Visas for foreign nationals who do not intend to reside permanently in the United States are referred to as nonimmigrant visas. There are many different types of nonimmigrant visas available depending on the reason for the foreign national’s stay in the United States.

The Allott Immigration Law Firm helps clients to determine which nonimmigrant visa is best suited for their needs. Our attorneys not only assist with the initial application process, including consular processing, but once the visa is granted we continuously monitor for any necessary extensions. 

A comprehensive list of all the available nonimmigrant visas can be downloaded from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website, however the following are some of the more commonly used nonimmigrant visas:

E visas are designed for treaty traders. The foreign national must be coming to the United States under a treat of commerce and navigation that is in effect between the United States and the foreign national’s country. While in the United States, the foreign national must carry on substantial trade between the United States and his or her country or must develop a business in which he or she has invested substantial capital.

New York Times article: 05-28-2010 "Maine Business Is Shut Without a Renewed Visa"

VISA	Initial Stay	Extension of Stay
E-1	Two (2) years	Up to 2 years per extension. No maximum number of extensions, with some exceptions.
E-2	Two (2) years	Up to 2 years per extension. No maximum number of extensions, with some exceptions.

E-3 Visas

Established by the REAL ID Act of 2005, the E-2 nonimmigrant classification allows for the admission of a temporary worker who is a national of Australia and is entering the U.S. to perform services in a “specialty occupation.” Nonimmigrant aliens who are already legally present in the United States may apply to change their status. There is a yearly cap of 10,500 new E-3 workers.

To qualify, an alien must be an Australian national who is seeking employment in a specialty occupation requiring possession of a bachelor’s degree or higher (or its equivalent), and possess the appropriate degree (or its equivalent) in the filed in which the alien wishes to work. E-3 nonimmigrant status is initially granted for a period of no more than two years, however extension of stay may be granted indefinitely in increments not to exceed two years.

A dependant of an E-3 worker may apply for and receive employment authorization. The application for an individual that is present in Australia can be filed directly at the Embassy, a change of status is filed at the USCIS office on the United States. All supporting documentation is required, and the visa office has indicated that the DOL will not accept fax or e-mail versions of the ETA 9035. It must be mailed to the DOL and certified prior to submission.

H visas are temporary work visas and are divided into multiple categories. H-1B visas are appropriate for workers in a specialty occupation. H-2B visas are for skilled and unskilled workers performing temporary or seasonal work. Either an H-1B or H-2B may be sought after the labor certification process has established that no United States workers are available for the position.

J visas are reserved for foreign nationals on an exchange visitor program. This can include trainees, certain students, teachers, scholars, and au pairs. The exchange program must be a program that has been designated by the department of state.

L visas are limited to foreign nationals who have worked for a company outside the United States for at least one year and whom the company wishes to bring to the United States temporarily to work in a managerial capacity or to provide specialized knowledge. Such foreign nationals are often referred to as intracompany transferees.

O Visas are for persons of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics. The applicant must show that he or she has received consistent national or international acclaim.

P Visas are suited to entertainers and athletes who are internationally recognized and who wish to come temporarily to the United States to perform.