Types of Visa Based on Letter Codes: How Many Are There?

If you're planning to travel abroad, you may need to obtain a visa. A visa is a document that allows you to enter and stay in a foreign country for a specific period. Different countries have different visa requirements, and the type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your trip and the duration of your stay. In this article, we'll look at the types of visa based on letter codes and how many there are.

Visa Categories

Visas can be categorized based on the letter codes assigned by the Department of State. The most common visa categories include:

B-1 and B-2 visas: These are visitor visas for business and touri *** , respectively.

F-1 and M-1 visas: These are student visas for academic and vocational studies, respectively.

H-1B visas: These are work visas for skilled professionals who work in specialty occupations.

J-1 visas: These are exchange visitor visas for participants in exchange programs, including students, researchers, and professors.

K-1 visas: These are visas for fiancées of U.S. citizens who are entering the country to get married.

L-1 visas: These are work visas for intra-company transferees who work for multinational companies.

O-1 visas: These are work visas for individuals with extraordinary abilities, including scientists, artists, and athletes.

P visas: These are work visas for athletes, entertainers, and artists who perform in the U.S.

R visas: These are work visas for religious workers.

How Many Types of Visas Are There?

There are many types of visas available, and the total number can be confusing. The Department of State has categorized visas into more than 20 different letter codes. However, there are a few broad categories that encompass most of the visa types. There are immigrant visas, which allow the recipient to permanently reside in the United States, and non-immigrant visas, which are temporary and allow the recipient to stay in the United States for a specific period.

Within these categories, there are also subcategories, such as work visas, student visas, and visitor visas. The Department of State also issues different types of visas for specific purposes, such as crew visas for airline and ship crews, transit visas for individuals who are passing through the United States en route to another destination, and fiancé visas for individuals who are engaged to U.S. citizens and plan to get married in the United States.

In summary, there are many different types of visas available, and the type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your travel and the duration of your stay. It's important to do your research and determine the specific requirements for the country you're planning to visit, as well as the type of visa that's most appropriate for your situation.