If you are looking into obtaining a US visa of any kind, you should be aware that there are different types of US visas to meet differing needs for travelers to the United States. In addition to the US immigration visa, you can also get a special US student visa, a US work visa, or a US visitor visa. Each different type of US visa comes with its own privileges and requirements.
US Immigration Visa
A US immigration visa is a visa for anyone who wants to live and work in the United States permanently. First, immigrants will need to complete an immigrant petition form, which will then be reviewed by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services department. Once the petition has been approved, it is then sent along to the National Visa Center for processing. Steps to completing these forms and processes may differ from country to country, so be sure to check in with your home country as well.
US Student Visa
There is more than one kind of US Student Visa. If you have already been accepted into a program in the United States in order to conduct research at an accredited US college or University, you would choose the F visa. If you have been accepted into a vocational college in the US, you would choose the M visa. If you will be participating in a student exchange program, your would choose the J visa. You will also need to be in close contact with your own government throughout the process.
US Work Visa
To obtain a US work visa to come and work in the United States, you will need to follow a process very similar to the US immigration visa. In conjunction with the government of your home country, you will petition and apply for a US visa to come into the United States and work.
US Visitor Visa
Another kind of visa is the US visitor visa, meant for
visitors who plan to stay in the United States for multiple
months, but will likely not work in the US. The
visitor visa for Canadians is a slightly different process
than for visitors from other countries. In many
cases, visitors from Canada
may not need a visa at all. Visitors from other
countries will, however, and it will require a petition
and application.
Anyone applying for a visa should note that wait times can be long, even as long as multiple months. Be sure to start your application process as early as possible.
