- BIST10011,572-1.28%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,182.70+0.04%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,421+0.50%
- October 19, 20269°
- BIST10011,572-1.28%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,182.70+0.04%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,421+0.50%
- October 19, 20269°
02
Temporary Visa Types
We have compared the five most commonly used temporary visas side by side for Turkish citizens. Choose your purpose, and the column that suits you will stand out.
| B-1/B-2Tourist and business travel | F-1Student | J-1Exchange visitor | H-1BSpecialty occupation | E-2Treaty investor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite | None; you only need to demonstrate your purpose and ties to Türkiye | School admission and I-20 | Program sponsor and DS-2019 | Employer petition (I-129); annual lottery | A substantial investment in the U.S. |
| Application fee | $185 | $185 + SEVIS | $185 + SEVIS | $205 | $315 |
| Visa validity (Türkiye) | 120 months, multiple entry | 60 months, multiple entry | 60 months, multiple entry | 60 months, multiple entry | 60 months, multiple entry |
| Working in the U.S. | Employment prohibited | Limited on-campus work; CPT and OPT | As permitted by the program | Only for the petitioning employer | Only in the business in which the investment was made |
| Spouses and children | Each with their own B visa | F-2; spouse may not work | J-2; may apply for work authorization | H-4; spouse may work in some cases | E-2 dependent; spouse may work |
| Interview documents | Passport, photo, DS-160 | + I-20, SEVIS receipt, proof of funds | + DS-2019, SEVIS receipt | + Original I-129 | + Embassy’s E list |
Two major recent developments
- For F (student), J (exchange), and I (journalist) visas, “duration of status” (D/S) is still in effect for now. A rule replacing D/S with a fixed stay of no more than 4 years and reducing the post-graduation departure period from 60 days to 30 days was set to take effect on September 15, 2026. The Massachusetts Federal District Court delayed the rule’s effective date on September 14, 2026. USCIS is currently processing cases under the old rules. Before applying, check the latest status on the USCIS I-539 page.
- A fee was proposed for OPT on October 8, 2026: $70,000 for initial OPT and $30,000 for subsequent OPT. This is still a proposal; the comment period ends on November 9, 2026.
Topics in this section
- 2.1 Tourist and business travel (B-1/B-2)B-1/B-2 is a visitor visa used by Turkish citizens for tourism, visiting relatives, medical treatment, or short business trips. The application includes the DS-160, fee payment, appointment, and interview steps.
- 2.2 Student visa (F-1): from application to graduationF-1 is for academic education, while M-1 is for vocational training. This guide covers admission, the I-20, SEVIS, the visa, entry into the United States, maintaining status, and OPT.
- 2.3 Exchange visitor (J-1)J-1 is the visa issued to participants in BridgeUSA exchange programs. Applying first requires acceptance by an approved sponsor and a DS-2019; some people are subject to the two-year home-country return requirement.
- 2.4 Work visasFor most work visas, the process begins when the U.S. employer files Form I-129 with USCIS. After approval, the employee completes the DS-160 and applies for a visa at the consulate in Ankara or Istanbul.
- 2.5 Investor and trader (E-2 / E-1)Turkish citizens may apply for an E-1 or E-2 visa by meeting the trade or investment requirements with the United States. Applications are handled by the E visa unit in Istanbul.
- 2.6 Fiancé visa (K-1)The K-1 fiancé visa is for people who will marry a U.S. citizen in the United States. The process consists of filing the I-129F petition, attending the Ankara interview, marrying within 90 days after entering the United States, and filing an I-485 application.
- 2.7 Spouse and child (dependent) visasSpouses and unmarried children under 21 may come to the United States on a visa linked to the principal visa holder’s status. Work, school, extensions, and age-21 rules vary by visa type.
- 2.8 Change of status and extension of stay (from inside the United States)People who are temporarily in the United States can extend their stay or change their status by applying to USCIS before their I-94 period expires. The form to use is I-539 or I-129, depending on the applicant and status.
- 2.9 Consequences of overstaying and unlawful presenceExceeding the I-94 period may result in unlawful presence, visa revocation, and a 3-year, 10-year, or permanent entry bar. Check your period, file the necessary application on time, and consult an immigration attorney in complicated situations.
Last reviewed October 16, 2026. This content is general information, not legal advice.