A. The following is a brief synopsis: Employment authorized denoted by [EA]
- B-1/B-2 Issued to visitors for pleasure or for business (non-employment)
- E-1/E-2 Issued to nationals of countries [link to another page] with which the U.S. has signed either treaties of navigation and commerce or bi-lateral commercial treaties. Enables a person to invest in and direct and manage a U.S. business enterprise. [EA]
- F-1 Issued to students who have matriculated into a U.S. educational institution. Students may qualify for work authorization to gain experience in the particular field either during or after (Optional Practical Training and known as “OPT”) the completion of the academic course of study.
- H-1B Issued to a person who engages in a “specialty occupation” which requires as a minimum a baccalaureate degree and who is sponsored by a U.S. employer for a temporary period of time. [EA]
- H-2B Issued to a person who is sponsored by a U.S. employer for a temporary period of time for a job which is also temporary in nature.[EA]
- J-1 Issued to a person who has been accepted into an exchange program for training and education.[EA]
- K-1 Issued to a person who intends to enter the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen.[EA]
- L-1 Issued to a person who seeks to work for a U.S. subsidiary, affiliate or branch of a company which conducts a “qualifiying� business abroad.[EA]
- O-1 Issued to a person who has “extraordinary ability” in field of endeavor.[EA]
- P-1 Issued to a person who is an essential part of a professional group in the performing arts or sports