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If you are not planning to stay in the United States permanently or you cannot stay permanently, you should apply for a nonimmigrant visa. We prepared the following chart so that you will have a general idea of U.S. nonimmigrant visas. However, this is a very simplified introduction. You should seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney if you need to apply for a visa. Beloq is a summary of all US nonimmigrant visas:
Visa Type Description Notes
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A-1
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Diplomatic Visa
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Issued to professional diplomatic, such as ambassadors, public ministers, career diplomatic, or consular officers, and members of their immediate families.
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A-2
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Diplomatic Visa
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Issued to other foreign government employees and officials as well as their family members.
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A-3
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Diplomatic Visa
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Issued to personal attendants, and servants of persons holding A-1, A-2 visas. This visas are valid for not more than three years and may be extended in increments of not more than two years.
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B-1
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Business Visitors
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Issued to visitors for business purposes. This visa is valid for one year and may be renewable in six month increments. The B-1 visa holders may not accept employment in the U. S. However, theoretically they can adjust to other status.
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B-2
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Tourists (for pleasure)
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Issues to visitors for pleasure. This visa is valid for one year and may be renewable in six month increments. The B-1 visa holders may not accept employment in the U. S. However, theoretically they can adjust to other status.
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C-1
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Visitors in Transit
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For continuous travel through the U.S.
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C-2
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Visitors in Transit
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For persons who have a right of transit to the United Nations. Valid for 29 days maximum; non renewable. The holders may not adjust their status to any other nonimmigrant visas nor seek employment in the U.S.
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C-3
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Visitors in Transit
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For foreign government officials in transit. Valid for 29 days maximum; non renewable. The holders may not adjust their status to any other nonimmigrant visas nor seek employment in the U.S.
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D-1
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Crew Members
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Issued to the employees remaining with their vessel. This visa is valid for a maximum of 29 days and are nonrenewable. The holders are not allowed to change or adjust their status to any other visa.
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D-2
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Crew Members
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Issued to the employees working for other vessels. This visa is valid for a maximum of 29 days and are nonrenewable. The holders are not allowed to change or adjust their status to any other visa.
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E-1
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Treaty Traders
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Issued to the nationals or citizens of country having treaty with US. The visa is generally issued for a 5 year period. But the duration of stay of each entry is two years. Extensions may be obtained for up to two years at a time. In fact, traders can remain in the United States indefinitely as long as they maintain their eligibility and treaty status. Spouse and unmarried minor children may enter under the same visa category but without work permit.
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E-2
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Treaty Investors
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Issued to the nationals or citizens of country having investment treaty with the United States. The visa is generally issued for a 5 year period. But the duration of stay of each entry is two years. Extensions may be obtained for up to two years at a time. In fact, treaty investors can remain in the United States indefinitely as long as they maintain their eligibility and treaty status. Spouse and unmarried minor children may enter under the same visa category but without work permit.
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E-3
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Work visa for Australian Citizens
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A new visa for Australian nationals to work in specialty occupations in the U.S. Please read E-3 Visa FAQs.
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E-3D
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Visa for E-3 Dependents
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E-3 spouses are entitled to work in the United States and may apply for an Employment Authorization Document. Stay in the US does not exceed 24 months.
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F-1
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Academic Students
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Issued to full time students. The visa is good for the period necessary for the holder to complete the program. Generally cannot work off campus without permit. Read More.
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F-2
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Student's Family Members
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Student's wife and minor children. They cannot seek employment but can change to other status.
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G-1
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Foreign Representatives to Int'l Organizations
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Issued to the chief representatives of foreign governments to international organizations located in the United States. Their family members are issued the same visa. The visa is valid for one year and renewable. They cannot work outside the organization without work permit.
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G-2
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Foreign Representatives to Int'l Organizations
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Issued to the other representatives of foreign governments to international organizations located in the United States. Their family members are issued the same visa. The visa is valid for one year and renewable. They cannot work outside the organization without work permit.
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G-3
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Foreign Representatives to Int'l Organizations
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Issued to the representatives of foreign governments not yet recognized by the U.S. and their family members to the international organizations. Other restrictions are basically same as above G visa's.
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G-4
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Employees of Int'l Organizations
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For officers and employees of international organizations and their family members. The visa is good for one year and renewable. Their family members can seek employment.
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G-5
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Employees of Above G Visa Holders
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Issued to the servants, personal employees of above G visa holders.
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H-1B
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Specialty Occupation Professionals
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An US employer must file petition for the professionals. A visa is approved for an initial period of up to three years. The maximum term of an H-1B visa is six years, including extensions. The holders cannot work for other employers without having other employers to file new petitions but they can adjust to other status. In the event that the employer terminates the employment of the alien professionals prior to expiration of the visa, the employer is responsible for providing return transportation of the alien professional to his or her last place of foreign residence. This is most commonly used work visa for these foreigners who have found a job in the US for the position that requires at least a Bachelor's degree. Contact Xielaw if you have a job offer from a US employer to get your case started.
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H-1B1
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H-1B for Singaporeans or Chileans
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Initial validity period for one year, can be extended. No immigrant intent allowed.
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H-1B
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Specialty Occupation Professionals
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An US employer must file petition for the professionals. A visa is approved for an initial period of up to three years. The maximum term of an H-1B visa is six years, including extensions. The holders cannot work for other employers without having other employers to file new petitions but they can adjust to other status. In the event that the employer terminates the employment of the alien professionals prior to expiration of the visa, the employer is responsible for providing return transportation of the alien professional to his or her last place of foreign residence. This is most commonly used work visa for these foreigners who have found a job in the US for the position that requires at least a Bachelor's degree. Contact Xielaw if you have a job offer from a US employer to get your case started.
