Immigrant/Non-Immigrant Visa

Immigrant Visa

An immigrant visa is issued to a foreign national who intends to live and work permanently in any other country. In most cases, a relative or employer sponsors the individual by applying. Certain applicants such as workers with extraordinary ability, investors, and certain special immigrants can petition on their behalf. The application is later forwarded to the appropriate consultancy or Embassy overseas for continued processing and issuance of the immigrant visa to the intending immigrant, if eligible. An intending immigrant must present the immigrant visa at the country’s port of entry before the expiration of the immigrant visa. An intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident once the immigrant visa and accompanying paperwork are reviewed and endorsed by a CBP officer.

Non-Immigrant Visa

Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals seeking to enter any country temporarily for tourism, business, medical treatment, and certain types of temporary work. The type of nonimmigrant visa needed is defined by immigration law and related to the purpose of the travel. Generally, an individual applies directly to the embassy abroad for a tourist (B-2) or business nonimmigrant (B-1) visa. However, foreign nationals seeking to enter the country to study or work may require certain authorization and documentation before applying for a nonimmigrant visa.