Understanding Nonimmigrant Visas

1
Understanding Nonimmigrant Visas
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Border/Admission
LPR Status
no visa
U.S. Citizenship
Asylum or Refugee
Visa
Immigrant
Immigrant
3
Border/Admission
LPR Status
no visa
U.S. Citizenship
Asylum or Refugee
Visa
Nonimmigrants
Nonimmigrants
Immigrant
4
Border/Admission
LPR Status
Change/Extension of Status
Visa
Nonimmigrants
Nonimmigrants
5
Visa Interview
Can the person show that she is not an intending
immigrant.
Can the person qualify for a specific
nonimmigrant visa.
There is no catch-all nonimmigrant visa category.
Visa
6
Types of Visas

• Pleasure
• Study
• Work
• Business
• Governmental
• Miscellaneous

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Pleasure Visas

• Visitors for pleasure

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Study Visas

• Student visas (F)
• Vocational students (M)
• Exchange visitors (J)

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Work Visas

• Temporary workers (H)
• Intracompany transfers
• Extraordinary ability in the arts and sciences
• Performing artists and athletes
• Media representatives
• NAFTA
• Religious occupations

10
Business Visas

• Visitor for business (B-1)
• Treaty investor
• Treaty trader

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Governmental Visas

• International organizations
• Diplomats

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Miscellaneous Visas

• Transit without a visa
• Crew members
• Informants against criminals or terrorists (S
  visas)
• Victims of trafficking

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Special Categories

• Temporary workers
• Treaty traders
• Religious occupations
• Fiance/es

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Dangerous Visa

• Exchange visitor (J visa)
• Crewmember
• Visa waiver program