When planning a trip to the United States, it’s crucial to understand the various types of visas available and to carefully assess which option best suits your unique circumstances. Given the complexity and nuances of U.S. immigration law, it’s important to enlist the help of an experienced New Jersey Immigration Lawyer who can help you follow the necessary application procedures and ensure you meet all legal criteria for entry into the country. Please continue reading to learn about the different categories of U.S. visas.
What is a Visa?
Before we take a look at the several categories of visas the U.S. immigration system offers, it’s imperative to understand what a visa is, as it is a vital document that enables foreign nationals to legally enter the country for a specific purpose, like tourism, business, or study. Without the appropriate visa, foreign citizens may be denied entry at the border, even if they have a valid passport. Therefore, it’s crucial to know what type of visa you need based on your travel plans.
Essentially, a visa is an official document that allows foreign nationals to travel to the U.S. port of entry. The Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration officials have the discretion to authorize or deny admission to the U.S. based on an individual’s eligibility. Keep in mind that while visas permit foreign nationals to request entry at the border, it doesn’t guarantee entry.
What Are the Different Categories of U.S. Visas?
Depending on your travel plans, there are numerous visa categories that you may fall into. There are two main categories of U.S. visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant. An immigrant visa is reserved for foreign nationals who intend to live and work permanently in the U.S. Generally, a relative or employer sponsors the foreign national by applying with USICS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
Nonimmigrant visas, on the other hand, are reserved for those seeking to enter the U.S. temporarily for tourism, business, medical treatment, and certain types of temporary work. Essentially, these individuals are granted entry into the country for a predetermined period and agree to leave the country by the expiration date of their visa unless they qualify for an adjustment of status, a visa extension, or a visa renewal. This category is intended to employ noncitizens and allow U.S. employers to hire international students, spouses, exchange visitors, and victims of certain crimes.
For more information regarding immigrant and nonimmigrant classifications and requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact a determined attorney from the Law Offices of Aditya Surti, LLC. Our firm is prepared to help you determine the visa category that aligns best with your individual circumstances.
