Are you a citizen of the UK who wants to work or live in the USA? To travel in the US, UK citizens need permission. The options for immigration largely depend on your travel reason, planned length of stay, and other things relating to you as an individual. It includes employment status and travel history. However, due to the availability of different types of US visas UK citizens often get confused. To assist you here in this guide we have summarized the key options for you. So, let’s begin reading.
Based on the immigration laws of the US, US work visas are of two types i.e. immigrant visas and nonimmigrant visas. Moving ahead, let’s know about them in detail.
Immigrant visas also known as green cards, allow you to be a permanent resident in the US. Using several different routes including employment, UK citizens can obtain a green card. Organized by preference the employment-based green card type is divided into several subcategories. These are as follows:
| Immigrant Visas Types | Meaning |
|---|---|
| EB1 | It is for individuals who have extraordinary abilities. For instance, researchers and academics, scientists, athletics, business professionals, and the arts. Also, these visa types do not need labor certification. |
| EB2 | This visa type is for those individuals who have advanced degrees, have extraordinary ability, or whose work will be in the national interest of the US. |
| EB3 | Third preference employment-based visa is available for skilled professionals, workers who have bachelor’s degrees, and other unskilled employees. |
| EB4 | These visa types are available for special immigrants such as US Armed Forces members, certain broadcasters, religious workers, and more. |
| EB5 | This visa type covers the Immigrant Investor Program. It is available for those who can invest between $500,00 and $1 million in US businesses. |
A non-immigrant visa grants you entry into the US temporarily. There are several types of non-immigrant work visas available for UK citizens to live and work in the United States. In addition, the validity period of these ranges differently from months to years. Furthermore, let’s know about them in detail.
| Non-Immigrant Visa Types | Meaning |
|---|---|
| H1B Visa | These visa types are available for those individuals who are coming to the US to perform work in a prearranged professional job. |
| H2B Visa | These visa types are available for individuals visiting the US for a temporary or seasonal job in which the country has a shortage of workers. |
| H3 Visa | H3 Visa is for those UK applicants who want to take benefits of education and training opportunities in the US. |
| E1 Visa (Treaty Trader Visas) | These are for individuals who solely carry on substantial trade, principally between the US and treaty nations. |
| E2 Visa (Treaty Investor Visas) | These visa types are for those applicants who solely develop and direct the functioning of an enterprise in which the country has invested or in between the process of investing a substantial amount of capital. |
| 01 Visa | 01 visa types are available for those individuals who have extraordinary ability in business, arts, science, education, or athletics and who want to work temporarily in their field of expertise in the US. |
| I Visa | These are available for representatives of foreign journalists and media and part of the film, radio, press, or print companies, who are coming to the US for work or to take part in media educational activities. |
| P1 Visa | These visa types are available for international athletes. |
| P3 Visa | The P3 visas are available for foreign entertainers and artists. |
| R1 Visa | These visas are available for non-immigrant religious workers who are members of a religious denomination. In addition, have non-profit status in the United States traveling to work either for an associated or denomination non-profit. |
| L1 Visa | L1 visa types are for those applicants who are transferring to a US branch of their organization for at least five years. |
| B1 Visa | It is a business visitor visa available for those people who are working unpaid in the US on behalf of a religious organization or charity. |
These are the different types of immigrant and non-immigrant work visas available in the US. Apart from there are other types of visas also available for students, tourists, family members, and more. Moving further, let us know about them.
These visa types cover three student types: vocational, academic, and those enrolled in cultural or educational exchange programs. Let’s know more about them in detail:
| Student Visa Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| F1 Visas | These visas are available for academic students who are enrolled in accredited academic institutions. Also during their studies, they are allowed to work in the US for limited hours per week. |
| M Visas | Other than language training programs (require an F Visa) these visas are available for applicants at vocational or other recognized nonacademic institutions. |
| J Visas | These visa types are available for students who are involved in work and study-based programs in the US. It includes camp counselors, interns, au pairs, trainees, and more. However, in this the programs should promote cultural exchange and applicants should meet the eligibility criteria. |
These are the different US visa types available for students to pursue their higher studies in the country. Moving ahead, let’s know the permanent US visas available for UK citizens.
