Daniel Thomann, P.C. - Immigration, International and Civil Law
120 south state street, fourth floor
chicago, illinois 60603-5508
eng: 312.750.1368, esp: 312.750.1369
fax: 888.750.1370
daniel@thomannlaw.com
Chicago Law Firm

Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visas allow companies to employ foreign workers on a temporary basis. This allows individuals to come to the U.S. to work for a set period of time before returning to their home country, or beginning an assignment in a third country. The following chart shows most of the temporary visas that are available, as well as the type of employee they are available for and their period of validity.

A-1 Ambassadors, public ministers, diplomatic or consular officers, and members of their immediate family. Valid for the duration of the visa so long as the alien remains in “status”
A-2 Other foreign government officials or employees and members of their immediate family. Valid for the duration of the visa so long as the alien remains in “status”
A-3 Attendants, servants or personal employees of A-1/A-2 classes, and members of their immediate family. Valid for the duration of the visa so long as the alien remains in “status”
B-1 Temporary visitors for business. Thirty days initially,
6 month extensions.
E-1

Treaty traders, their spouses and children.

2 years initially,
2 year extensions.
E-2 Treaty investors, their spouses and children. 2 years initially,
2 year extensions.
E-3 Australian specialty occupation workers and their spouses and children. 2 years initially,
2 year extensions.
G Representatives of recognized foreign governments, of an international organization, their staff and members of their immediate family. Valid for the duration of the visa so long as the alien remains in “status”
H-1B Specialty occupations in field requiring highly specialized knowledge, fashion models of distinguished merit and ability, or certain services of an exceptional nature in Department of Defense cooperative research and development projects or co-production projects. 3 years initially, up to 3 year extension, 6 years total (additional extensions possible with pending immigrant petition).
H-1B1 Certain nationals of Singapore and Chile in specialty occupations and members of their immediate family. 3 years initially, up to 3 year extension, 6 years total (additional extensions possible with pending immigrant petition).
H-1C Registered nurses in health professional shortage areas. 3 years total,
no extensions.
H-2A Temporary agricultural workers. 1 year initially, 1 year extension, 3 years total.
H-2B Temporary workers performing services unavailable in the United States. 1 year initially, 1 year extension, 3 years total.
H-3 Trainees or special education exchange visitors. Up to 2 years.
I Representatives of foreign media, and their spouses and children. Varies.
J Certain exchange visitors. Varies.
L-1A Executives and managerial and specialized personnel transferring to the United States to continue employment with an international business entity. 3 years initially,
2 year extensions.
L-1B Specialized personnel transferring to the United States to continue employment with an international business entity. 3 years initially,
2 year extensions.
L-2 Spouses and children of L-1A and L-1B. 3 years initially,
2 year extensions.
O Persons of extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics and their immediate relatives. 3 years initially,
1 year extensions.
P Athletes or entertainers and their immediate relatives. Varies.
Q-1 International cultural exchange visitors. Varies.
R Persons in religious occupations and their immediate relatives. 3 years initially, 2 years extension, 5 years total.
TN TN NAFTA worker, subject to occupation list based on individual treaties with Canada and Mexico. 1 year initially,
1 year extensions.

Various visas have various terms and conditions. Some allow immediate relatives to work in the U.S., some do not. Some also carry a requirement that a recipient spend return to his or her home country for a specified time at the conclusion of their stay.

It is important to consult with an attorney when deciding which type of visa is right for your situation. Issues such as whether an alien has “extraordinary ability” or works in a “specialty occupation” can be crucial in the success of a petition. The application process takes several months, but for many of these visas, “Premium Processing” is available. Premium Processing by USCIS means that for an additional fee, the process is expedited by USCIS and a visa could be available in weeks.

The links to the left will provide you with more information about specific areas of the immigration process. We invite you to navigate them, and to contact us for a free initial consultation about your case.