A to T in Nonimmigrant Visas

The term "nonimmigrant" has no official definition.  Every alien arriving in the U.S. is presumed to be an immigrant, i.e., one who wishes to stay in the U.S. permanently, unless they qualify as a nonimmigrant under one of the below classifications.

A-1 Ambassador, public, minister, career, diplomatic or consular officer, and members of their immediate family

A-2 Other foreign government official or employee, and members of immediate family

A-3 Attendant, servant, or personal employee of A1 and A2 classes, and members of immediate family

B-1 Temporary visitor for business

B-2 Temporary visitor for pleasure

C-1 Alien in transit

C-2 Alien in transit to United Nations Headquarters District under 11(3), (4), or (5) of the Headquarters Agreement with the United Nations

C-3 Foreign government official, members of immediate family, attendant, servant, or                personal employee, in transit

D Crew member (ship or aircraft crew)

E-1 Treaty trader, spouse and children

E-2 Treaty investor, spouse and children

F-1 Student (academic or language training program)

F-2 Spouse and children of alien classified F1

G-1 Principal resident representative of recognized foreign member government to international organization, representative's staff, and members of immediate family                                                  

G-2 Other representative of recognized foreign member government to international organization, and members of immediate family

G-3 Representative of nonrecognized or nonmember foreign government to international organization, and members of immediate family

G-4 International organization officer or employee, and members of immediate family                  

G-5 Attendant, servant, or personal employee of G1, G2, G3 and G4 classes, and members of immediate family

H-1A Registered Nurse

H-1B Alien in Specialty Occupation

H-2A Temporary worker performing agricultural services unavailable in the United States       

H-2B Temporary worker performing other services unavailable in the United States

H-3 Trainee                          

H-4 Spouse and children of alien classified H1, H2, or H3                            

I Representative of foreign information media, spouse and children

J-1 Exchange visitor                    

J-2 Spouse and children of alien classified J1

K-1 Fiance(e) of U.S. citizen

K-2 Children of alien classified K1                         

L-1 Intracompany transferee (executive, managerial, and specialized personnel continuing employment with international firm or corporation)

L-2 Spouse and children of alien classified L1

M-1 Student (vocational or other recognized nonacademic)

M-2 Spouse and children of alien classified M1

N-8 Parent of an alien child classified SK3 under section 101(a)(27)(I)(i) (dealing with special immigrants)

N-9 Child of parent classified N‑8 or of alien classified SK‑1; SK‑2; SK‑4 under section                 101(a)(15)(N); 101(a)(27)(I)(ii), (iii), or (iv)

NATO-1 through NATO-7 various representatives of Member States of NATO

O-1 Aliens with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business or athletics

O-2 Accompanying alien (support staff for the principal O-1 alien)     

O-3 Spouse or child of O1 or O2 alien

P-1 Internationally recognized athlete or member of internationally recognized entertainment group

P-2 Artist or entertainer in a reciprocal exchange program

P-3 Artist or entertainer in a culturally unique program

P-4 Spouse or child of P1, P2, P3         

Q-1 Participant in an international cultural exchange program

R-1 Alien in a religious occupation

R-2 Spouse or child of R1

S-1 (the "snitch" visa) Certain aliens supplying critical information relating to a criminal organization or enterprise

S-2 Certain aliens supplying critical information relating to terrorism

TN NAFTA professionals

TD Spouse or child of NAFTA professional