Relocating to the USA— Your Guide to US Visa Types, Application Steps & Migration Requirements.
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Oluwatofunmi Adekola
July 2, 2025
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Migrating to the United States is a dream for many, but the process can be complex without the right information. Whether you’re moving for work, study, business, or to reunite with family, understanding the visa types, application procedures, and essential requirements is the first step toward a successful migration. This guide will walk you through all you need to know, including useful tips and reliable resources.
1. Types of US Visas
The US offers two broad categories of visas: Non-Immigrant Visas (for temporary stays) and Immigrant Visas (for permanent residency).
Non-Immigrant Visas (Temporary Stay)
These are for individuals who intend to stay in the US temporarily:
B1/B2 Visa – Business or tourism
F1 Visa – Academic student
J1 Visa – Exchange visitor (includes interns, scholars) H1-B Visa – Skilled workers and professionals
O Visa – Individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field, such as science, education, arts, business, or athletics, or who have demonstrated a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.
TN Visa – For Canadian and Mexican professionals under NAFTA
ImmigrantVisas (Permanent Residency)
These lead to a Green Card and permanent residence:
Family-Based Visas – For spouses, children, or parents of US citizens
Employment-Based Visas – For workers with sponsorship
Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery – A random selection program for nationals of underrepresented countries
Investor Visas (EB-5) – For those investing $800,000+ in a US business
Special Immigrant Visas – For certain groups that have worked with the US Government abroad, particularly in Afghan and Iraq who face threats due to their service.
Missing your interview or not bringing the correct documents
Ignoring the importance of ties to your home country for tourist/student visas
Using unverified “agents” or middlemen to process your application
8. How Afriex Helps You Stay Financially Ready
Planning to migrate to the US? You’ll need a reliable way to send, receive, or hold USD. Afriex makes international money transfers seamless and affordable for Africans migrating abroad.
Send and Receive money globally at lightning speed
Hold USD, NGN, and more currencies in one wallet
Plan, budget and Schedule Payment of bills such as tuition or rent with ease