Living or working in United States: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas

Apply for a B‑2 if you need up to 6 months of tourism or study, an H‑1B if you have a US employer sponsoring a skilled job, a J‑1 for exchange programs, or the new digital‑nomad visa where offered. Begin the process 3 months ahead and gather proof of income, employment and a US sponsor where required.

The US does not have a generic "long‑stay" visa; you must choose a category that matches your purpose. B‑2 tourist visas allow stays up to 6 months and can be extended once in the US. H‑1B visas require a US employer to file a petition (Form I‑129) and a Labor Condition Application; approval grants up to three years, renewable. J‑1 exchange visas are issued for specific programs (students, interns, scholars) and include a DS‑2019 form from the sponsor. A digital‑nomad visa, launched in a few states in 2025, targets remote workers employed abroad; applicants must show a minimum annual income (e.g., US$100,000) and proof of remote employment.

The US does not participate in a working‑holiday scheme, so travelers from most countries cannot obtain a visa that combines tourism with unrestricted work rights.

All non‑immigrant visas start with completing the online DS‑160 form, paying the visa fee, and scheduling an interview at a US embassy or consulate. For H‑1B, the employer files the petition first; the applicant then attends the interview once the petition is approved. Digital‑nomad applicants submit a state‑specific application (often online) with income proof and remote‑employment verification. Processing times vary: B‑2 and J‑1 typically 2‑4 weeks, H‑1B 3‑6 months, digital‑nomad pilot 4‑8 weeks.

Visa application fees are set by the US Department of State: US$190 for B‑2, US$190‑US$250 for most work‑related visas, plus a SEVIS fee of US$350 for J‑1. Digital‑nomad visas may charge a state processing fee (≈US$200) and require proof of sufficient income (often US$100 k/year) to cover living costs. Applicants must also budget for travel to the embassy, possible courier fees for documents, and any required translations.