What are the types of nonimmigrant status?

Nonimmigrant status refers to the categories granted to those who enter the United States temporarily for a specific purpose, such as work, study, tourism, cultural exchange, or medical treatment. Each category has its own purpose, requirements, and limitations, and those factors define what a person may or may not do during their stay.

Among the most well-known categories are:

• B-1/B-2: temporary visitors, with B-1 for business and B-2 for tourism, family visits, or medical treatment.
• F-1 and M-1: students, with F-1 for academic programs and M-1 for vocational courses.
• J-1: participants in cultural and educational exchange programs.
• H-1B: professionals in specialty occupations requiring technical or academic expertise.
• H-2A and H-2B: temporary workers in agricultural and non-agricultural activities.
• L-1: intracompany transferees moving from an overseas office to a U.S. location.
• O-1: individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as science, arts, business, or athletics.
• P-1, P-2, and P-3: athletes, artists, and entertainment or cultural groups.
• R-1: religious workers affiliated with organizations in the United States.
• E-1/E-2: treaty traders and investors from countries with a qualifying treaty with the United States.
• C-1 and D: transit and crew members of airlines or maritime carriers.

Each status serves a distinct need and carries its own maintenance rules. Since categories and requirements can change, confirm which one fits your situation through the official source, USCIS, or with a qualified immigration professional.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.