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H-2A
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Temporary Agricultural Workers
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Issued to aliens coming to the U.S. to perform agricultural work of a temporary or seasonal nature. The visa is granted for the validity of the labor certification, or for an initial period of up to one year, not exceeding three years. The holders can change status.
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H-2B
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Temporary Workers
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Issued to other nonagricultural workers, like athletes or those in performing arts who have not yet achieved international reputation and skilled workers in crafts and trades who are able to perform tasks for which no U.S. workers are available. he visa is granted for the validity of the labor certification, or for an initial period of up to one year, not exceeding three years. The holders can change status.
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H-3
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Trainees
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Issued to trainees coming to the U.S. to receive training from an employer in any field other than graduate education or training. The visa may be valid for a period of up to two years. The holders can change status.
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H-4
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Family Members of H Visa Holders
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They can stay as long as the H visa holders. The spouse and minor children cannot accept employment, but can change status.
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I
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Journalists
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For journalists of foreign news media.
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J-1
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Exchange Visitors
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For participants of exchange programs, including students, scholars, professors, researchers, and au pairs, etc. The visa is valid for the length of time the program requires, up to 18 months without no renewal. The holders are generally subject to two year residence unless a waiver is obtained. The holders can apply for work permit.
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J-2
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Family Members of J-1
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Same restrictions as above. They can work for the purpose of supporting themselves, not to support the J-1 holders.
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K-1
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Fiance(e) of U.S. Citizens
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Valid for 90 days. They must get married within 90 days and apply for permanent residence. The holders cannot apply for extension or change status.
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K-2
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Minor Children of Fiance(e)
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The duration of stay depends on K-1 holder's visa.
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L-1A
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Int'l Company Transferees
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Issued to an executive, manager with at least one year of previous foreign management experience with that foreign company. For a brand new company, the visa is valid for one year. For business that have already existed for a year or longer, the visa is valid for three year with a renewal of up to seven years for an executive or manager.
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L-1B
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Int'l Company Transferees
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Issued to an employee with specialized knowledge with at least one year of previous foreign experience with that foreign company. The visa is valid for three years with two-year extension for a total of up to five years for an employee with specialized knowledge.
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L-2
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L Holder's Family Members
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They have the same length of stay as L holders. They cannot accept employment in the U.S.
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M-1
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Nonacademic Students
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Issued to those who temporarily study or receive training at a nonacademic institution. The visa is valid for the period necessary to complete the study, generally 18 months, and can be extended up to one year.
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M-2
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Family Members of M-1
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Can stay as long as M-1 holders but cannot work in the U.S.
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G-4's Relatives
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Issued to some relatives of employees of international organizations, such as parents or children. The visa is valid for three years and can be extended for another three years.
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O-1
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Persons of Extraordinary Ability
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Issued to aliens of extraordinary ability in the arts, athletics, sciences, education, business, or the motion pictures or television industry who are coming to the U.S. to perform temporary services relating to an event. The visa is valid for the period necessary to complete the event or activity, but may not exceed three years.
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O-2
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Accompanying Assistants to O-1 Holders
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The restrictions on O-1 visa apply.
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O-3
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Family Members of O-1 and O-2
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They may not seek employment in the U.S. while on an O-3 visa. They may change status.
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P-1
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Athlete or Recognized Entertainment Group
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Issued to an alien who is coming to the U.S. to perform as an internationally recognized athlete or member of an internationally recognized athlete or entertainment group. For an individual, the visa may be granted initially for up to five years. Extensions may be granted for a total of stay not exceeding ten years. For an athletic team or entertainment group, the visa may be valid for the period of time necessary to complete the competition or event, but may be extended in one year increments.
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P-2
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Artists or Entertainers in Reciprocal Program
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Issued to artists or entertainers who come to perform, individually or as a group, under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the U.S. and an organization in another country. The visa may be valid for the period necessary to complete the event, activity or performance and can be extended.
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P-3
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Artists or Entertainers in Culturally Unique Program
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Issued to artists or entertainers who come to perform, individually or as a group, culturally unique program to further the understanding or development of the unique cultural form. The holders must be sponsored by educational, cultural or governmental organizations which promote international cultural activities and exchange. The duration of stay is same as P-2.
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P-4
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Family of P Visa Holders
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The spouse and unmarried minor children are entitled to the same period of admission and restrictions as the principal holders. They cannot seek employment on P-4 visa.
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Q-1
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International Cultural Exchange Participants
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The duration of stay cannot exceed 15 months.
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Q-2
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Family Members of Q-1
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They are subject to the same restrictions as Q-1. They cannot seek employment.
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R-1
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Religious Workers
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Issued to persons who have been full time religious workers for at least two years before applying and is coming temporarily to work for a nonprofit religious organization in the U.S. The visa is generally valid for three years with an extension in increments of up to two years.
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R-2
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Family Members of R-1
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They are subject to the same period of stay as the principal R holders, and may not be employed in the U.S. on a R visa.
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S-1
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Informant in Criminal Investigation
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The duration of stay will depend on the need of the investigation. The holder cannot change status.
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S-2
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Informant in Espionage Case
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The duration of stay will depend on the need of the investigation. The holder cannot change status.
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S-3
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Family Members of S Holders
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Same as above S holders
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TN
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North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
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A visa issued, according to the North American Free Trade Agreement, to Canadian citizens and Mexican citizens. The terms of the visa are slightly different for the Mexican applicants from the Canadian applicants.
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TD
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Family Members of TN Holders
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They are entitled to the same visa classification and the same length of stay as the TN holder, but they cannot accept employment.
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Above brief introduction are educational and informational. If you need further information on a specific nonimmigrant visa category, please contact Xie Law Offices, LLC. for more information.
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