Visa requirements

United States of America

General visa requirements for travelling to United States of America. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Work / Immigration visa (TN USMCA Professional Visa (Mexican Citizens))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
1095 days
Processing time
Varies by embassy
Fee
$435 USD
Validity
Initial up to 3 years, renewable indefinitely
Entry
Multiple entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Must be citizen of Mexico (not just permanent resident). Must have job offer in one of 60+ professional occupations listed in USMCA Annex 16-A.

    Eligible countries: Mexico

  • Employment

    Must have prearranged full-time or part-time job with US employer. Position must be in USMCA professional occupation list.

    Required status: Job offer in USMCA professional occupation

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 2x2 inches, color, white background.

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: DS-160; Form url: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

  • Degree attestation

    Attesting authority: Relevant to professional occupation; Must be apostilled: No

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain employment contract/letter from US employer, gather proof of Mexican citizenship and professional credentials.

  2. Online application

    Complete DS-160 online visa application.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay TN visa fee $185 and schedule interview. $250 Visa Integrity Fee at issuance.

  4. Interview

    Attend visa interview at US embassy/consulate in Mexico with all documents.

  5. Visa collection

    Collect passport with TN visa if approved.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
1825 days
Processing time
Regular: varies; Premium: 15 days
Fee
$6,800+ USD
Validity
L-1A: up to 7 years; L-1B: up to 5 years
Entry
Multiple entry

Eligibility

  • Employment

    Must have worked for related foreign company (parent, subsidiary, branch, affiliate) for at least 1 continuous year in past 3 years in managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity. Must be coming to US to work for related company.

    Required status: 1 year employment at foreign related company in past 3 years

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within 6 months.

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: DS-160 (after I-129 approval); Form url: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

  • Curriculum vitae

    Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.

  • Company registration

    Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

    Accepted documents: Evidence of qualifying relationship between US and foreign companies (parent, subsidiary, branch, affiliate). Corporate documents, ownership structure.

  • Petition approval notice

    Form number: Form I-129 filed by employer; Must be original: No

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Employer gathers evidence of qualifying relationship between companies, employee's work history, job description for US position.

  2. Fee payment

    Employer files Form I-129 with fees: $1,385 base ($695 small) + $600 asylum fee ($300 small) + optional $2,805 premium + possible $4,500 Public Law 114-113 fee.

  3. Processing wait

    USCIS processes I-129. Premium processing available for 15-day processing.

  4. Online application

    After I-129 approval, complete DS-160 online.

  5. Interview

    Attend visa interview with I-129 approval, DS-160, supporting documents.

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa if approved.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (H-1B Specialty Occupation Work Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
1095 days
Processing time
Regular: ~7 months; Premium: 15 days
Fee
$100,000+ USD
Validity
Initial 3 years, extendable to 6 years total
Entry
Multiple entry

Eligibility

  • Employment

    Must have job offer in specialty occupation requiring theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge. Position must require bachelor's degree or higher in specific specialty as minimum entry requirement.

    Required status: Job offer in specialty occupation from US employer

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within 6 months. Digital: 600-1200 pixels square, JPEG, under 240KB.

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (after I-129 petition approval); Form url: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

  • Petition approval notice

    Form number: Form I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker (filed by employer); Must be original: No

  • Degree attestation

    Attesting authority: Degree must relate to specialty occupation; Must be apostilled: No

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes

  • Labor market assessment

    Assessment number: LCA case number (ETA-9035); Issuing authority: Issuing authority

  • Expedited processing fee

    Fee amount: $2,965 USD; Processing time: 15 calendar days

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Employer registers for H-1B lottery during annual registration period (typically early March for FY starting October 1). Registration fee $215 per beneficiary.

  2. Document gathering

    If selected in lottery, employer gathers documents: job offer letter, degree certificates, LCA (Labor Condition Application) from Department of Labor, company documents.

  3. Fee payment

    Employer files Form I-129 with USCIS paying: $460 base fee + $100,000 new fee (with exemptions) + $600 asylum fee (standard employers) + optional $2,965 premium processing (15-day guarantee as of March 2026).

  4. Processing wait

    USCIS processes I-129 petition. Regular processing ~7 months. Premium processing 15 days.

  5. Interview

    Attend visa interview at US embassy/consulate with I-129 approval notice, DS-160 confirmation, passport, degrees, employment letter.

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa stamp.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (TN USMCA Professional Visa (Canadian Citizens))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
1095 days
Processing time
At port of entry, typically immediate
Fee
$50 USD
Validity
Initial up to 3 years, renewable indefinitely
Entry
Multiple entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Must be citizen of Canada (not just permanent resident). Must have job offer in one of 60+ professional occupations listed in USMCA Annex 16-A.

    Eligible countries: Canada

  • Employment

    Must have prearranged full-time or part-time job with US employer. Position must be in USMCA professional occupation list. Self-employment not permitted.

    Required status: Job offer in USMCA professional occupation

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Degree attestation

    Attesting authority: Relevant to professional occupation; Must be apostilled: No

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain employment contract or letter from US employer confirming job in USMCA professional occupation. Gather proof of Canadian citizenship, degree/professional credentials.

