The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits nationals from designated countries to apply for admission to the United States for 90 days or less as nonimmigrant visitors for business or pleasure without first obtaining a U.S. policy permits citizens of certain countries as identified below to travel to the United States without a visa. The CBP Officer at the port-of-entry will conduct an inspection to determine if the individual is eligible for admission under U.S. consular officer at an American embassy or consulate has reviewed the application and that officer has determined that the individual is eligible to enter the country for a specific purpose. Issuance of a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. For an alphabetical listing all of the nonimmigrant visa classifications and specific requirements refer to the USCIS website. However, foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States to study or work may require certain authorization and documentation prior to applying for a nonimmigrant visa. consulate or embassy abroad for a tourist (B-2) or business nonimmigrant (B-1) visa. Generally, an individual applies directly to the U.S. The type of nonimmigrant visa needed is defined by immigration law, and related to the purpose of the travel. Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States on a temporary basis for tourism, business, medical treatment and certain types of temporary work. For specific information regarding immigrant visa classifications and requirements, refer to the USCIS website or the Department of State website. An intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident once the immigrant visa and accompanying paperwork is reviewed and endorsed by a CBP Officer. port-of-entry prior to the expiration of the immigrant visa. An intending immigrant must present the immigrant visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy overseas for continued processing and issuance of the immigrant visa to the intending immigrant, if eligible. The application is later forwarded to the appropriate U.S.
Certain applicants such as workers with extraordinary ability, investors, and certain special immigrants can petition on their own behalf. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In most cases, a relative or employer sponsors the individual by filing an application with U.S. Nonimmigrant visas are for foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States on a temporary basis - for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, study, or other similar reasons.Īn immigrant visa is issued to a foreign national who intends to live and work permanently in the United States. Immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live permanently in the United States.