Nonimmigrant Visa Unit
How to Apply for a Visa
The primary purpose of travel generally determines the type of visa that is required.
If, as is the case with the majority of our applicants, you are traveling to the United States primarily for pleasure (that is, as a tourist) or business (for example, to attend a business meeting), then you probably need a B-1/B-2 visa, and you should therefore read our B-1/B-2 Visa (Temporary Visitor for Business or Pleasure) page for detailed instructions on how to apply.
If your primary purpose for traveling to the United States is to study, then you probably need an F visa, and you should therefore read our F Visa (Academic Student) page. If your primary purpose for traveling to the United States for an exchange program (for example, Fulbright program, au pair, summer work-study), then you probably need a J visa and should therefore read our J Visa (Exchange Visitor) page. If your primary purpose of travel is something different from the above, then please consult our Visa Classification Chart.
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