Who Needs Visa for US? 10 Facts
The United States is one of the leading economies in the world and one of the most developed countries around the globe, getting into the country is quite a task if you are not a resident. There are some processes and legal procedures that noncitizens have to go through before being allowed to the country. An essential requirement is the US visa. Visas are there, and they have different types, for various purposes and, depending on your reasons for the visit; you will need to get the appropriate one for yourself before being allowed into the country. RunRex.com has established the following facts that indicate who needs a visa for the US.
1. International students going for studies
The most common group of people that head to the United States every year are students looking to pursue their education in the US. If you are one of them, you will need to get yourself a Students visa. There are two student visa categories available; the F category for students intending to pursue their academics in the country and the M category that meant for vocational students. If one is going to the United States for either of these educational purposes, they need to get the appropriate students visa first.
2. Going for a temporary stay
If you are from any other country other than Canada or one that is under a Visa Waiver Program with the United States, you will need to get a B-1 or B-2 visa for a temporary stay in the country. It is the visa to get when you are invited to visit friends and family in the country or if you are going in to tour the United States. The visa has a maximum lifetime of six months and does not allow the visa holder to engage in any work, businesses of studies while in the country.
3. International Investor program
If you are an investor and looking to invest in the United States, you will need to get yourself the EB-5 Visa. Under this investor program, an eligible investor is required to invest a minimum of $1,000,000 in a new commercial enterprise. Also, their investment is expected to create at least ten full-time jobs for residents of the United States. If you are an investor eyeing the United States market, you need this visa to get going.
4. Transfer of executive or manager
If a company wants to move a manager or an executive of the company from one of its affiliates in other countries, the manager or the executive will require an L-1A visa. This type of visa has stringent eligibility requirements. An executive has to be a high-ranking individual involved in the top company engagements. Anything short of the title description and requirements can lead to denial of the visa petition.
5. Persons with special skills
Individuals with special skills or knowledge require the L-1B visa to get to the United States. The skills or knowledge need to be unique to the company that is looking to take them into the United States. The requirements are, also, strict and one has to prove that they possess unique knowledge or skills.
6. Working in the United States
If you happen to get employed by an employer in the United States, you will need to get yourself a work permit. The work permit proves that the immigration department approves your stay in the country and allows you to work there. Working in the United States without a work permit means you have breached the immigration laws and will lead to deportation back to your country.
7. Getting married to a resident spouse
If you are moving to the United States to get married to your spouse who resides there, you will need to get a K visa. The conditions to be met are that there must be evidence that your spouse can support your comfortable stay in the country and that you must be looking to get married soon.
8. Entertainment and performance
People or groups of people going to the United States for purposes of performance or as a part of an entertainment group require a P-1B Visa. For eligibility, one needs recognition as a performer for a reasonable period. For a group, at least three-quarters of the group must have been together for a reasonable time frame and established a good relationship.
9. Medical treatment
If you are going to the United States for specialized treatment, you will need to get a B Visa. The validity period of the visa depends on the treatment period. Since the B Visa have a maximum validity of 6 months, one can request for an extension in case the treatment period lasts longer.
10. Individuals with extraordinary abilities or achievements
If you have extra ordinary abilities in the fields of art, science, business or athletics or if you have made a significant achievement in either of the fields, you will require an O-1 Visa to get to the United States. With it, you can travel to and from the US freely and even stay with your dependents there.