  2. Document submission

    Present documents at US port of entry (land border, airport, or pre-clearance station). No advance petition or visa application required.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay TN application fee at port of entry, approximately $50 USD.

  4. Processing wait

    Immigration officer reviews documents and adjudicates TN application on the spot.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
6-12 months total process
Fee
$2,380 USD
Validity
Single entry, must marry within 90 days, then adjust status
Entry
Single entry

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: 2x2 inches, color, white background.

  • Police clearance

    Countries required: All countries where lived 6+ months since age 16; Validity months: 12

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

    Required tests: Panel physician examination, vaccinations, TB test; Validity months: 6

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: DS-160 (after I-129F approval); Form url: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

  • Birth certificate

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes

  • Divorce decree

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

  • Petition approval notice

    Form number: Form I-129F filed by US citizen petitioner; Must be original: No

  • Relationship evidence

    Relationship type: Evidence of in-person meeting within 2 years, photos together, communication records, travel receipts

  • Affidavit of support

    Form number: Form I-134 Declaration of Financial Support; Sponsor relationship: US citizen fiancé(e)

  • Sponsor tax return

    Accepted forms: IRS Form 1040 federal tax return transcripts; Years required: 3

  • Sponsor employment verification

    Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

How to apply

  1. Fee payment

    US citizen files Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) with USCIS. Fee $675.

  2. Processing wait

    USCIS processes I-129F petition, typically 6-9 months.

  3. Document gathering

    Once I-129F approved, case forwarded to National Visa Center (NVC) then to embassy. Gather documents: birth certificate, police certificates, divorce decrees if applicable, medical exam.

  4. Online application

    Complete DS-160 visa application.

  5. Interview

    Attend K-1 visa interview with all documents, medical results, evidence of relationship.

  6. Visa collection

    If approved, receive K-1 visa packet. Must enter US within visa validity (typically 6 months). Must marry US citizen within 90 days of entry.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
18-36 months for I-526 petition, then consular processing
Fee
$21,130-$22,225 USD
Validity
Permanent resident status (green card)
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Financial

    Must invest $800,000 in Targeted Employment Area or $1,050,000 outside TEA. Investment must be at-risk capital in new commercial enterprise. Must create 10 full-time jobs for US workers within 2 years.

    Minimum funds: $800,000-$1,050,000 USD

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: 2x2 inches, color, white background.

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements, wire transfers, business valuations, sale agreements; Minimum amount: $800,000 or $1,050,000 USD

  • Police clearance

    Countries required: All countries where lived 6+ months since age 16; Validity months: 12

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

    Required tests: Panel physician examination, vaccinations; Validity months: 12

  • Business plan

    Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.

    Minimum investment: $800,000 in TEA or $1,050,000 in non-TEA; Must include financials: Yes

  • Source of wealth

    Must be notarized: No; Wealth source: Detailed documentation showing lawful source of investment funds - tax returns, business records, sale proceeds, inheritance, gifts, etc.

  • Investment program registration

    Program name: EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program (Direct or Regional Center); Registration number: USCIS-designated regional center number (if applicable)

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Select EB-5 project (direct investment or regional center). Prepare business plan, source of funds documentation, job creation plan.

  2. Fee payment

    File Form I-526 (standalone) or I-526E (regional center) with USCIS. Government filing fees $21,130-$22,225. Regional center management fees $50,000-$70,000 additional.

  3. Processing wait

    USCIS processes I-526 petition. Average 18-36 months depending on country of origin and processing times.

  4. Interview

    Attend immigrant visa interview at US embassy/consulate.

  5. Visa collection

    If approved, receive immigrant visa packet. Enter US within visa validity. Green card mailed to US address. Initially conditional 2-year green card, then file I-829 to remove conditions.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
1095 days
Processing time
Regular: ~7 months; Premium: 15 days
Fee
$3,965+ USD
Validity
Initial up to 3 years, extendable in 1-year increments indefinitely
Entry
Multiple entry

Eligibility

  • Employment

    Must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim in sciences, education, business, athletics (O-1A) or arts, motion pictures/television (O-1B). Must have job offer to work temporarily in area of extraordinary ability.

    Required status: Extraordinary ability with sustained acclaim

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within 6 months.

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: DS-160 (after I-129 approval); Form url: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

  • Curriculum vitae

    Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.

  • Petition approval notice

    Form number: Form I-129 filed by employer/agent; Must be original: No

  • Reference letter

    Accepted referees: Peer group, labor organization, or experts in field providing advisory opinion/consultation letter; Letters required: 1

  • Press credentials

    Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

    Accreditation type: Published materials about you in major media or trade publications showing national/international recognition

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Gather evidence of extraordinary ability: awards, publications about you, high salary, original contributions, membership in elite associations, critical role in distinguished organizations. Obtain consultation letter from peer group.

  2. Fee payment

    Employer/agent files Form I-129 with USCIS: $460 filing fee + optional $2,965 premium processing (as of March 1, 2026).

  3. Processing wait

    USCIS processing. Regular ~7 months. Premium 15 days.

  4. Online application

    After I-129 approval, complete DS-160.

  5. Interview

    Attend interview with I-129 approval, portfolio of evidence, consultation letter.

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.