Your guide to student and scholar visas

Exploring study or research opportunities at 无码专区 is exciting, and choosing the right visa is an important first step. Here are the most common student and scholar visa types and their key features, so you can choose the best option to fit your academic or professional journey.

Visa Type Purpose Who Qualifies Key Features
H-1B Specialty Occupations
 Foreign nationals with at least a bachelor's degree in a specialized field
  • Sponsored by U.S. employer
  • Valid up to 6 years
  • Annual cap applies
J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
 Researchers, professors, scholars, and students in approved programs
  • Sponsored by designated organizations
  • May include 2-year home residency requirement
  • Work allowed within program scope
O-1 Extraordinary Ability
 Individuals with exceptional achievements in science, education, or arts
  • Requires proof of national/international acclaim
  • Initial stay up to 3 years, renewable
TN NAFTA Professionals
 Citizens of Canada or Mexico in approved professional roles
  • No annual cap
  • Fast processing
  • Must have job offer in listed profession 
L1 Intracompany Transfers
 Employees of multinational companies transferring to U.S. office
  • Must have worked abroad for 1 year
  • L-1A for managers/executives
  • L-1B for specialized knowledge 
E-2 Treaty Investor
 Nationals of treaty countries investing in U.S. businesses
  • Must invest substantial capital
  • No direct path to residency
  • Renewable indefinitely 
H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Work
 Seasonal or peak-period workers in industries like hospitality or landscaping
  • Employer must prove lack of U.S. workers
  • Annual cap of 66,000 visas
EB-1 Permanent Residency for Extraordinary Ability
 Top-tier professionals, researchers, and executives
  • No job offer required for some categories
  • Direct path to green card 
B-1/B-2 Business/Tourism
 Visitors for short-term business or tourism
  • B-1 allows for occasional academic activities (lectures, conferences, consulting)
  • No employment or salary from U.S.
  • Requires approval from ISSS Office