What is a Nonimmigrant Visa?

A Nonimmigrant Visa is a US visa issued by a consular official allowing a foreign national to legally reside in the United States for a certain amount of time (e.g., 1-4 years) and for a particular purpose (e.g., tourist, international student, temporary foreign worker, etc.).

Examples of US Nonimmigrant Visas include the B1/B2 Visitor Visa; F-1 Student Visa; and various temporary work visas such as the E-1, E-2, H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, L-1, and O-1.

Many US Nonimmigrant Visas have an option to be extended if the individual satisfies all of the criteria.