Visas may be divided into two general categories: immigrant and nonimmigrant. Immigrant visas are issued to aliens seeking permanent residence in the U.S., while nonimmigrant visas authorize a stay for a limited period of time with a specific purpose.
What is the difference between immigrant and nonimmigrant visa?
The key difference between an immigrant visa and a nonimmigrant visa is very basic: Immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live permanently in the United States. Nonimmigrant visas are for foreign nationals who want to enter the United States on a temporary basis – as tourists, for medical treatment, on business, for temporary work, to study, or other similar reasons. Immigrant Visas
What is the difference between immigrant and non immigrant?
The two main classes are immigrant and nonimmigrant and they connote the intent of the individual seeking entry and stay in the country. An immigrant is someone from a foreign country who relocates to live in another country. They may or may not be citizens. Non-immigrants move on their own volition for a certain duration but not permanently.
How to apply for nonimigrant US visa?
How to Apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa. 1. Determine Which Type Of Visa You Need. Use the visa wizard on travel.state.gov’s visa pages to determine which type of travel authorization is appropriate for your purpose of travel. U.S. law prohibits pre-application consultations. We cannot determine your qualification or eligibility for a visa until you have paid the non-refundable visa application ...
Where can I Find my non immigrant visa number?
Where can I find my nonimmigrant visa number? The visa number, also called a visa foil number, is a red number that is generally printed on the bottom right side of newer visa documents. In most cases, the U.S. visa number contains eight numeric characters. In some cases, the number contains one letter followed by seven numeric characters.
What are 3 types of non immigrant visas?
What are the nonimmigrant visa types? There are three primary nonimmigrant visa categories. You can visit the United States for temporary tourism or business, study, and work.
Which visa comes under immigrant visa?
Immigrant Visa CategoriesImmediate Relative & Family SponsoredVisa CategorySpouse of a U.S. CitizenIR1, CR1Spouse of a U.S. Citizen awaiting approval of an I-130 immigrant petitionK-3 *Fiancé(e) to marry U.S. Citizen & live in U.S.K-1 *Intercountry Adoption of Orphan Children by U.S. CitizensIR3, IH3, IR4, IH411 more rows
Is a green card a non immigrant visa?
Green cards are technically a type of visa that allows for permanent residence. Green cards are issued after arrival in the United States. To qualify for a green card, the applicant must have an immigrant visa already, and applications are made to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What is an example of a non immigrant visa?
Nonimmigrant visas, such as tourist and student visas, permit you to enter the U.S. for a short time. By Ilona Bray, J.D. If you're planning a short trip to the United States, you must, with certain exceptions, obtain a "nonimmigrant" (temporary) visa.
What are the 4 types of immigrants?
To begin with, let's look at the four types of immigration status that exist: citizens, residents, non-immigrants and undocumented.
What are the 4 types of visas?
Which type of visa do you need? Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
How long is immigrant visa valid for?
You must arrive in and apply for admission to the United States no later than the visa expiration date printed on your visa. An immigrant visa is usually valid for up to six months from the date of issuance unless your medical examination expires sooner, which may make your visa valid for less than six months.
How long can a non immigrant stay in the US?
six monthsU.S. immigration at the port of entry determines how long a person may remain in the United States. The holder of a B-2 visa may be admitted for an initial period of six months, which is extendable in six month increments.
What does immigrant visa mean?
An immigrant visa is issued to a foreign national who intends to live and work permanently in the United States. In most cases, a relative or employer sponsors the individual by filing an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What are the 3 types of immigration?
When immigrating to the US, there are four different immigration status categories that immigrants may fall into: citizens, residents, non-immigrants, and undocumented immigrants.
Who is considered an immigrant?
Simply put, an immigrant is a person living in a country other than that of his or her birth. No matter if that person has taken the citizenship of the destination country, served in its military, married a native, or has another status—he or she will forever be an interna- tional migrant.
How do I get an immigrant visa?
Essential Steps to Get an Immigrant VisaIn most cases, someone must sponsor you or file an immigrant petition for you.Wait until the petition is approved and a visa is available in your category. Then apply for an immigrant visa. ... Get a medical examination.Go to an interview.Wait for a decision on your application.
What are all immigrant visas?
Foreign nationals can apply for various kinds of immigrant visas, including immediate relative visas, family preference visas, diversity visas, and employment-based visas.
How many types of immigrant visas are there?
