There are two categories of U.S. visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant.

The immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live permanently in the U.S. The nonimmigrant visas are issued to people with permanent residence outside the U.S. but who wish to be in the U.S. on a temporary basis – for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study.

Most aliens wish to enter the United States on a temporary basis for a specific purpose: visit, study, work, tourism, to receive medical treatments. These foreigners are required to obtain a nonimmigrant visa from a U.S. consular post. The type of visa needed is defined by immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel. The visa allows the foreign national to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (airport, for example) and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security immigration inspector to enter the U.S. Be advised that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.

General requirements of non-immigrant or temporary visas include:

• The purpose of the visit must be temporary;
• The visitor must agree to depart at the end of his/her authorized stay or extension;
• The visitor must be in possession of a valid passport;
• A foreign residence must be maintained by the visitor, in most instances;
• The visitor may be required to show proof of financial support;
• The visitor must be admissible or have obtained a waiver for any ground of inadmissibility;

At Walker and Ungo, we are abreast of current US consular processing requirements and US immigration policy and procedures. We provide competent legal advise by evaluating our client’s interests and travel purposes, developing immigration strategies to suit his/her needs, and recommending the most appropriate visa, in compliance with immigration laws.

Please visit the following USCIS links to find information about:

• Extensions of non-immigrant status
• Changes of non-immigrant status

Use the following links to find useful and specific information about each category of non-immigrant visas.

• B-1 / B-2 Visitors Visa
• K-1 Fiancée Visa
• E-2 Treaty Investors Visa
• F-1 Student Visa
• E-1 Treaty Traders Visa
• H-1B Specialty Occupations Visa
• J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
• J-1 Visa for Foreign Medical Graduates
• K-2 / K-3 Visa
• L-1 Intracompany Transfer
• O-1 Visa for Aliens with Extraordinary Ability
• R-1 Religious Visa
• TN Trade NAFTA