visa

Aliens and certain employees of a qualifying entity may obtain E-1 visas to enter the United States to carry on "substantial trade" between the U.S. and the country of which they are nationals or citizens.

An alien having residence in a foreign country which he or she has no intention of abandoning, who is a bona fide student qualified to pursue a full course of study at an established college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school or other academic institution or in a language program in the U.S. may enter in F-1 status.

These visas can be used by a U.S. company or organization to bring specialists to work in a position ( temporary or permanent) to the U.S. who meet the requirements. Generally the applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree in the field of their endeavors coupled with theoretical and practical experience as well. Generally these visas are initially granted for 3 years and renewable for another three years. Spouses and children under 21 years of age are given approval upon approval of the main applicant.

The "intracompany transferee" visa allows organizations with operations abroad to transfer certain of their personnel to the United States temporarily, even if jobs they fill are not temporary. The bemeficiary's spouse and children under 21 are automatically approved with the beneficiary.

Aliens who have extraordinary merit and ability in the sciences, education, art, business, television, film, or athletics are eligible for this visa.

This category applies to certain performing artists and athletes. Internationally recognized entertainers and athletes, reciprocal exchage artists and entertainers, culturally unique artists and entertainers, and family members of P visa holders.

This relatively new visa is available to ministers of religion, profesisonal workers in religious vocations and occupations, and other religious personnel who work for a religious non profit organization or entity. Spouses and children may also enter this category.