Special US Visa Classes

The United States offers a total of more than 60 Non-immigrant visa types covering a variety of immigration situations. While some visa classes are more popular than other, the US government recognizes that certain instances, specific occupations may be entitled to their own special classification.

Below, you will find some information own a few "special" US visa categories and if you feel that you may qualify for one of these visas, we invite you to complete our online assessment or contact or US Migration Consultants directly at your earliest convenience.

I Visas: Media Workers

The I visa is issued to members of the media who are under contract with a recognized foreign media company and are being sent to the US on assignment. In order to qualify for I visa issuance, the purpose of the US assignment must be to report/document "Informational Based Material" only. The production of staged events or programs of a purely entertainment value are not permitted under the I visa class.

I visas are issued through a foreign US Embassy and are typically valid for a period of up to 5 years. Dependants of I visa holders are eligible to receive derivative I visas in order to accompany the primary visa holder while in the United States.

P-1 Visas: Athletes and Entertainment Groups

Global Visas offers assistance with P-1 visa applications only when the applicant is either a professional athlete that has been offered a contract with a professional sports team/organization in the United States, or a member of an entertainment group when the entire group will be travelling to the US in order to perform. The contract must be issued by a recognized professional athletics or entertainment body in the United States, and the applicant must be contracted as an athlete or performer (coaches, managers, etc. are not eligible).

P-1 visa applications are initially submitted to the USCIS in the United States for approval. Once approved at USCIS, the applicant must then attend a visa interview at a foreign US Embassy in order to receive their visa. Following visa issuance, P-1 visa holders may then travel to the US in order to commence their contractual duties with a professional US Athletic Team or Organization.

R-1 Visas: Religious Workers

R visas are issued to religious workers who have been offered an appropriate position of employment within a recognized church/religious organization in the United States. Eligible applicant may either be ordained ministers, other clergy members, or lay individuals who have been hired to fill "religious positions" within a recognized church or organization.

Petitions must first be approved by USCIS; once this has been completed, visas will be issued following an interview at a foreign US Embassy. Applicants must be able to demonstrate "sufficient ties" indicating their intent to return to their home country once their R visa expires at the time of visa application; however R visa holders are entitled to pursue US Permanent Residency (Green Cards) while residing in the United States with an R visa.

O-1 Visas: Extraordinary Ability

O visas are available to individuals that possess an "extraordinary ability" in the fields of business, education, entertainment, or athletics. Applicants must be able to provide evidence attesting to their high level of recognition within their field. Such evidence can include national or international awards, copies of relevant publications, and written testimonials from professional peers.

Dependants and essential support staff of O visa holders are typically eligible to receive derivative visas that enable them to accompany the primary visa holder to the United States.

TN Visas: NAFTA Temporary Work Permit

TN visas are US temporary work permits granted to citizens of Canada and Mexico under terms specified by NAFTA (North American Free Trade Act). TN visa applicants must possess a valid job offer from a US company in a skilled occupation, typically requiring a Bachelor's Degree, in order to qualify for TN visa issuance.

Once granted, TN visa holders and their dependants are permitted to enter the US for a period of 1 year for the purpose of temporary employment. While dependants will not be authorized to work, they may attend school or training programs while in the United States as a TN dependant. TN visas may also be renewed every year as long as the required employer sponsorship remains in place.

How Global Visas Can Help

Immigrating to the USA can be a complex and demanding procedure, there are currently more than sixty non-immigrant visas for America through which foreign nationals may migrate to the US. As a specialist US immigration consultancy, Global Visas can help to simplify the raft of American visas and USA immigration services available in order to help you to identify which American immigration route is the most appropriate for your needs. Whether you wish to visit the USA for a short period on a B1 business visit visa or a B2 tourist visa, or for a longer duration through an H1-B visa or L1 visa, our US immigration consultants can offer specialist US immigration lawyer advice and can assist you at every stage of your relocation to the USA. Visa applications can be monitored throughout the process and we can ensure that you embark upon the most beneficial American immigration service for you.

For more information, please complete our online assessment form today!