Iowa Department of Education

VISA Classifications

The federal government (the Department of Homeland Security) has increased the types of visas available to non-immigrants from 13 to 22.  Visas consist of a letter (A - V) and a number (1 or 2).  The number indicates whether the visaholder is the primary visitor to the U.S. (indicated by a 1) or the spouse or dependent of a visitor (indicated by a 2).  The letters indicate why the visa was issued.  For instance, most schools are familiar with F-1 and J-1 visaholders.  Both indicate student status, and the "1" indicates that the student is here without parents.  Here is the listing of the rest of the alphabet:

B    Tourist or business traveler

C    In transit

D    Alien crewman of a vessel or aircraft operating in the U.S.

E    Alien here under a treaty of commerce or navigation

F    Non-exchange student

G    Member of foreign government

H    Temporary worker, including agricultural worker

I     Media

J    Exchange student, but also includes professors and researchers

K    Fiancee of U.S. citizen in country to conclude a valid marriage

L    Managerial or executive employee of foreign country in U.S. for business

M   Student at vocational or "nonacademic" institution

N    Child of a member of the foreign press

O    Scientist, artist, actor, athlete

P    Same as "O" but length of stay is briefer under "P"

Q    Part of cultural exchange program

R    Member of religious denomination working for the denomination in U.S.

S    Witness giving testimony for U.S. in federal criminal prosecution

T    Victim of human trafficking

U    Victim of other criminal activity who suffered substantial abuse