US Expats’ Visa Guide: Find the Best Option for You!

US Expats’ Visa Guide: Find the Best Option for You!

April 2, 2025 SEO Manager

Are you deciding to relocate to America? Whether a better job awaits you, your dream school is nearby, or you must apply for the right visa. Navigating US visa rules may be overwhelming, but don’t worry! The BudgetAirfares guide will help direct you to the right visa for your needs. Get the best visa option and know about exclusive Travel Deals from USA to INDIA for a hassle-free journey!

Understanding US Visas: Temporary vs. Permanent

Visas for entry into the United States can be classified into two wider categories:

Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-Immigrant Visas primarily apply to those making short visits. Examples include:

B-1/B-2 Visa – Tourism and/or business.

F-1 Visa – For students.

H-1B for skilled workers.

L-1 Intra-company transfer.

O Extraordinary ability.

Immigrant Visas

Immigrant Visas have Permanent Residency.

These visas pave the way to long-term stay with the possibility of citizenship in future.

K-1 Visa – unmarried partners or fiancés of citizens of the United States.

IR-1/CR-1 Visa – provision for other married spouses of US citizens.

EB-1 Visa – those who belong to the highest-level professionals.

EB-2/EB-3 Visa – Skilled workers.

EB-5 Visa – Investors.

Expats Visa Requirements

Visa B-1/B-2 (Business and Tourism)

B-1: For business meetings, contracts, or professional events.

B-2: For tourism, family visits, or medical treatments.

Timings: It is valid up to six months, with a possible extension.

Work Restrictions: Employment is prohibited.

Application: Fill out Form DS-160, schedule an interview, and provide proof of funds for the stay.

F-1 Visa (Student visa): These are granted to foreign students who come to the US for study purposes.

They permit students to work on campus, apply for jobs and an optional Practical training. They are valid for the duration of the study program.

Application Procedure: Obtain an I-20 Form from a particular university, pay the fee for SEVIS, and attend an interview. After your visa is approved, you can search USA to India flight ticket booking at our reliable travel platform Bugetairfares.com.

H-1B Visa (Work Visa)

Any professional in IT, finance, engineering, medicine, etc.

The employer will have to sponsor.

The visa is valid initially for three years and can be extended up to six years.

The application process involves the employer filing an H-1B petition, lottery selection, and a visa interview.

Transfer of personnel within a company to a branch in the United States.

L-1A Visa: For executives and managers (valid for seven years).

L-1B Visa: For employees with special knowledge (valid for five years).

Application Process: Employers file Form I-129, followed by an interview.

O Visa (Exceptional Talent)

For professionals whose art, science, education, business, or athletics shine above the others.

The applicants must demonstrate evidence of distinction concerning awards or achievements.

Valid for: Three years, initially, extendable by one-year increments.

Application Process: Submit Form I-129 with evidence of achievements and sponsorship from a US employer.

Also, it would be to submit materials such as Form I-129, with evidence of achievements and sponsorship from the employer in the US.

K-1 Visa (Fiancé Visa)

For those engaged to US citizens

The couple must marry within 90 days following entry and may apply for permanent residency.

Work Authorization: A Fiancé can work after obtaining a work permit.

Application Process: A U.S. citizen files Form I-129F, carries out an interview and medical examination.

IR-1/CR-1 Visa ( US Citizen spouse)

An U.S. citizen is eligible for an IR-1 visa when he or she remains legally married for more than two years at the time of application.

CR-1 Visa: Given to couples married for less than two years.

Grant permanent residence.

Filing Procedure: The U.S. citizen brings a Form I-130, which is reviewed during a visa interview.

Employment-based immigration or EB Visas

EB-1 is for persons of extraordinary ability, including scientists, executives, and the like.

EB-2/EB-3 are for foreign nationals who have sufficient experience in any type of skilled occupation with a job offer in the US.

EB-5 is for foreign investors who invest between $800,000-$1,050,000 into the projects in the US that create jobs.

The process would be filing a petition by the employer or investor, followed by an interview and adjustment of status.

Common Challenges and Tips

Processing Time: It can take months or years for certain visas. Plan.

Financial Proof: Need to prove that you can financially support yourself.

Interview Preparation: Answer truthfully and produce all documents requested.

Legal Assistance: Consult an immigration attorney for complicated cases.

Bottom Lines

The right visa certainly makes a lot of difference. Book flight ticket To Cochin from USA after visa approval at Budgetairfares.com now!

 

 

  Recent Posts