Types of U.S. Visas: Complete 2026 Guide

Purpose

Short tourist or business stays (up to 90 days per visit) without a consular visa, for nationals of countries in the Visa Waiver Program, including France.

Eligibility

• Valid biometric or electronic passport
• Nationality of a VWP member country (France included)
• Stay of 90 days or less for authorized purposes (tourism, limited business, transit)
• No disqualifying factors (prior visa denial, criminal record, etc.)
• Approved carrier and return or onward ticket

Process

1. Check eligibility on travel.state.gov (Visa Waiver Program)
2. Complete the ESTA application on the official CBP site
3. Pay online and keep your confirmation number
4. Travel with passport and approved ESTA

Renewal and change of status

Renew ESTA online before it expires or when you get a new passport. ESTA does not allow work, full-time study, or a change of status inside the United States. Any other plan requires a consular visa or USCIS petition.

Purpose

Temporary stay for tourism, family visits, or limited business activities (meetings, negotiations without local paid employment). Required when ESTA is not available or not sufficient.

Eligibility

• Intent to stay temporarily with sufficient ties to your country of residence
• DS-160 completed and MRV fees paid per travel.state.gov
• Passport valid beyond your planned stay
• Proof of funds and lodging if requested
• No INA-based disqualification

Process

1. Complete the DS-160 at ceac.state.gov
2. Pay MRV fees and keep your receipt
3. Schedule a consular appointment (Paris or other competent post)
4. Attend the interview and submit your passport if approved

Renewal and change of status

Consular renewal before expiration, or a renewal interview if eligible. Change of status (F-1, H-1B, etc.) through USCIS is possible from inside the U.S. in some cases, under strict conditions and without guarantee.

Purpose

Transit immediately and continuously through the United States to a third country when the traveler cannot complete the trip without a U.S. layover.

Eligibility

• Onward ticket to a third country already booked
• Transit without leaving the authorized area, or a very brief continuous stay
• Valid passport and completed DS-160
• MRV fees paid and consular interview if required
• No bar to entry

Process

1. Complete the DS-160 under C-1 category
2. Pay MRV fees
3. Schedule a consular appointment and show proof of transit
4. On entry, follow your itinerary and connection schedule

Renewal and change of status

C-1 does not allow you to remain or work in the United States. Any plan beyond transit requires another visa category. Renew consularly if you expect future transits.

Purpose

Full-time academic study at a SEVP-certified institution (university, high school, approved language program).

Eligibility

• Admission from a SEVP-approved school and Form I-20
• I-901 SEVIS fee paid before the consular visa
• Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses
• Documented nonimmigrant intent (214(b) rule)
• DS-160 and consular interview

Process

1. Receive admission and I-20 from the school
2. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com (official site)
3. Complete the DS-160 and pay MRV fees
4. Attend the consular interview with I-20, financial proof, and SEVIS receipt

Renewal and change of status

Extension through the school (new I-20) while status is maintained. CPT and OPT available under USCIS rules. Change to H-1B or another status via USCIS petition or new consular visa.

Purpose

Non-academic vocational, technical, or practical training (trade school, flight training, culinary arts, etc.) at a SEVP-certified institution.

Eligibility

• Admission from a SEVP school and Form I-20 (M category)
• I-901 SEVIS fee paid
• Full-time program with intent to return after studies
• Sufficient financial proof
• DS-160, MRV, and consular interview

Process

1. Receive M-category I-20 from the school
2. Pay I-901 SEVIS fee
3. Complete DS-160 and MRV payment
4. Consular interview with full file

Renewal and change of status

Extension through the school if the program continues. Practical training (practicum) possible under strict rules. Change to F-1 is rare and tightly controlled; work status via H-1B or another route depending on eligibility.

Purpose

Cultural, academic, or professional programs supervised by a Department of State-designated sponsor (intern, researcher, professor, au pair, etc.).

