Non-Immigrant Visas

Types of Visas

The consular section processes more than twenty types of non-immigrant visas, each corresponding to an individual’s purpose of travel. It is important to obtain the right type of visa before traveling to the United States.

>> Business (B1) and Tourist (B2) Visas

A business (B-1) or tourist (B-2) visa is appropriate for individuals traveling to the United States on business or pleasure. In most cases, Portuguese citizens who wish to travel to the United States for business or tourism and will stay less than ninety days no longer require a B1 or B2 visa under the Visa Waiver Program.

Passport holders of countries not participating in the visa waiver program, or those who intend to stay longer than ninety days, must apply for a B1 or B2 visa at the consular section. An individual in possession of a multiple entry un-expired B-1/B-2 visa in an expired passport can still use that visa, as long as the un-expired passport is of the same nationality as the expired passport. Travelers are advised to carry both new and old passports when traveling. B-1 and B-2 visa holders cannot accept paid employment while in the United States. The consular section advises travelers not purchase tickets to the United States until they have received their visa.

>> Temporary Work Visas

Anyone wishing to work in the United States, even for a short time, must obtain a work visa. ALL temporary work visas are for specific positions in the United States and require prearranged employment. Holders of work visas cannot change employers or positions without the approval from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Individuals applying for a temporary worker visa must locate an employer in the United States who requires their services and is willing to file a petition on their behalf with the DHS. Petitions for temporary work visas are generally approved only for professionals whose skills are in short supply. No temporary work visa may be issued until the DHS has first approved a petition. Interested employers should contact the DHS in the United States for information on how to file a petition.

Individuals holding Exchange Visitor Visas can fill some temporary work positions. These visas are sponsored by organizations in the U.S. such as universities, hospitals, and summer camps.

Individuals applying for a temporary work visa must submit an original copy of the I-797 approval notice.

>> Student Visas (F1 or M1)

Applicants wishing to attend a U.S. university or other academic institution must apply for an appropriate student visa. This requirement applies to children wishing to study at primary and secondary schools, as well as university and vocational schools, including pilot training schools.

In order to apply for a student visa, a school in the United States must first offer admission to the prospective student. The school must then issue to the student a completed form I-20 called a "Certificate of Eligibility". This form specifies the nature and length of the student’s planned study. Having an I-20 does not guarantee that a student visa will be issued. The sponsoring educational institution must also electronically register the student in the SEVIS system.During the interview, the consular officer will verify the student’s registration in the SEVIS system. Furthermore, the student must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover the costs of studying in the United States.

In addition to obtaining an I-20, students wishing to attend U.S. public schools must include a receipt from the school showing that they have paid all tuition costs. Current law permits students to attend only one year of senior public high school.

>> Exchange Visitor Visas (J1)

Students and some temporary workers may also qualify for an exchange visitor visa. The exchange visitor visa program promotes the interchange of persons, knowledge and skills in the fields of education, arts and sciences. Participants include students, trainees, teachers, professors, researchers, au pairs, and international visitors.

To apply for this visa, the prospective exchange visitor must first obtain form DS-2019 from a designated sponsor for submission with the DS-156 application. New regulations require the sponsoring institution to electronically register the exchange visitor in the SEVIS system. The consular officer will verify the exchange visitor’s registration in the SEVIS system during the interview.