According to information posted on the official portal of the American embassy in Kazakhstan, all visas are categorized into immigrant and non-immigrant visas.
Immigrant visas are intended for those who wish to move to the USA for permanent residency. They are required regardless of whether the person plans to work in the country.
Non-immigrant visas are issued to foreigners coming to the USA for a limited time. They are processed for travel, business visits, study, temporary employment, or medical treatment.
The duration of stay in the country is determined by the visa category.
For instance, the guest visas “B1” and “B2” allow foreigners to stay temporarily in the USA. The “B1” visa is designed for business meetings, trips, and conferences, while the “B2” visa is used for leisure, visiting relatives, and medical treatment.
These visas can be issued for a period of up to 10 years, but upon each entry, the customs officer establishes the maximum allowable stay, which usually does not exceed 6 months.
In certain cases, a request for an extension can be made, but it will require documented justification.
Student visa “F” is intended for school students, university students, and participants in language programs. Its validity depends on the duration of the educational course.
“M” visa is issued for students undergoing vocational training and is valid for the duration of the educational program.
Work visas “H” allow foreign citizens to work officially in the USA.
The most in-demand among them is the “H1B”, designed for qualified specialists with higher education, which grants the right to stay in the country for up to 6 years.
“H2B” visa is issued for temporary workers and is valid for a maximum of 3 years.