U.S. immigration
The United States of America (a.k.a the United States, or the USA, or the US)is one of the most desired immigration hotspots in the world. That may not only be because of its strong economy but also due to the fact that the country values immigration.
Millions of people enter and leave the US every year. IT is a popular tourism and immgiration destination. However, if you are not a resident of the US, you will most likely require a visa to enter the country.
A US visa is a stamp that you get on your travel document, more specifically your passport, which means that you are eligible to enter the United States. Having a US Visa does not necessarily mean that you will enter the US, as this is at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Customs and Borders Protection (CPB) Inspectors.
On the other hand, citizens of Visa Waiver Countries and citizens of Bermuda and Canada can travel to the US for temporary stays of 90 days or less without a visa if they travel for tourism or business purposes. They can instead get an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) from the US Customs and Borders Protection’s (CBP). This authorizing document categorizes the traveler as a citizen of a participating country in the VWP agreement.
As defined by the US immigration law, the types of visa you must obtain must relate to the purpose of your travel. There are two main categories of US visas.
Nonimmigrant Visas
For travel to the US on a temporary basis.
Immigrant Visas
For travel to live permanently in the US.
The main difference between nonimmigrant and immigrant visas is the length of time that the visa holder is allowed to stay in the US. Nonimmigrant visas are temporary, which means that they expire and the visa holder must return to their home country immediately.
Immigrant visas are otherwise known as Green Cards and they are permanent. Once the visa holder has an immigrant visa, they can move to the US and stay there as long as they want to without having a deadline to return to their home country.
Here are the main types of U. S. Visas
Visitor Visas (B)
Student Visas (F, M)
Exchange Visitor Visas (J, Q)
Temporary Work Visa (H-1, H-2, H-3, L, O, P, R, TN/TD, E, I)
Treaty Trader and Investor Visas (E)
Diplomatic and Official Visas (A, G)
Visa for Victims of Crime and Human Trafficking (T, U)
Transit and Crewmember Visas (C, D)
Immediate Relative & Family Sponsored Visas (F, IR, SQ)
Fiancé and Spouse Visas (K, IR, CR)
Employer-Sponsored Visas (EB, SI, SQ)
Other types of Immigrant Visas (Diversity Immigrant, SB)
When you are granted a visa for USA, it will look at the picture below. You should check whether it has your correct information that matches the data in your passport, and all the parts that are in the sample visa. If it does not contain all the information, you should contact the US Embassy that has issued it.
