All U.S. Visa Types

Comprehensive guide to every major U.S. visa category.

Work Visas

Work Visa

H-1B

Specialty occupation workers in tech, engineering, finance. Requires employer sponsor.

3-6 months
Details
Work Visa

O-1A

Extraordinary ability in science, tech, business, education. No lottery.

2-5 months
Details
Work Visa

O-1B

Extraordinary achievement in arts, entertainment, sports.

2-5 months
Details
Work Visa

L-1A/B

Intracompany transferee — managers/executives (L-1A) or specialized knowledge (L-1B).

2-4 months
Details
Work Visa

TN

USMCA professional visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens.

Days-weeks
Details
Work Visa

E-3

Australian specialty occupation workers. Similar to H-1B but for Australians.

2-4 months
Details

Employment-Based Green Cards

Green Card

EB-1A

Extraordinary ability — no employer required, no PERM, highest EB priority.

1-2 years
Details
Green Card

EB-1B

Outstanding researcher or professor — employer required, no PERM.

1-2 years
Details
Green Card

EB-1C

Multinational manager or executive — from L-1A to permanent residency.

1-2 years
Details
Green Card

EB-2 NIW

National Interest Waiver — self-petition for advanced degree professionals.

1-3 years
Details
Green Card

EB-3

Skilled workers, professionals, or other workers with employer sponsor + PERM.

2-5+ years
Details
Green Card

EB-5

Investor visa — $800K-$1.05M investment, create 10 U.S. jobs.

2-4 years
Details

Family-Based Visas

Family

K-1 Fiancé Visa

For the fiancé of a U.S. citizen. Must marry within 90 days of entry.

6-12 months
Family

CR-1/IR-1 Spouse Visa

Immigrant visa for spouses of U.S. citizens. IR-1 if married 2+ years.

12-24 months

Student & Exchange Visas

Student

F-1

Full-time student at SEVP-approved institution. OPT and STEM OPT available.

3-8 weeks
Student

OPT

Optional Practical Training — 12 months post-graduation work authorization.

3-5 months
Student

STEM OPT

24-month extension for STEM graduates on OPT. Popular for H-1B pathway.

3-5 months
Student

J-1

Exchange visitor visa for students, researchers, au pairs, and more.

3-8 weeks

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Frequently Asked Questions

What visa categories are covered?

The page introduces common U.S. visa categories and when they may apply.

Can I switch from a visa to a green card later?

In some situations, yes, but strategy depends on your status and long-term goals.

How do I choose the right visa?

The quiz and consultation options can help narrow down the right path.

FAQ

Common Questions

Review related SmartUSVisa guides, then contact Finberg Firm if you want legal help.

How can SmartUSVisa help me choose an immigration path?

SmartUSVisa organizes visa, green card, and citizenship guides so readers can compare options before contacting Finberg Firm for legal help.

Does reading these pages create an attorney-client relationship?

No. The content is general information only. You should contact Finberg Firm directly for legal advice about your case.

What should I do after reading the guide?

Review the related pages linked below, then contact Finberg Firm if you want an attorney to review your immigration strategy.

Related Guides

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