There are two major categories of immigrant visas: Immediate Relative and Family Sponsored. Employer Sponsored.
Is H-1B immigrant visa?
What is the H-1B Visa Category? The H-1B is a temporary (nonimmigrant) visa category that allows employers to petition for highly educated foreign professionals to work in “specialty occupations” that require at least a bachelor's degree or the equivalent.
What are the 3 types of immigration?
When immigrating to the US, there are four different immigration status categories that immigrants may fall into: citizens, residents, non-immigrants, and undocumented immigrants.
What is the difference between a nonimmigrant visa and an immigrant visa?
In short, the United States grants an immigrant visa to people that intend to work and live permanently in the United States and issues a nonimmigrant visa to people who are temporarily visiting the U.S.
What is the purpose of a nonimmigrant visa?
within a certain time frame. The purpose for the visit may be tourism, business, temporary work, or school.
What is an immigrant visa?
The U.S. government grants an immigrant visa to foreign-born individuals who intend make the United States a permanent home. Synonymous terms for immigrant visa include: permanent resident, immigrant, green card holder, and resident alien.
Can an immigrant work in the US?
Those with immigrant status may work in the United States and live within the U.S. with most of the privileges and rights as U.S. citizens. To acquire an immigrant via, most people are sponsored by a family member or employer in the United States.
What are the two categories of visas?
There are two categories of U.S. visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant. Immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live permanently in the United States.
Can you travel to a foreign country with a round trip ticket?
Be in possession of a round-trip ticket that will transport the individual out of the United States to any other foreign port or place as long as the trip does not terminate in contiguous territory or an ; except that the round trip ticket may transport the traveler to contiguous territory or an , if the traveler is a resident of the country of destination or if arriving at a land border, provide evidence of financial solvency and a domicile abroad to which the traveler intends to return;
What is an immigrant visa?
Immigrant visas are for people who want to move to the U.S. permanently. Those who are granted an immigrant visa come to the U.S. and become Lawful Permanent Residents or “green card holders” and are put on a path to US citizenship.
What are the two main categories of visas?
There are two main categories of visas: immigrant visas and nonimmigrant visas.
What is a waiting list for an immigrant visa?
Immigrant visas are subject to numerical limitations. That means that each of the immigrant visa categories has a certain number of allotted visas. Once the quota is filled, a “waiting list” is created that may delay your arrival into the U.S.
What does it mean when a visa is reviewed?
The visa indicates that your application has been reviewed by a US consular officer at an American embassy or consulate, and that the consular officer has determined that you are eligible for the visa classification for the specific purpose you sought.
How many types of visas are there?
There are more than 30 types of visas available within the nonimmigrant classification, covering a broad variety of reasons why someone may come to the U.S. for a short time. These reasons run the gamut from tourism to business to employment in the U.S.
What is the basis for most immigration laws in effect today?
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and its numerous amendments are the basis for most immigration laws in effect today.
Do you need a sponsor for a diversity visa?
Visas provided are drawn from countries with low rates of immigration to the US. Unlike other types of immigrant visas, Diversity Visas (DV) do not require a US sponsor, and therefore a petition is not needed.
What is an immigrant?
Definition. An immigrant is someone from a foreign country who relocates to live in another country. They may or may not be citizens. Non-immigrants move on their own volition for a certain duration but not permanently. Legal Status. Immigrants are subject to the laws of their adopted country.
How long can a non-immigrant stay in the US?
A non-immigrant may live in the country for several years without any application to permanently resettle. Many people in the nonimmigrant status later apply to change their status to immigrant because they may later want to settle in their adopted country permanently.
What are the two main categories of entry permits?
The United States and most other countries offer various classes of entry permits to non-citizens. The two main classes are immigrant and nonimmigrant and they connote the intent of the individual seeking entry and stay in the country.
What are some examples of immigrant visas?
Examples of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for the United States. In the United States, visas such as business or tourist visa, and work visas such as H1B or L1 are nonimmigrant visas. These visas allow people to live and work in the United States for a limited period of time - from 6 months to several years.
Can a non-immigrant visa be extended?
This is because non-immigrant visas are not to be used for permanent residence. An immigrant visa for the United States is also called a Green Card.
What is a non-immigrant visa?
A “non-immigrant” is a person who wishes to stay in the U.S. on a temporary basis for a specific purpose. Examples of commonly obtained immigrant visas include: Examples of commonly obtained non-immigrant visas include: Professors, scholars, and teachers (exchange visitors)
Is a person who is not a citizen an alien?
