If you're planning to come to the U.S. to live, intern, work or invest, you'll need a valid visa. Since the rules for obtaining a visa vary according to the purpose of your stay, it's advisable to find out all you can beforehand. To help you, here's a list of the main visas for the United States.
And no, the ESTA is not the only way to get to the USA!
Student visa
To continue your studies at an institution in the United States, you must apply for a F1. This covers private and public secondary schools, as well as American universities, provided that the student is required to attend for more than 18 hours a week.
For your information, F1 visa holders are not allowed to work outside their school during their first year of training on American soil.
Work visa
If you have obtained an employment contract from an American company, you will need to apply for a visa. H1B. It is valid for 3 years and facilitates the process of obtaining a Green Card.
For its part, the L-1 is intended for people going to the USA to open a branch of their company. It is also valid for 3 years, and the applicant must be specialized for the position awaiting him/her on American soil.
While national and international experts need a visa O or P for travel purposes, people wishing to enter the U.S. for professional investment must hold a E.
Tourist or medical visa
The holder of a B-2 may travel to the USA for tourism, receive medical treatment, attend conventions or conferences, participate in musical or sporting events ... as an amateur, visit family or friends, ...
Internship visa
Also known as an internship visa, the J is designed for people wishing to do an internship in an American company. The J1 is suitable for an applicant wishing to work as an au pair for a period of 12 months.
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