US Visas: Which One Do You Need?
We break down the U.S. visa system: who needs a visa and who doesn’t, the differences between non-immigrant and immigrant visas, and how to change your status while already in the country.
You cannot simply fly to the US and stay there; almost everyone needs a visa to enter. The exception is participants in the Visa Waiver Programprimarily citizens of European countries: for short-term trips, the ESTA electronic authorization—often referred to as an "e-visa"—is sufficient for them.
If you are a citizen of Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia, or most other countries, this program does not apply to you, and a visa will be required in any case—whether for a tourist trip or, even more so, for study, work, or permanent relocation.
Next, a brief overview of the U.S. visa system, the available visa types, and how to change status while already in the country.
It all starts with one question: temporary or forever?
Non-immigrant — temporary
They are issued for a specific purpose, such as tourism, study, or contract employment. The expectation is that the individual will not remain in the U.S. permanently but will return home once the authorized period ends. An exception applies to "dual intent" categories (such as H-1B and L-1), which allow holders to simultaneously pursue a Green Card.
Immigration — the path to a green card
The path to permanent residence. Everything centers on a specific category (EB-1, EB-2, etc.), each of which entails its own requirements regarding qualifications, the employer, or investments.
Non-immigrant visas: a brief overview of each
Six main categories that applicants from the CIS most frequently work with.
Tourist and business visas
The most common category. B-2 is for tourism, medical treatment, and visiting relatives; B-1 is for business negotiations, conferences, and signing contracts. Employment is not permitted. It is usually issued for several years with multiple-entry privileges.
More about the B-1/B-2 visaStudent visa
For full-time study at an accredited U.S. educational institution—ranging from language courses to university programs. Requires Form I-20 and proof of financial means. The related M-1 category is for vocational or technical training.
More about the F-1 visaExchange programs
Internships, Au Pair programs, academic exchanges, and visiting lecturers and researchers. Many of these programs entail a requirement to return to one's home country for two years upon completion before becoming eligible for certain other visas or a Green Card.
Learn more about the J-1 visaWork visa for specialists
For employment in a field requiring a higher education degree, provided there is a sponsoring employer. Issued via a lottery based on an annual quota; valid for up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension up to 6 years.
Intra-corporate transfer
For employees transferred by an international company from an overseas office to a U.S. office. L-1A is for executives and managers; L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge. No quotas or lotteries apply.
More about the L-1 visaOutstanding abilities
For individuals with extraordinary achievements in science, business, education, the arts, or athletics (O-1A / O-1B). There is no lottery, but a petitioner and substantial evidence are required. It is often considered alongside the EB-1A as a temporary solution.
Learn more about the O-1 visaFor traders and investors from countries that have a trade agreement with the US. Kazakhstan has such an agreement, whereas Russia and Belarus currently do not.
Simplified work visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens in certain professions.
For athletes and performing artists, for specific performances or competitions.
For religious ministers.
U.S. citizen's fiancé(e) visa.
Immigrant visas
Each category imposes its own requirements—ranging from investments to outstanding abilities.
Priority category
For individuals with extraordinary ability (EB-1A), outstanding professors and researchers (EB-1B), and multinational managers or executives (EB-1C). EB-1A is the only category that allows for self-petitioning, without an employer or the PERM process.
Подробнее о визе EB-1Academic Degree and National Interest
EB-2 is for holders of a master’s degree or higher and requires an employer sponsor and PERM certification. The EB-2 NIW category waives this requirement—neither an employer nor PERM is needed—but the applicant must demonstrate that their work is of significant importance to the national interests of the United States.
Подробнее о EB-2 NIWSkilled workers
For professionals with relevant education (bachelor's degree), skilled workers with at least two years of experience, and other workers. It always requires an employer sponsor and PERM labor certification.
Подробнее о визе EB-3Special immigrants: religious workers and a number of other specific groups.
Investor visa. The threshold is $800,000 for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) and $1,050,000 for others. These amounts were set by a 2022 law, with the next indexation expected in 2027.
Changing status: a different purpose is needed, but you don't want to leave the country.
A common scenario involves a person arriving in the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa and subsequently deciding to stay and enroll in a university. In such a case, it is possible to apply for a change of status without leaving the country or starting the visa application process from scratch—for example, switching from B-2 to F-1 student status, provided an educational institution has been selected and filing deadlines are met.
A separate term worth noting is adjustment of status — a transition not between two temporary visas, but directly from non-immigrant status to a green card, once the employer has already filed an immigrant petition.
- A change of status is possible only between non-immigrant categories for applications filed from within the United States, and it requires that the current status has not yet expired.
- If you entered under the ESTA program (visa-free), you generally cannot change your status from within the U.S.; you must leave the country and obtain a visa through a consulate.
- A change of status is not guaranteed: USCIS evaluates whether the initial intent upon entry was truthful and may deny the request if there are indications of inconsistency with the stated purpose.