For settlers in America (people travelling to USA), there are various Visa options available, based on our intent to visit America.
As available on the official U.S Department of State website, following are the visa categories.
1) Visa classes: B1/B2 (Visitor) :
The basic Business visa is the B-1 for temporary visitors going for business. The B-2 is for temporary visitors for pleasure/tourism. Most business visitors are usually given B-1/B-2 to allow them to enter as tourists as well.
2) Visa classes: H and L (Employment) :
Many people come on temporary work visas, such as H1B or L1 to work and settle in America (USA). It requires sponsorship from the employer to get this visa.
3) Visa classes: F and M (Student) :
If you want to study in USA, then you need to file under this category. The "F" visa is for pursuing academic studies and/or language training programs, and the "M" visa is for non-academic or vocational studies.
4) Visa class: J (Exchange Visitor) :
The "J" exchange visitor program is designed to promote the interchange of persons, knowledge and skills in the fields of education, arts and sciences. Participants include students at all academic levels trainees obtaining on-the-job training with firms, institutions and agencies. Teachers of primary, secondary and specialized schools, professors coming to teach or do research at institutions of higher learning; research scholars; professional trainees in the medical and allied fields and international visitors coming for the purpose of travelling, observing, consulting, conducting research, training, sharing or demonstrating specialized knowledge or skills or participating in organized people-to-people programs.
5) Visa classes: C1 (Transit) and C1/D (Ship Crew) :
If you are planning to simply transit through the USA on the way to a third country, you must apply for a transit (C1) visa and present evidence of onward travel (air ticket) and valid entry authorization (visa) for your desired final destination.
6) Visa class : H4 (Non working/ Dependent visa) :
Mostly spouses and children of immigrant on H1B visa, fall in this category of H4 visa. They are not allowed to work on this visa, as they are dependents on the immigrant on H1B visa. But its not entirely true. There are couple of options online available by which these spouses can earn money online.
Useful links to visit related to getting visa information :
# USCIS
# VFS Global
# U.S Department of State
