Visas
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States must often first obtain a U.S. visa.
Visas are issued by U.S. consulates or embassies outside the U.S. Generally, the visa is provided in the form of a stamp in the traveler’s passport.
U.S. customs officials check your visa before granting entry at any port of entry, airport, and land border crossing. Your visa indicates that you are eligible for entry to the U.S. in a specific immigration category (e.g., F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1).
F-1 and J-1 Student Visas
The F-1 and J-1 visas are the only student visas used at Stanford University.
H-1B Employment Visa
Stanford may use H-1B visas to accommodate temporary employment in professional occupations.
O-1 Nonimmigrant Visa
Allows an employee to work in the U.S. on a temporary basis within their area of extraordinary ability or achievement.
Permanent Residence
Allows a non-U.S. citizen to remain in the U.S. permanently and to work in most occupations without the need for additional authorization.