Country guideLast checked October 17, 2026

Visas and immigration in United States

20 routes from official government sources, grouped by type. Each guide covers who it's for, the requirements and where to apply.

Visit & tourism 1
Study 1
Work permits 9
Permanent residence 4
Family 2
Investors & entrepreneurs 1
Asylum & protection 1
Citizenship 1

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Visiting United States

Short-stay rules by passport, from official sources. Last checked October 16, 2026.

2 passports visa-free
42 passports need an eTA or eVisa
205 passports need a visa

Passports that can visit without a visa

Bermuda
Canada

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Visit & tourism1 pathway

B-1/B-2 visitor visa
The B visa is a nonimmigrant visa for temporary visits to the United States for business (B-1), tourism or visiting family (B-2), or both. Most applicants fill in the online DS-160, pay the application fee and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries can usually visit for up to 90 days with an ESTA instead of a visa, if they are eligible. A visa allows you to seek entry; a CBP officer decides admission and length of stay at the border.
Temporary only
Last checked October 16, 2026
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Study1 pathway

F-1 Academic Student
The F-1 status is for full-time study at a US school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The school issues a Form I-20, the student pays the I-901 SEVIS fee, then applies for a visa. A DHS final rule effective 15 September 2026 replaced open-ended 'duration of status' with a fixed admission period capped at 4 years, with extensions through USCIS. Students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) work, with an extra 24 months for eligible STEM graduates.
Can lead to residence later
Last checked October 16, 2026
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Work permits9 pathways

9 more pathways for members
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Permanent residence4 pathways

4 more pathways for members
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Family2 pathways

2 more pathways for members
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Investors & entrepreneurs1 pathway

1 more pathway for members
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Asylum & protection1 pathway

Asylum
People in the United States who fear persecution in their home country can ask for asylum using Form I-589. An affirmative claim is filed with USCIS and decided after a non-adversarial interview with an asylum officer. A defensive claim is made before an immigration judge (EOIR) during removal proceedings. A grant lets the person stay, work, bring a spouse and children, and apply for a green card after one year.
Can lead to permanent residence
Last checked October 16, 2026
View requirements

Citizenship1 pathway

1 more pathway for members
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Official sources

Government pages behind these routes.

Other countries

Visas and immigration in United States

Visiting United States

Visit & tourism1 pathway

B-1/B-2 visitor visa

Study1 pathway

F-1 Academic Student

Work permits9 pathways

Permanent residence4 pathways

Family2 pathways

Investors & entrepreneurs1 pathway

Asylum & protection1 pathway

Asylum

Citizenship1 pathway

Visit & tourism1 pathway

B-1/B-2 visitor visa

Study1 pathway

F-1 Academic Student

Work permits9 pathways

Permanent residence4 pathways

Family2 pathways

Investors & entrepreneurs1 pathway

Asylum & protection1 pathway

Asylum

Citizenship1 pathway

Official sources