Eligibility

• Selection by an approved J-1 sponsor (j1visa.state.gov)
• DS-2019 and specific program category
• Health insurance meeting program requirements
• Possible 212(e) rule (2-year home residency) depending on funding
• DS-160 and consular interview

Process

1. Apply through an approved J-1 sponsor
2. Receive DS-2019 and pay sponsor fees
3. Complete DS-160 and MRV payment
4. Consular interview with DS-2019 and insurance proof

Renewal and change of status

Extension possible through the sponsor if the program allows. The 212(e) rule may bar change of status or a green card without a waiver. Different from F-1 for standard degree study.

Purpose

Employment in a specialty occupation with a sponsoring U.S. employer. USCIS Form I-129 petition, often preceded by a DOL Labor Condition Application (LCA).

Eligibility

• Degree or equivalent experience in a specialized field
• U.S. employer willing to sponsor and meet LCA wage requirements
• Approved I-129 (or cap exemption if eligible)
• Annual cap for part of filings (employer electronic registration in March)
• DS-160 and consular visa after approval

Process

1. Employer files LCA with DOL
2. USCIS electronic registration in March (if cap applies)
3. File I-129 after selection or exemption
4. DS-160, MRV, and consular interview after approval

Renewal and change of status

I-129 extensions while employment continues. Employer change via H-1B transfer (new petition). Common path to EB-2/EB-3 green card if the employer sponsors.

Purpose

Temporary non-agricultural work (seasonal, peak load, one-time need) when qualified U.S. workers are unavailable.

Eligibility

• Temporary job offer from a sponsoring U.S. employer
• DOL temporary labor certification (no available U.S. workers)
• Approved H-2B I-129 petition
• Annual H-2B cap (often reached quickly)
• Nationality of a DOS-listed eligible country

Process

1. Employer obtains DOL temporary certification
2. File and obtain H-2B I-129 approval
3. Worker completes DS-160 and pays MRV
4. Consular interview and CBP admission

Renewal and change of status

Extensions via new employer petition within regulatory limits. No typical dual intent: change to permanent status is rare without departing. Must leave when status ends.

Purpose

Transfer of an executive or manager (L-1A) or specialized-knowledge employee (L-1B) from a related foreign entity to a U.S. entity within the same corporate group.

Eligibility

• Continuous employment abroad in the group (generally 1 year in 3)
• Qualifying relationship between entities (parent, subsidiary, affiliate)
• Documented executive or specialized-knowledge role
• Approved I-129 (or L blanket program if eligible)
• Consular visa and CBP admission

Process

1. U.S. employer prepares L I-129 petition
2. USCIS approval or blanket filing at consulate
3. DS-160, MRV, and consular interview
4. CBP admission with intracompany proof

Renewal and change of status

I-129 extensions while transfer and role still qualify. L-1A may lead to EB-1C (multinational manager) for a green card. Employer change outside the group is not allowed in L-1 status.

Purpose

For individuals with extraordinary achievements in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, with demanding documentary evidence.

Eligibility

• Advisory opinion or consultation per field
• Contract or itinerary of U.S. events
• Evidence file meeting USCIS O-1 criteria
• U.S. employer or agent as I-129 petitioner
• No annual cap like H-1B

Process

1. Build evidence file and obtain advisory opinion
2. File O I-129 with USCIS
3. After approval, complete DS-160 and MRV
4. Consular interview and CBP admission

Renewal and change of status

I-129 extensions while extraordinary activity continues. Possible path to EB-1A green card if criteria are met. Essential assistants may qualify for O-2.

Purpose

Substantial, at-risk investment in an active U.S. business that the applicant develops and directs. France is an E-2 treaty country.

