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Types of Visas

Nonimmigrant Visa

Visitors to the United States require nonimmigrant visas.  The type of visa you need depends on your purpose of travel.  Unless specifically noted, all nonimmigrant visa applicants follow the same application process. 

If you plan to permanently relocate to the United States, please visit the Immigrant Visas section. 

Business and Tourism
B1/B2 visas are for visiting family, taking a holiday, seeking medical treatment or participating in short-term business activities like meetings and conferences. 

Working in the United States
If you are traveling for petition-based work in the United States on an H-1B or L visa, read this section.

Students and Exchange Visitors
If you are attending school, participating in student or faculty exchange programs, or performing research scholarship, you will need an F, M or J visa.

Crew Members for Airlines and Ships
If you are working aboard a plane or ship bound for the United States, you will need a C1/D visa.

Performers, Entertainers and Athletes
P visas are for those traveling to give culturally unique performances in the United States. 

Official and Diplomatic Travel
Diplomats and members of some international organizations qualify for A, G, or C visas.  

Other Visa Categories
Information on E3, I, H3, K, O, R, Q, V visas.

More information on all types of visas is available at the U.S Department of State website.

Not from India or Bhutan?
Some third country nationals (Non-Indian or Bhutanese citizens) may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). 

Important Announcement

  • Blanket L Visa processing to move to the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai on December 1, 2011.

    The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai will become the sole acceptance center in India for all applications for intra-company transfers under the blanket L category as of December 1, 2011.  The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and U.S. Consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad will no longer accept or process applications for this visa category.  The blanket L category includes specialized knowledge professionals, executives and managers.

    All other visa processing procedures remain unchanged.

    Please note that spouse and children visas (L2) and individual L visas (L1B and L1A individuals) may be processed at all posts in India—Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

    Please note that this is strictly an administrative change.  It is not a change in the law or policy of visas for Indian companies.  

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

  • Summer Work and Travel 2010
    This international program allows university students to experience life in the United States by working for  up to four months. 
    Read more here.