Tourist Visa (B1/B2 Visa): Allows stays of up to 6 months, with possible extensions.
Temporary Residence Visa (Work, Student, Exchange Visa, etc.): Validity ranges from 1 to 5 years depending on the visa type (e.g., H-1B, F-1, J-1, etc.).
Permanent Residence (Green Card): Grants indefinite stay, but the card must be renewed every 10 years.
Visa cost
Tourist Visa: Application fee is approximately $185.
Temporary Residence Visa: Fees vary; H-1B Visa costs around $205, while F-1 Student Visa costs about $185.
Permanent Residence (Green Card): Application fees can range from $1,225 to $2,500 depending on the category.
Visa extension
Tourist Visa: Extensions of up to 6 months may be possible by applying to USCIS before the current visa expires.
Temporary Residence Visa: Many visas are renewable or extendable based on work, study, or sponsorship.
Permanent Residence (Green Card): Not applicable, but holders can apply for U.S. citizenship after a qualifying period.
Visa processing time
Tourist Visa: Typically takes 3 weeks to several months, depending on the consulate.
Temporary Residence Visa: Processing varies; H-1B takes 3 to 6 months, while F-1 visas are usually processed within 2 to 4 weeks.
Permanent Residence (Green Card): Processing time can take 6 months to several years, depending on the category.
Who can apply?
Tourist Visa: Required for travelers from non-visa-exempt countries visiting for leisure, business, or medical purposes.
Temporary Residence Visa: Available to students, workers, investors, exchange visitors, and family members of U.S. residents.
Permanent Residence (Green Card): Eligible applicants include those sponsored by employers, family members, or through diversity lottery programs.
Where to apply?
Applications must be submitted online through the U.S. Department of State website or at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country.
How to apply:
Complete the online visa application (DS-160 for non-immigrant visas, DS-260 for immigrant visas).
Pay the required visa fee.
Schedule and attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Submit biometric data (fingerprints) during the interview.
Await processing and receive a decision.
Minimum income requirements
Tourist Visa: No fixed requirement, but applicants must show sufficient funds for their stay.
Work Visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.): Salary must meet the prevailing wage for the position and location.
Family-Sponsored Green Cards: The sponsor must earn at least $24,650 per year for a family of two (higher for larger households).
Popular cities
New York City – Financial, cultural, and entertainment hub.
Los Angeles – Known for Hollywood and entertainment industries.
Chicago – A major business and architectural center.
San Francisco – A tech industry and cultural hotspot.
Miami – A major tourist and international trade city.
Minimum income requirements
Official Language: English.
Spanish is widely spoken, along with Chinese, French, and other immigrant languages.
Average internet speeds
Fixed broadband: Average download speed of approximately 200 Mbps.
Mobile internet: Average download speed of around 100 Mbps.
