Non-Immigrant visas include those for positions requiring persons with professional credentials, intra-company transferee executives, managers and specialized personnel, persons with extraordinary ability, athletes and entertainers, nurses, religious workers and prominent business persons.

The B-1 visa is used by visitors to the U.S. for business purposes. This visa does not give the holder employment authorization and does not allow the holder to receive a salary or other compensation.

The L-1 visa is used by people working for multi-national companies who are entering the U.S. temporarily to work in a capacity that is managerial, executive or involving specialized knowledge.

The TN visa was created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The TN visa is given to Canadian and Mexican merchants and investors who may be allowed to temporarily enter the U.S. if these individuals are interested in: (1) the transfer of goods and services between Mexico/ Canada and the U.S. or (2) accepting positions as executives or specialized supervisors to establish offices, develop business ventures, administrate, or provide consultation concerning technical services necessary to make an investment in the U.S. Another TN visa is provided for Mexican or Canadian businessmen who want to enter the U.S. on a temporary basis to: (1) conduct business inquiries, (2) accept purchase orders, (3) deliver products, (4) comply with service warranty or (5) conduct professional level activities.

The H-1B visa is issued to foreign workers in "specialty occupations" whose services are temporary or permanent in nature. The employer will file a Labor Condition Application with the U.S. Department of Labor. H-1B visa holders may obtain permission from the INS to work in the U.S. for up to 6 years.

The H-2B visa is issued when there is a temporary need for the foreign worker's skills. The visa is valid for one year at a time with one year extensions not to exceed 3 years total. This visa requires the employer to file an application for temporary labor certification with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Student visas are divided into three types: F-1 for students pursuing academic degrees, M-1 for students enrolled in vocational institutions and J-1 for people involved in special exchange visitor programs.

Click here for Immigrant visas (Permanent Residence/Green Card)