United States: Visas & Residency
Hudson McKenzie’s team of US immigration lawyers in London supports both individuals and businesses with all types of US immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Our team of US immigration solicitors provide guidance tailored to your individual circumstances.
Here is a summary of the primary visa categories:
Non-Immigrant Visas for Short Term
B-1 Business Visitor: For individuals engaging in business activities like meetings or consultations, without staying permanently. Eligible under the Visa Waiver Program unless a visa is specifically required.
B-2 Tourism, Pleasure, or Medical Treatment: For tourists or visitors coming for leisure or medical treatment. Also eligible under the Visa Waiver Program.
F-1 Student Visa: Supports international students who are officially enrolled in U.S. educational institutions.
J-1 Exchange Visitors: For participants in approved exchange programs that foster cultural and educational exchange.
Non-Immigrant Visas for Long Term (Temporary Employment Visas)
H-1B Specialty Occupations: Requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent and is for specialty occupations including tech, fashion, and healthcare.
H-1B1 Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Professional: For Chilean and Singaporean nationals in specialty occupations, requiring higher education but not a petition.
H-2A and H-2B Temporary Workers: For agricultural and non-agricultural work respectively, generally requiring a sponsor and limited to nationals of certain countries.
H-3 Trainee or Special Education Visitor: For non-medical or academic training unavailable in the home country.
L-1 Intra-company Transferees: For managers, executives, or those with specialized knowledge transferring within the same company.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability or Achievement: For individuals with significant contributions to sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, recognized internationally.
P Visas (P-1, P-2, P-3): For athletes, artists, and entertainers participating in specific performances or exchange programs.
Q-1 Cultural Exchange: For participation in international cultural exchange programs that provide an opportunity to share cultural aspects.
EB-1 to EB-5: Covering individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding researchers, multinational executives, skilled and unskilled workers, religious workers, and investors, often requiring a significant U.S. investment or sponsoring employee.
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