The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Immigrant Visa Symbols Unless otherwise stated, the section of law cited refers to the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. Visa Symbol Class Section of Law Immediate Relatives IR-1 Spouse of U.S. citizen 201(b) IR-2 Child of U.S. citizen 201(b) IR-3 Orphan adopted abroad by U.S. citizen 201(b)

In addition to tourism, visits, business, employment, study and exchange, and immigration, there are other reasons for traveling to the United States. These also generally require a visa.

DHS Signs Visa Waiver Program Agreements with Slovakia, Hungary and Lithuania. DHS Signs Visa Waiver Program Agreement with Korea. USCIS Announces a Proposal to Increase Periods of Stay for TN Professional Workers from Canada or Mexico. DHS Proposes Biometric Airport and Seaport Exit Procedures

Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visa Symbols The following symbols were used during Fiscal Year 2000 in issuing visas to immigrants and nonimmigrants proceeding to the United States. Unless otherwise stated, the section of law cited refers to the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. Visa Symbol Class Immigrants Immediate Relatives

The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel. Please visit our Visa Wizard to find out what visa type is appropriate for you. You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions or find out about the Visa Waiver Program.

If you have been married for less than two years when your foreign citizen spouse enters the United States on an immigrant visa, his or her permanent resident status is considered “conditional.” The immigrant visa is a conditional resident (CR) …

Review Visa Denials for answers to questions about visa denials, ineligibility, discussion of several ineligibility examples, overcoming visa ineligibility, reapplying for a visa, and waivers of ineligibility.

Having a U.S. visa allows you to travel to a port of entry, airport or land border crossing, and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector to enter the United States.

If denied a visa, in most cases the applicant is notified of the section of law which applies. Visa applicants are also advised by the consular officer if they may apply for a waiver of their ineligibility. Several of the most common reasons for visa ineligibilities are explained below.