Passports issued prior to October 26, 2005 do not require visas for tourist travel staying less than 90 days, however if your passport was issued after October 26, 2005 but is not biometric, you will need a visa for tourist travel regardless of the length of stay.

• Tourist travel for more than 90 days and business travel require a B1/B2 visa.
• Students, au pairs, or interns need either a J1 or F1 visa
• Working visas are H1 for employees or L1 for executives
• Business travellers need a treaty trader E1 or E2 visa as an investor.
• Apply for your visa at the American embassy
• You will be interviewed to determine if you qualify
• Your visa will be added in your passport with the category and expiration date

Green card

Another option is to obtain a green card however the process is fastidious and time consuming and is not always successful. Outlined below are suggestions on how to proceed.

• The green card lottery is free and you may apply online at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/application.aspx from October to December. You will be notified in the summer if you are one of the 55.000 lucky winners.
• Family members 21 years or older holding a green card or citizenship may sponsor you if you are an immediate family member.
• H1, L1 or O visas can be changed into green cards upon renewal.

Green cards are valid for 10 years and you will be taxed as an American citizen. You will need to declare international revenus in the US even, which may prove to be an expensive endevor for those only residing in the US for a short while.