Can I work on a visitor visa?

No. B-1/B-2 and ESTA do not authorize employment in the United States. The B-1 allows limited business activities like meetings and negotiations, but not productive work for a U.S. employer. If you need to work, we look at TN, H-1B, O-1, or another work-authorized category.

How long can I stay as a visitor?

B-1/B-2 visitors are typically admitted for up to six months, with the possibility of an extension. ESTA travelers are limited to 90 days with no extension. The officer at the port of entry sets your actual admission period, which can be shorter than the visa validity.

Who qualifies for TN status?

TN status is available to citizens of Canada and Mexico who have a job offer from a U.S. employer in one of the professions listed under the USMCA, and who hold the required credentials. It is granted in increments of up to three years and can be renewed indefinitely while the role continues.

Can a visitor visa lead to a green card?

Visitor categories are for temporary stays and require nonimmigrant intent, so they do not lead directly to a green card. Entering as a visitor with a preconceived plan to immigrate can cause serious problems. If your goal is permanent residence, we plan an appropriate immigrant path from the start.

Temporary & Visitor Visas

What Are Temporary & Visitor Visas?

Temporary and visitor visas cover short-term, nonimmigrant entries to the United States — a business meeting, a family visit, a medical procedure, a conference, or qualifying professional work. They do not lead directly to a green card, and most require you to show that you intend to return home when your visit ends.

The right option depends on your nationality, the purpose of your trip, and how long you need to stay. A citizen of a Visa Waiver country may travel on ESTA for short visits, while others apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Canadian and Mexican professionals may qualify for TN status under the USMCA.

Getting the category and the documentation right matters: a visa refusal or an entry problem can affect future travel. We help you choose the correct route, prepare a clean application, and avoid common pitfalls at the consulate or the border.

How We Help

We advise visitors, businesses, and professionals on the fastest lawful way into the U.S. for a temporary stay.

Choosing between a B-1/B-2 visa, ESTA, and TN status.
Preparing visitor-visa applications and consular interview strategy.
Documenting nonimmigrant intent and ties to your home country.
Structuring TN job offers to fit a qualifying USMCA profession.
Filing extensions and changes of status where permitted.
Avoiding the entry problems that can jeopardize future travel.

Main Temporary Options

Each option fits a different traveler. The summaries below show who each one suits best.

B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
The B-1 covers temporary business activity such as meetings and conferences; the B-2 covers tourism, visiting family, and medical treatment. Stays are typically up to six months and may be extended. See our dedicated B-1/B-2 page.
Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
Nationals of participating countries may visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa, after obtaining an ESTA authorization. No extensions or change of status are allowed. See our Visa Waiver page.
TN — USMCA Professionals
Canadian and Mexican citizens in qualifying professions can work in the U.S. for a U.S. employer under the USMCA, in renewable increments. See our dedicated TN visa page.
Nonimmigrant Intent
Most visitor categories require you to show you will return home when your authorized stay ends. Strong ties — employment, family, property — support that showing.

How a Temporary-Visa Case Moves

The exact steps depend on the category and your nationality, but the arc is similar.

Step 01

Purpose & Eligibility

We confirm the purpose of your trip and your nationality, then identify whether B-1/B-2, ESTA, or TN is the right route.

Step 02

Application & Documentation

We prepare the application — consular visa, ESTA registration, or TN package — with evidence supporting your purpose and ties.

Step 03

Interview or Port of Entry

You attend a consular interview where required, or present your case at the border or port of entry for TN and Visa Waiver entries.

Step 04

Maintain or Extend

We advise on maintaining status, requesting extensions where allowed, and planning any future change of status.

Common Supporting Documents

The exact set depends on the category, but temporary-visa cases generally draw on the following.

Traveler

Valid passport
Purpose-of-trip documentation (itinerary, invitation, conference)
Evidence of ties to your home country
Proof of funds for the visit

TN / Professional

Employer support letter describing the role
Proof the position is a qualifying USMCA profession
Credentials, licenses, and degrees

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country and your trip is 90 days or less for tourism or business, you may travel on an ESTA authorization without a visa. If you are not from a participating country, or you need to stay longer or do something ESTA does not allow, a B-1/B-2 visa is the right route. We confirm which applies to you.