Generally, to get permanent residency in the US you need to be sponsored by a citizen of the US, an immediate relative having lawful permanent resident, or an employer based in the US. To come into the US with the intention of becoming a permanent resident whether working or not, you require the relevant immigrant visa.
| Permanent US Visas | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CR/ IR1, CR2, IR2, IR5, F-1, F-3, F-4, F-2A and F-2B Visas | Available for family members or immediate relatives of US citizens or permanent residents. CR1/IR1: for spouse of US citizen CR2, IR2, IR5, F-1, F-3, or F-4: Available for children under 21 (unmarried), parents of US citizens, and siblings. Also, children over the age of 21 of a US citizen qualify under this. F-2A and F-2B Visas: Available for spouses, children under and over the age of 21 years (unmarried) of permanent resident. |
| K-1 Visa | If you want to marry a US citizen you need to apply for a K-1 visa (fiancé(e)). After the marriage, you get indefinite residency in the US. The marriage should be done within 90 days of entering the US. |
| K-3 and K-4 Visas | K3 Visa: Available for a spouse of a US citizen waiting for field I-130 approval. K4 Visa: Children waiting for citizenship approval in the US may travel on a K-4 visa in the country. |
| EB, SD, SR, SE, SQ, SI, T-5 and C-5 Visas | These visa types are sponsored by employers: Specific special immigrants need SD, SR, SE, SQ, or SI visas. T-5 or C-5 visas are available for employment creators and investors. |
These are the several US visa types available for UK citizens to become permanent residents in the country. With this, moving ahead, let’s know about the visitor visas available for UK individuals.
The visitor visas in the US are issued to those individuals who want to travel the country for more than six months. These are of two types i.e. B1 visas for business visits and B2 visas for tourism visitors. Moving ahead, let’s know more about them in detail:
| Types of Visitor Visas | Meaning |
|---|---|
| B-1 Visa for Business Visitors | It allows individuals to enter the US temporarily for business purposes. For instance, negotiating a contract or attending a business meeting. |
| B-2 Visa for Tourism | For individuals who want to enter the US for recreational purposes this visa type is a good option. For instance, receiving medical treatment or visiting a friend. |
These are different types of visitor visas available for UK citizens to stay in the country for more than six months. With this, moving ahead, let’s know the documents required for the US visa application.
These are the following documents that you need during your US visa application. However, they can vary as per your visa type and circumstances.
With this, it is advisable to bring all the certified or original copies of documents to your visa interview. Failure to bring them may cause denial or delay of your US visa. Also if you need assistance in gathering all the documents you can connect with Visament. The experts in our team can aid you in arranging all your papers as per your visa application checklist.
There are several steps to follow to Apply for a US Visa. The sequence of these steps and the application process may differ by the US embassy or consulate. However, to provide you with an overview we have mentioned the common steps included in it:
The first step of the visa application process is to fill out the DS-160 form and take a printout of it to bring on the day of the interview. With this, while filling out the form, you also need to upload your relevant photograph. It should be as per the photograph requirements.
Except for people aged 80 or older and children aged 13 or below visa interviews are mandatory for all applicants. While scheduling the interview make sure to select your nearest consulate or embassy. Depending on the visa category, season, and location the interview wait time may be different. It is advisable to schedule an interview as soon as filling out the application form.
At your interview along with your DS-160 form, you will also need to bring the supporting documents mentioned in the application.
In the visa interview, the consular officer will ask you questions to know whether you are eligible for the US visa or not. To receive the visa, you should demonstrate that you fulfill all the US law requirements. In addition, after the interview, the consular officer may check whether your application needs further administrative processing or not. If required the officer will inform you that.
After the interview, you also need to pay the US visa application fee. In addition, if applicable you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee after your visa approval. With this, keep in mind that the visa fee is non-refundable. So in case your visa gets rejected you cannot ask for a fee refund.
This is the process that you need to follow while applying for a US visa. However, sometimes the process can be overwhelming due to a lack of US laws or gathering all the supporting documents. In this having an expert like Visament by your side makes things easy and sorted. We assist you at every step of your visa process from filing out the application form to scheduling an interview. So if you need assistance do connect with us today. Furthermore, now let’s know the fees for visa applications.
