Let’s start with this simple question : What is a Visa?

A foreign national who wish to study, work or reside in another country would normally require a document called Visa. It is typically a stamp that is placed in your passport.

There are several types of visa. In order to study, live for short time or long time or to work in America, you have to get correct type of USA visa approval and stamping  in the passport.

If you are already in the U.S.A. then you need valid I-94 form, which confirm your legal period of stay.

If you are outside U.S.A. and planning to come to America, then you need to get the appropriate types of visa.

USA Visa

We are going to focus on following  types of USA visa here in the blog

Here’s a path taken by a student who plans to Study in USA would follow

  • Get admission to attend university in USA
  • Apply and get F1 Visa to Study in USA
  • After completing the Degree, apply for Work Authorization Document – EAD via OPT.
  • Then Employer would apply for H1B Visa.
  • H1B visa is issued for Maximum term of 6 years.
  • Employer would then start Green Card Process
  • Green Card Process based on Employment Category can take anywhere from 1 year to several years.

For workers who come directly to work in U.S.A. via H1B visa would take the following path

  • Then Employer would apply for H1B Visa Petition with USCIS.
  • After approval, Employer ( and his family) would have to attend H1B Visa interview and get visa approval
  • Then  travel to USA on H1B Visa.
  • H1B visa is issued for Maximum term of 6 years.
  • Before the end of 6 years, employer would start Green Card Process
  • Green Card Process based on Employment Category can take anywhere from 1 year to several years.
  • Dependents of H1B worker would come to USA on H4 Visa.

Certain H4 Visa holders are now eligible to apply for EAD – Work Authorization. That would enable spouses of Primary H1B Visa applicant to work legally in the United States.