Any person, who is not a U.S. citizen or national, is an “alien.” § 1101 (a) (3).
Is an alien a non-immigrant?
An alien is only a “nonimmigrant” if the alien falls into one of the categories specifically listed in § 1101 (a) (15). In general, an “immigrant” is a person who wishes to live in the U.S. permanently. A “non-immigrant ” is a person who wishes to stay in the U.S. on a temporary basis for a specific purpose.
What Is An Immigrant Visa?
A foreign national that intends to live and work permanently in the United States must first secure an immigrant visa. When petitioning for their visa, applicants will follow one of two paths depending on their current residency:
What Are The Most Common Non-Immigrant Visa Categories?
Probably the most common visa petition is for tourists and business travelers. Most of these individuals will be issued a multipurpose B-1/B-2 business/travel visa . These are valid for one year and can be renewed every 6 months after the first year.
What Are The Various Categories Of Immigrant Visas?
The different visa immigrant options are numerous, but it is easier to break them down into two categories: 1) visas not subject to numerical limitations and 2) visas subject to numerical limitations.
What happens if an immigrant visa number becomes available?
If an immigrant visa number becomes available, applicants living in the U.S. must change their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. Those living outside the U.S. most visit a U.S. consulate office.
What is the H-1B category for temporary workers?
Temporary worker non-immigrant visas have also increased in demand lately as employers face a shortage of skilled workers in specific industries, such as technology and agriculture. A majority of these visas will fall under the H-1B category, with agriculture workers usually falling under the H-2A category.
Who approves an immigrant visa?
The USCIS must approve an immigrant visa filed by the relative or employer, including some proof of the relationship;
Who must file for adjustment of status to legal permanent resident?
Foreign nationals already residing in the United States , including certain undocumented immigrants, international students, temporary workers, and refugees. These individuals must file for adjustment of status to legal permanent residents with the Bureau of U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services.
What is a nonimmigrant visa?
A nonimmigrant visa is the visa issued to foreign nationals, or aliens, with permanent residence outside the United States, but who wish to, visit, study, live and or work in the U.S. for a specific temporary period of time. A nonimmigrant visa is issued based on a specific category. However, it does not guarantee admission into the United States, ...
How long is a nonimmigrant visa valid?
A nonimmigrant visa can be valid anywhere from 30 days to 10 years. Visas may be limited to a single entry or may be valid for multiple entries during the period of their validity. The period of time which an alien is allowed to stay on a nonimmigrant visa is indicated on Form I-94 (Departure Record) which is stapled into the foreign national's passport. There are a large variety of nonimmigrant categories, and each exists for a specific purpose and has specific terms and conditions. Nonimmigrant classifications include:
What are nonimmigrant categories?
Nonimmigrant classifications include: Foreign government officials; Visitors for business and for pleasure; Foreign nationals in transit through the United States; Treaty traders and investors;
What is a Thailand Non-Immigrant Visa?
The Non-immigrant Visa for Thailand is the type of visa you have to apply for if you want to live in Thailand long-term or if you want to travel there for a reason other than tourism or transit. For example, if you want to study, work, invest, receive medical treatment, join your Thai spouse, etc, you have to apply for a Thai Non-Immigrant Visa.
What is a non-immigrant visa in Thailand?
The Thai Non-Immigrant Visa R, also referred to as a visa “R -A” is issued for religious purposes. You need this type of visa if you are traveling to Thailand to do missionary work or other religious activities with the approval of the relevant Thai Ministries or Government Departments.
What is a Category F visa?
The Category F of the Thai Non-Immigrant Visa is issued to foreigners who hold an ordinary passport and who are traveling for official duties, such as work with a government agency, embassy or consulate, an international organization or a state enterprise in Thailand.
How long is a Thai non-immigrant visa good for?
Thai Non-Immigrant Visa O-A is issued to foreigners over the age of 50 from all countries. It is valid for a maximum of 1 year, and renewable.
Where can I get a Thai visa?
You have to apply for a Thai Non-Immigrant Visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country.
How long is a passport valid for?
Your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months and have at least two blank visa pages. If you’re applying for a one-year visa, your passport should be valid for at least another 18 months.
How long can a visa be issued?
Multiple-entry, for up to three months. However, in some cases, such as for business or retirement, the visa can be issued for multiple entries for up to one year.