The US visa fee for UK citizens varies depending on the Visa Type and Application Category. Moving ahead, let’s know about them.
| Immigrant Visa Fees | Immediate Family and Relative Preference: $325 |
|---|---|
| K Visa Applicants: $265 | |
| Special Immigrants: $205 | |
| Employment Preference: $345 | |
| Returning Resident Status: $180 | |
| Diversity Immigrants: $330 | |
| Nonimmigrant Visa Fees | Treaty applicants, treaty traders, and treaty investors in a specialty occupation: $315 |
| Visitor and certain other nonimmigrant visa categories: $185 | |
| For temporary workers Certain petition-based nonimmigrant visas: $205 | |
| Standard Visitor Visas | Short-term (6 months): $150 |
| Longer-term (up to 2 years): $565 | |
| Longer-term (up to 5 years): $1008 | |
| Longer-term (up to 10 years): $1258 |
With this, you can make the payment in cash, by debit or credit card, by international money order, or by banker drafts. Also, the visa fees are non-transferable and non-refundable so while making the payment pay attention. Moving ahead, let us know the processing time and status tracking of the US visa.
The processing time and status tracking are two different things. The process time provides you with an estimate of the number of days or months your visa application will take. While the status tracking showcases the current status of your application. Moving ahead, let’s know about them in detail.
The visa processing time depends on the visa types you applied for. Generally, it takes 3 to 5 weeks for the visa application to process. Here to give you an idea following are the processing times of different US visas.
| US Visa Types | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| E-1 Visa | 2 to 4 weeks |
| E-2 Visa | 4 to 6 weeks |
| E-3 Visa | 2 months |
| F-1 Visa | Immediately after the visa interview |
| F-2 Visa | A few days to 2 weeks |
| J-1 Visa | 1 to 4 months |
| Q-1 Visa | 15 days to 3 months |
| M-1 Visa | 4 weeks (at least) |
| B-1 Visa | A couple of weeks to 2 months |
| B-2 Visa | A couple of weeks to 2 months |
| H-1B Visa | 3 to 6 months |
| H-1B1 Visa | 4 to 6 months |
| H-2A Visa | Processing time varies |
| H-3 Visa | 4 to 6 weeks |
| H-4 Visa | Processing time varies |
| L-1 Visa | 3 to 4 months |
| L-2 Visa | 15 days to 1 month |
| K-1 Visa | A few months |
| R-1 Visa | 8 to 9 months |
| P-1 Visa | 3 to 6 months |
| I Visa | 10 days |
| O Visa | 2 to 3 months |
| T Visa | Processing time varies |
Here is how you can track your US visa application online:
It is all about the visa processing time and status check. Moving ahead, let’s know why should you Choose Visament for your US visa.
Applying for a US visa is simplified with Visament. With a remarkable approval rate, our clients often see their approved visas in less time. In addition, choosing us for your US visa not only boosts your chances of successful application but also gives you a guided and stress-free journey through the complexities of visa regulations. With this, if you get connected with us you get the following benefits:
Apart from getting your US visa, we do offer some other services as well. These are as follows:
| UK to India Visa | Passport Renewal | Visa Renewal Services |
| UK to Canada Visa | Surrender of Indian Passport | Police Clearance Certificate |
The list of different types of visas is lengthy and choosing the right one for you is important. In this, getting advice from an immigration lawyer like Visament who specializes in legal advice
help you identify which visa suits the best with your purpose, be it a UK Visa from the USA or UK to India visa, collect relevant documents, and connect with the relevant authorities to increase your chances of getting a successful outcome. Furthermore, if you have any queries related to visas connect with us and we assure you that all your doubts will be resolved here.
The visa number is generally located in the lower right-hand corner of the visa. It is typically denoted with red color and consists of an eight-digit number.
No, you cannot visit Canada only with a US visa. Depending on your country, you require other documents too like the Canada visitor visa and Canadian eTA.
Yes, generally a US citizen needs a visa to travel to the UK. However, in cases like short visits, transit, and electronic travel authorization (ETA) applicants do not need a visa to visit the country.
You can check your visa status online by visiting the official visa issuing authority of the country you are planning to travel to. In addition, with your passport number, you can also check your visa status.
The UK visa processing time generally takes 21 working days from the date the embassy receives the application. Further, for the return of your passport, 2-3 working days should be allowed.
The UK visa lasts for six months from the date of issuing. However, you can extend your visa further after it expires.
