Last updated: November 2026
How do I choose the right U.S. visa?
Find your situation
| Your situation | Possible route | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| I am married to a U.S. citizen | CR-1 / IR-1 spouse visa | Spouse visa guide |
| I am engaged to a U.S. citizen | K-1 fiancé(e) visa | K-1 guide |
| I am in a same-sex marriage or relationship with a U.S. citizen | Spouse visa or K-1 | Same-sex couples guide |
| My spouse is a green card holder | F2A category, subject to visa availability | Spouse visa guide |
| I am a qualified professional and want to apply on my own | EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) | NIW guide |
| I want to invest in and run a U.S. business, and I hold a treaty-country passport | E-2 treaty investor visa | E-2 guide |
| I want temporary seasonal work | H-2B visa, through a U.S. employer | H-2B guide |
| A U.S. employer wants to hire me long term | Employer-sponsored work visa or green card | Ask us about your case |
| I have outstanding achievements in my field | O-1 or EB-1 | Ask us about your case |
| I want to study in the U.S. | F-1 student visa | Ask us about your case |
Visa or green card?
Some routes are temporary (non-immigrant), such as the E-2, H-2B and F-1. Others lead to permanent residence (a green card), such as the spouse visa and the NIW. A temporary visa does not turn into a green card by itself.
Questions to ask yourself
- Do I have close family in the U.S.? A U.S. citizen spouse is the fastest-moving family category because it has no annual cap.
- Do I have an advanced degree or a strong professional record? The NIW and O-1/EB-1 routes may fit.
- Do I want to run a business? The E-2 needs a treaty-country passport and a real U.S. business.
- Will an employer sponsor me? Many work routes need one.
- What is my country of citizenship? It affects treaty eligibility and waiting times.
Frequently asked questions
Which U.S. visa is the easiest to get?
There is no single easiest visa. The right route depends on your profile. A genuine marriage to a U.S. citizen is among the most straightforward, because it has no annual cap, but it still needs strong evidence.
Can I apply for more than one visa at the same time?
In many cases yes, but some combinations create conflicts. Get advice before filing more than one.
What is the difference between a visa and a green card?
A visa lets you enter the U.S., often for a limited time and purpose. A green card gives permanent residence.
Do I need a job offer to move to the U.S.?
Not always. Some routes, such as the NIW or a marriage-based visa, do not need an employer.
How do I know which route is best for me?
It depends on your family ties, education, work history, finances and country of citizenship. A review of your full profile is the reliable way to know.
Ask us about your situation
Tell us a little about yourself and we will point you to the route that may fit you best.
Ask Immigration Advice Service