Visa Categories Explained: Tourist, Student, Work, Dependent, Business, Transit & Visit Visas

Planning to go abroad for leisure, education, employment, family reunion, or business? Understanding the right visa type is essential for a smooth and successful visa application process.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain the major types of visas—Tourist, Student, Work, Dependent, Business, Transit, and Visit—covering their purpose, eligibility, required documents, and expert tips. Whether you're applying from India or elsewhere, this guide helps you navigate international travel and immigration requirements with clarity.

Please note that specific requirements and regulations are subject to change.

1. Tourist Visa – For Leisure, Holidays & Short-Term Travel

A tourist visa is intended for those traveling abroad for sightseeing, holidays, cultural experiences, or short non-academic courses.

Key Highlights:

• Tourist visa validity varies significantly by country and individual circumstances, ranging from short stays to multiple entries over several months.
  
  
• No employment or long-term study permitted
  
  
• Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families
  
  

Requirements:

 

• Valid passport
  
  
• Proof of financial means
  
  
• Return flight tickets
  
  
• Hotel bookings or invitation letter
  
  
• Travel insurance
  
  
• Visa application form and fees
  
  

Common Destinations:

• USA B-2 Visa
  
  
• Schengen Tourist Visa
  
  
• UAE Tourist Visa
  
  
• Thailand Visa on Arrival
  
  

2. Student Visa – For Higher Education Abroad

 

A student visa is required to pursue full-time academic programs such as undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, or research studies in a foreign country.

Key Highlights:

• Valid for the course duration
  
  
• Whether part-time work is permitted for international students depends on the specific regulations of the host country and the conditions of their student visa.
  
  
• Often eligible for post-study work visas
  
  

Requirements:

• Admission letter from a recognized institution
  
  
• Academic transcripts and certificates
  
  
• Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
  
  
• Financial documents
  
  
• Statement of Purpose
  
  
• Visa application form and passport
  
  

Popular Study Destinations:

• USA (F-1 Visa)
  
  
• Canada (Study Permit)
  
  
• UK (Tier 4 Student Visa)
  
  
• Australia (Subclass 500)
  
  
• Germany (National D Visa)
  
  

3. Work Visa – For Overseas Employment

A work visa allows you to live and work abroad under the sponsorship of an employer. It is essential for professionals who have secured a job offer overseas.

Key Highlights:

• Linked to a job offer and employer
  
  
• Certain work visa categories may offer a pathway to permanent residency, subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria and the immigration policies of the host country.
  
  
• Specific skill and qualification requirements
  
  

Requirements:

• Job offer letter
  
  
• Employer sponsorship documents
  
  
• Work experience and qualifications
  
  
• Skill assessment (if applicable)
  
  
• Medical and police clearances
  
  

Popular Work Visa Types:

• H-1B Visa (USA)
  
  
• Skilled Worker Visa (UK)
  
  
• Subclass 482 TSS Visa (Australia)
  
  
• LMIA-based Work Permit (Canada)
  
  

4. Dependent Visa – For Spouses & Children of Primary Visa Holders

Dependent visas allow family members to join or live with someone studying, working, or permanently residing abroad.

Key Highlights:

• Issued to spouses, children, and in some cases parents
  
  
• The rights of dependents to work or study vary significantly based on the specific dependent visa category and the immigration regulations of the host country, often being linked to the primary visa holder's status.
  
  
• Usually requires proof of relationship
  
  

Requirements:

 

• Passport copies of both applicant and sponsor
  
  
• Marriage/birth certificates
  
  
• Financial support proof
  
  
• Health and character documents
  
  

Common Dependent Visa Categories:

• F-2 Visa (USA)
  
  
• Dependent of Tier 2 Worker (UK)
  
  
• Subclass 500 Dependent (Australia)
  
  
• Open Work Permit for Spouses (Canada)
  
  
  

5. Business Visa – For Attending Meetings, Conferences & Trade Events

A business visa is designed for individuals visiting a foreign country for business-related activities without engaging in direct employment.

Key Highlights:

• Business visa validity typically ranges from short-term stays to a few months, depending on the issuing country and the purpose of the visit.
  
  
• No salary or wage-based work permitted
  
  
• Suitable for entrepreneurs, investors, and employees attending international meetings
  
  

Requirements:

• Invitation letter from foreign business associate
  
  
• Letter from employer explaining the trip purpose
  
  
• Travel itinerary and accommodation details
  
  
• Business registration documents (if self-employed)
  
  
• Financial documents
  
  

Common Business Visa Types:

• B-1 Visa (USA)
  
  
• Schengen Business Visa (Europe)
  
  
• Business e-Visa (India for foreigners)
  
  
• Australia Business Visitor Stream (Subclass 600)
  
  

6. Transit Visa – For Short Stopovers En Route to Another Destination

A transit visa is issued to travelers passing through a country en route to their final destination. It is typically required for layovers in international airports.

Key Highlights:

• Transit visa validity is typically for a short duration, often ranging from 24 to 96 hours, but can vary depending on the country and airport regulations.
  
  
• No exit from the airport or stay beyond permitted time
  
  
• Required only in specific countries
  
  

Requirements:

• Valid visa for the final destination
  
  
• Confirmed onward flight tickets
  
  
• Valid passport
  
  
• Visa application form and fee (if required)
  
  

Examples:

• Schengen Transit Visa
  
  
• US C Visa
  
  
• Australia Transit Visa Subclass 771
  
  
• UK DATV (Direct Airside Transit Visa)
  
  

7. Visit Visa – For Family, Friends & Social Invitations

A visit visa shares similarities with a tourist visa but specifically requires an invitation from a host (family member or friend) residing in the destination country, along with their residency details.

Key Highlights:

• Typically short-term (15 days to 6 months)
  
  
• Cannot engage in employment
  
  
• Ideal for attending weddings, family functions, or visiting relatives
  
  

Requirements:

• Invitation letter from the host
  
  
• Proof of relationship (if applicable)
  
  
• Host's ID or residency proof
  
  
• Applicant’s financial documents
  
  
• Return flight tickets and accommodation details
  
  

Popular Visit Visa Types:

• UK Standard Visitor Visa
  
  
• Canada Visitor Visa
  
  
• USA B-2 (Visit category)
  
  
• Schengen Visit Visa
  
  

Final Words: Select the Right Visa for Your Travel Purpose

Choosing the correct visa type is the foundation of a successful trip abroad. Each visa category serves a unique purpose and comes with specific eligibility criteria, required documentation, and limitations.

Whether you're traveling for business, study, leisure, employment, or to visit family, applying for the appropriate visa ensures a smoother immigration experience and increases your chances of approval.

 

Need Professional Help With Your Visa Application?

Our experienced visa consultants can help you with:

• Tourist and Visit Visa applications from India
  
  
• Business and Transit Visa Guidance
  
  
• Study Visa
  
  
• Dependent and Family Visa Filing
  
  
  

Contact us today for a free consultation and start your international journey with confidence.