Office of International
Students & Scholars
International Center
421 Temple Street
New Haven, CT 06511
USA

Phone: 203.432.2305
Fax: 203.432.7166
email: oiss@yale.edu

Other Visa Options

The list below is only a brief summary of other non-immigrant classifications and should be used for informational purposes only. If you will be joining Yale, you must be in touch with your host school or department, or the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), to ensure that you enter the U.S. in the proper status. Yale departments will find detailed information about the use of these categories on this Web site.

B-1/B-2 Tourist for Business/Tourist for Pleasure

The "visitor" visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1),for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2), or combination of both (B-1/B-2) purposes. Individuals coming to Yale for any prolonged academic activity should not enter the U.S. in B1 or B2 status. Consult with your host department or OISS about the appropriate category.

Business Visitor Visas (B-1) - For example, if the purpose for your planned travel is to consult with business associates, travel for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention, or conference on specific dates, settle an estate, or negotiate a contract, then a business visitor visa (B-1) would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel. For additional information consult Business Travel to the United States – What Type of U.S. Visa Will You Need.

Visitor Visas (B-2) - As examples, if the purpose of your planned travel is recreational in nature, including tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, and activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature, then a visitor visa (B-2) would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel. [More information]

Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business [visitor (B) visa purposes] for stays of 90 days or less (extension or change of status are not permitted) without obtaining a visa. VWP eligible travelers may apply for a visa, if they prefer to do so. Not all countries participate in the VWP, and not all travelers from VWP countries are eligible to use the program. VWP travelers are screened prior to admission into the United States, and they are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program. Currently 35 countries participated in the VWP. See the U.S. Department of State Web site for more information.

E-3 (Australian citizens)

The E-3 status is visa for Australian nationals to work in specialty occupations in the U.S. It has many advantages over the other types of working visas, including the ability for spouses of E-3 recipients to apply for work authorization. [More information]

O-1 Extraordinary Ability

The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant employment-based visa classification for foreign nationals who can demonstrate the sustained national or international acclaim and recognition for achievements in the science, education, business or athletics. [More information]

TN for Citizens of Canada or Mexico

The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals to work in the United States. Permanent residents, including Canadian permanent residents, are not able to apply to work as a NAFTA professional. [More information]