travel to the U.S. for a certain period of time. This visa requires a petitioner in the U.S. who must provide an employment contract detailing the terms of employment or event itinerary.
H-1B (SKILLED WORKERS)
This visa is intended for skilled workers. In addition to needing a specialized qualification in his/her professional area, the applicant will need a “sponsor” in the United States who acts as a visa petitioner. The H-1B process begins in the United States, through an I-129 petition that explains to the U.S. government the reasons why that specific vacancy should be filled temporarily by the foreign worker and not by a local worker.
L-1 (INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER OF MANAGERS AND EXECUTIVES)
The L-1 visa is a temporary work visa for managers and executives on international company transfers. This visa is divided into L-1A (Managers) and L-1B (Executives). In general, this transfer happens between affiliated companies or subsidiaries. It is necessary to prove the relationship between the two companies in addition to proof of the commercial capacity of the company in the U.S. to bring and maintain the foreign worker to the country for the specified period of time.
R-1 (RELIGIOUS WORKERS)
The R-1 is a visa for religious workers who wish to work temporarily in the United States for various religious organizations in different religious occupations. These organizations must be non-profit or tax exempt. (Learn more)
WE TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEMPORARY VISA
Are you interested in working or studying in the USA and do you identify yourself with any of the temporary visa profiles described above? Then get in touch with our team. At AG Immigration, your dream is our goal!