Types of Non-Immigrant Visas

Types of Non-Immigrant Visas

A non-immigrant is a foreign national seeking to enter the United States temporarily for a specific purpose. Non-immigrants enter the U.S. for a temporary period of time, and once in the U.S. are restricted to the activity or reason for which their visa was issued (i.e. student, visitor, worker). They may have more than one type of non-immigrant visa, but are admitted in only one status.

Below is a list of the most common visa categories and links to detailed information about each category. A complete list of visa categories may be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website (www.uscis.gov).  

• Tourist/Business Visa: The most common reason for travel to the U.S. is for business or pleasure. This travel is associated with a B1/B2 visa.  Please review the application instructions for information about applying for a B1/B2 visa in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Student Visa: Non-immigrants that intend to go to the U.S. to study or for long-term training should apply for an F or M visa. Please review the application instructions for more information about applying for a student visa in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Exchange Visitor Visa:  Exchange program participants usually a J visa. Please review the application instructions for information about applying for an exchange visitor visa in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Information Media Visa: Members of the media who intend to report on events while in the U.S. are required to have an I visa.
• Temporary Worker Visa: Applicants intending to work temporarily in the U.S. may need a petition-based H1 or H2 visa. Please review the application instructions for information about applying for a temporary worker visa in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Intra-company Transfer Visa: Intra-company transferees will need a petition-based L visa.  Please review the application instructions for information about applying for an intra-company transfer visa in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Performer/Athlete/Entertainer Visa: Entertainers or athletes that wish to perform or compete in the U.S. may need a petition-based P visa. Please review the application instructions for information about applying for a P visa in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Treat Trader or Investor Visas: Treaty traders or investors wishing to do business in the U.S. may need an E visa. Please review the application instructions for information about applying for an E Visa in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Crewmember Visa: Crewmembers arriving on or departing the U.S. on a vessal will need a D or C1/D visa.  Please review the application instructions for information about applying for a crewmember visa in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Transit Visa: Individuals needing to transit the United States en route to another country may apply for a transit or C visa. Please review the application instructions for information about applying for a crewmember visa in Trinidad and Tobago.