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San Francisco at a Glance

Visa Categories for San Francisco

Once you have secured a visa, you can enjoy your life in the City by the Bay.

US authorities tend to distinguish between immigrant visas and non-immigrant visas for expats and other people keen on moving to the United States. There are several categories for each group, and we will introduce the most important ones to you below. As an expat who is about to move to San Francisco for a limited period of time, you require a non-immigrant visa. You will choose your visa depending on the purpose of your stay in the United States.

Specialty Occupations (H 1B)

The H1B visa is designated for expats working in a specialty occupation or those who are doing cooperative research and development for the Department of Defense. Fashion models of international renown fall in this category as well.

If you want to apply for a H1B visa, you need to show proof of a Bachelor Degree or an equivalent thereof. Remember that the number of H1B visas available is limited to about 65,000 per year. The maximum duration of your stay on this visa is 3 years.

Executives and Manager (L1A / B)

Would you rather apply for a L1A/B visa for executives and managers? Then you must have been with your company for at least one year before you were transferred abroad. You also need to possess “specialized knowledge” in order to qualify for this type of visa.

Your employer can transfer you abroad for one year on this visa to set up an office in San Francisco, or for three years to work at an existent office of your company.

Expats with Special Abilities (O1)

You can apply for an O1 visa if you have reached national or international acclaim, recognition or distinction. You qualify for this type of visa if you work in the field of science, education, business, sports or arts. Keep in mind, however, that the O1 visa will allow you to work in San Francisco for a period of 3 years at the most.

Treaty Traders (and Employees) (E 1)

Expats who want to enter the US on a treaty traders visa must originate from a country which maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. In addition, your home country must carry on substantial trade with the US.

The E1 visa is particularly popular with companies and business. After all, there is no limit to the extensions which can be granted after the initial duration of two years. You do not need to submit proof of residency in a country outside the US. Your dependents will automatically receive a work permit without applying for a separate visa.

Other Visa Categories

You can choose between five different preference categories for your employment-based immigration, EB 1-5. Your employer in the US has to provide proof that there aren’t any sufficiently qualified workers in the US to fill your future position. The company also has to show that hiring you will not put the wages or working conditions of US workers in similar positions at risk.

Luckily, foreign investors (EB 5), executives or managers and outstanding professors or researchers are exempt from this rule. The same generally applies to people with notable achievements in a certain field (EB 1).

Temporary Visitors

Citizens from countries which are not participating in the Visa Waiver Program need to secure a B1 visa for business stays in the US of up to 6 months. This visa gives you the freedom to conduct all kinds of activities of a commercial or professional nature. Even if you are free to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program, you need to register prior to your arrival in the US. You can do so on the ESTA homepage via the Department of Homeland Security.

For more information on visa requirements, please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs or get in touch with the nearest US embassy.