Visa Types Explained
By Luke Bowman Law — Brighton, Michigan Immigration Attorneys
At Luke Bowman Law, we help individuals, professionals, and businesses identify the right visa type for their goals — whether it’s temporary travel, study, work, investment, or permanent residency in the United States.
Below, you’ll find an overview of the most common U.S. visa classifications, including eligibility, purpose, and key considerations. For case-specific advice, contact our team for a personalized immigration consultation.
B-1 Business Visitor Visa
The B-1 Business Visitor Visa allows foreign nationals (FNs) to make short trips to the U.S. for business-related purposes such as:
- Attending meetings, conferences, or training sessions
- Negotiating contracts
- Consulting with business associates
Note: B-1 visa holders cannot engage in productive work or receive U.S.-based salaries.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Citizens of select countries, including Japan, Portugal, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, may visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program.
Applicants must complete the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before travel.
E Visa Categories
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 Visa allows investors, executives, or essential employees from treaty countries (such as Egypt, Belgium, and Colombia) to temporarily live and work in the U.S. while managing their business investment.
See the list of treaty countries at
U.S. Department of State
E-3 Australian Specialty Occupation Visa
Exclusive to Australian nationals, this visa permits employment in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. The job must align with the applicant’s education and skills.
Employment-Based Green Card Categories
EB-1: Priority Workers
Reserved for extraordinary ability professionals in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Also includes outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational managers/executives.
Unlike other employment-based categories, EB-1 does not require a labor certification (PERM).
EB-2: Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability
For individuals with advanced degrees (master’s or higher) or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.
May include National Interest Waiver (NIW) applicants whose work benefits the U.S. economy or welfare.
EB-3: Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers
For:
- Skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience
- Professionals with a bachelor’s degree
- Unskilled workers for permanent, non- seasonal roles
H Visa Categories
H-1B: Specialty Occupations
A widely used visa for professionals such as engineers, IT specialists, and scientists.
Subject to an annual cap of 85,000 visas (65,000 general + 20,000 for U.S. master’s degree holders).
Our attorneys guide employers and employees through the H-1B cap lottery, filing process, and compliance with USCIS requirements.
H-1B1: Chile and Singapore Free Trade Visa
A subset of the H-1B for nationals of Chile and Singapore, under Free Trade Agreements. Holders can work in specialty occupations in the U.S. on a temporary basis.
L Visa Categories
Luke Bowman Law helps individuals and employers pursue permanent residency through employment, investment, or family sponsorship.
Employment-Based Immigration (EB Visas):
L-1A: Intracompany Transferee (Executives & Managers)
For executives or managers transferring from a foreign office to a related U.S. company, after at least one year of foreign employment.
Employers may apply for Blanket L certification to streamline multiple L-1 applications.
L-1B: Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge)
For employees with specialized company knowledge transferring within multinational organizations.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
The J-1 Visa supports cultural and educational exchange programs for trainees, interns, researchers, and teachers.
It’s ideal for foreign nationals seeking temporary professional experience or academic training in the U.S.
O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
The O-1 Visa is for individuals with demonstrable national or international acclaim in:
We Handle:
- Sciences
- Education
- Business
- Arts
- Athletics
- Film or television industry
This visa recognizes professionals who have reached the top of their field and are invited to work in the U.S. on a temporary basis.
P Visa Categories
P-1A: Internationally Recognized Athletes
For athletes competing in a specific event, tournament, or competition at an international level.
P-3: Culturally Unique Artists and Performers
For artists, entertainers, or groups performing traditional or culturally unique programs (e.g., folk music, theater, dance).
TN Visa: USMCA (NAFTA) Professionals
Available to citizens of Canada and Mexico, this visa category enables professionals in certain occupations — such as accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers — to work temporarily in the United States.
Schengen C-Type Visa
In addition to U.S. immigration services, Luke Bowman Law assists with Schengen C-type visas, which allow short-term travel to European Schengen countries for business or tourism.
Our attorneys provide:
- Personalized application guidance
- Document preparation and review
- Consulate appointment assistance
- Visa interview readiness and post-approval support
We ensure a smooth and efficient visa process, whether for individual travelers or corporate clients.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
For professional guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact Luke Bowman Law directly.
This website may contain links to third-party sites. Luke Bowman Law does not endorse or assume responsibility for the accuracy or content of external websites.
Contact Luke Bowman Law
For help determining the best visa option for your needs, reach out today.