American Visa Bureau   »  American Immigration

American Visas and Immigration

American immigration is the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and more specifically, a branch of the DHS called United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Each year the USCIS monitors the number of temporary and permanent visas issued to migrants, classed as Non-immigrant or Immigrant Visas respectively.

If you are a tourist travelling to America for a period no longer than 3 months and you are from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program with America, you will not be required to obtain a visa. However, you will be required to apply for an ESTA. 

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)

• Facilitates the entry of temporary visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries to visit the United States for the purposes of business or tourism.
   More on the ESTA

Exchange Visitor Visas

• This category is for people who wish to travel to America for the purpose of participating in an exchange program.
   Read More About Exchange Visitor Visas

Tourist Visas

• Facilitates the entry of temporary visitors, travelling to America for business or pleasure.
   More On Tourist Visas

Temporary Work Visas

• Facilitates the entry of overseas workers wishing to live and work in America.
   Free Online Temporary Work Visa Assessment

Permanent Work Visas

• This category is for those wishing to live and work permanently in America. Migration under this category is based on the preference system of visa allocation.
   More Information on Permanent Work Visas

Student Visas

• This category if for students wishing to undertake a course of study in America.
   More About Student Visas

Business Visas

• This category allows for the entry of professionals wishing to establish a business presence or invest in America.
   Free Online Business Visa Assessment

Family Visas

• This category allows the entry of family members of American citizens and residents.
   Family Visa Free Online Assessment

Diversity Lottery

• Also called Green Card Lottery, this is a permanent visa category allowing direct migration to America if candidates meet strict American visa requirements.
   Free Diversity Lottery Immigration Assessment