Non-immigrant Visas

A non-immigrant is an individual who has been authorized to stay in the United States for a temporary period of time. The individual must have a permanent residence abroad (for most classes of admission) and qualify for the non-immigrant classification sought. But for two exceptions, non-immigrants must prove that they have intent to return to their home country after their authorized stay has ended. The key characteristic of a non-immigrant is the notion of temporariness.

Non-immigrants are identified by their “alphabet soup” nomenclature (i.e. B, E, L, H-1B, etc.), and they are restricted as to what they can and must do in the United States. Non-immigrants may extend their stay in the U.S., change to another non-immigrant status, and/or file for immigrant visa status. Non-immigrant status is generally the preferred short-term option for an individual coming to visit or work in the United States because of the speed in which it can be obtained.

Non-immigrant Visa Categories