Eligibility

• French nationality (treaty of navigation and commerce)
• Real, irrevocable investment in an operating enterprise
• Control of the business (50% or directing role)
• Non-marginal enterprise (able to generate more than minimal income)
• Complete E-2 consular file (business plan, proof of funds)

Process

1. Set up the U.S. company and invest funds
2. Complete DS-160 under E-2 category
3. Pay MRV and schedule consular appointment
4. Interview with complete investment file

Renewal and change of status

Consular renewal or I-129 extension if already in the U.S. Spouse and children in E-2D status. Does not lead directly to a green card; EB-5 or another route if permanent residence is the goal.

Purpose

Classification for USMCA-listed professions. French nationals are not eligible: reserved for citizens of Canada and Mexico only.

Eligibility

• Canadian or Mexican citizenship (not French)
• Profession on the USMCA list
• U.S. job offer or contract in that profession
• Degree-level qualifications per profession
• Alternatives for French nationals: H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-2, J-1, or EB routes

Process

1. Canadians: CBP admission at the border with TN packet
2. Mexicans: DS-160, MRV, and consular interview
3. Employer letter describing role, salary, and qualifications
4. Degree and experience proof

Renewal and change of status

TN renewal for eligible USMCA nationals. Not available to French nationals: consider H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-2, or EB routes to work in the United States.

Purpose

Ministers and religious workers employed by a nonprofit U.S. religious organization, with Form I-129 R petition.

Eligibility

• Member of a recognized denomination for at least 2 years
• Qualifying ministerial or religious role (not general secular work)
• Eligible U.S. religious organization as petitioner
• Approved I-129 with R supplement
• Maximum 5 years in R-1 status (USCIS rules)

Process

1. Religious organization files I-129 R
2. Possible USCIS on-site inspection
3. After approval, complete DS-160 and MRV
4. Consular interview and CBP admission

Renewal and change of status

I-129 extensions within the 5-year limit. Possible change to permanent status via EB-4 (special immigrant religious workers) under strict conditions.

Purpose

Permanent residence (Green Card) for extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, or multinational executives.

Eligibility

• Evidence meeting EB-1 criteria (extraordinary, outstanding, multinational manager)
• Approved USCIS I-140 petition
• Current priority date in Visa Bulletin (often current for EB-1)
• I-485 adjustment in the U.S. or consular DS-260 processing
• Medical exams and police certificates

Process

1. Build EB-1 evidence file
2. File I-140 (self-petition EB-1A or employer EB-1B/EB-1C)
3. Wait for current priority date (Visa Bulletin)
4. I-485 or DS-260, interview, and green card issuance

Renewal and change of status

Green card renewed every 10 years (physical card). Naturalization possible after 5 years of permanent residence, under USCIS conditions.

Purpose

Green card through employment for advanced-degree holders (EB-2) or skilled workers, professionals, and other workers (EB-3). Often requires DOL PERM certification before I-140.

Eligibility

• Permanent job offer and sponsoring employer
• PERM (except EB-2 NIW without employer)
• Approved I-140 and Visa Bulletin priority date
• Education or experience level per subcategory
• I-485 or consular processing based on residence

Process

1. Employer runs recruitment and PERM with DOL
2. File I-140 after certified PERM
3. Monitor Visa Bulletin for priority date
4. I-485 or DS-260, medical exam, and interview

Renewal and change of status

Green card renewable every 10 years. Employer change possible during I-485 if AC21 rules are met. Long waits by nationality (possible retrogression).

Purpose

Enter the United States to marry a U.S. citizen within 90 days, then file adjustment of status (I-485) for permanent residence.

Eligibility

• In-person meeting within 2 years before petition (limited exceptions)
• Good-faith intent to marry a U.S. citizen
• Approved USCIS I-129F petition
• Consular processing and medical exam
• Eligible children in derivative K-2 status

Process

1. U.S. citizen files I-129F with USCIS
2. After approval, case transfers to consulate (NVC / consular post)
3. DS-160, medical exam, and consular interview
4. Enter the U.S., marry within 90 days, then file I-485

Renewal and change of status

K-1 does not renew: marriage required within 90 days. After marriage, file I-485 for conditional Green Card (2 years if recent marriage).