Overview
The United States remains the world's leading destination for higher education, employment-based immigration and family reunification. Student F-1 and exchange J-1 processing continues normally in 2026, while H-1B specialty workers, EB-5 investors and IR immediate relative categories are subject to caps, lotteries and priority dates. Consular interviews, DS-160 detail, evidence of ties and admissibility are decisive. First Class Immigration prepares your DS-160, supporting documents and interview strategy so you walk into the embassy ready.
Typical Processing
2β8 weeks
π Study
πΌ Work
βοΈ Visit
π¨βπ©βπ§ Family
π’ Business
United States Visa Routes
Visitor Visa β B1/B2
Student Visa β F/M
Exchange Visitor Visa β J
Temporary Work Visas
O Visa / Extraordinary Ability
P Visa / Performer and Athlete Route
Treaty Trader / Investor Visa β E
Family / FiancΓ©(e) / Immigrant Visas
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
For tourism, family visits, medical visits and permitted business visitor activities.
Key focus
Clear temporary purpose for the trip and a realistic travel plan. Enough funds for travel, accommodation and personal expenses. Full requirements & documents β
For academic study, language study, vocational study or non-academic study in the United States.
Key focus
Unconditional or qualifying offer from an approved education provider. Genuine intention to study and comply with student visa conditions. Full requirements & documents β
For approved exchange, internship, research, training and cultural programmes.
Key focus
Acceptance by an approved exchange sponsor or programme. Programme purpose matches the visa category. Full requirements & documents β
For selected temporary employment categories including specialist, company-transfer and other work routes.
Key focus
Genuine job offer, work permit, sponsorship certificate or employer approval. Applicant meets qualifications, experience, salary and skill requirements. Full requirements & documents β
O Visa / Extraordinary Ability For individuals with recognised ability in arts, sciences, business, education, athletics, film or television.
Key focus
Strong evidence of recognised achievement or extraordinary ability. US sponsor, agent or employer petition where required.
P Visa / Performer and Athlete Route For athletes, entertainers, artists and recognised performance groups.
Key focus
Confirmed event, tournament, performance, production or engagement. Applicant has the relevant artistic, sporting or professional role.
Treaty Trader / Investor Visa β E For nationals of qualifying treaty countries only; availability depends on nationality.
Key focus
Applicant has nationality of a qualifying treaty country. Trade or investment is substantial and properly documented.
For eligible family-based migration, spouse, fiancΓ©(e) and qualifying relative cases.
Key focus
Sponsor has the required citizenship, residence, visa status or permission. Relationship is genuine and legally recognised, such as spouse, partner, child or qualifying relative. Full requirements & documents β
For selected skilled, professional, investor and employment-based permanent immigration routes.
Key focus
Approved immigrant petition or qualifying employment/investment category. Meets education, skills, experience or investment requirements for the category. Full requirements & documents β
Top Partner Universities
Duke University
Johns Hopkins University
Northeastern University
FCI Note
First Class Immigration handles end-to-end United States visa applications with a fixed quote after your free consultation.