A nonimmigrant is a foreign national seeking to enter the United States (U.S.) temporarily for a specific purpose.  Nonimmigrants enter the U.S. for a temporary period of time, and once in the U.S. are restricted to the activity or reason for which their visa was issued.  They may have more than one type of nonimmigrant visa but are admitted in only one status.

General requirements for foreign nationals seeking temporary admission include, but are not limited to, the following:

The purpose of the visit must be temporary;

The foreign national must agree to depart at the end of his/her authorized stay or extension;

The foreign national must be in possession of a valid passport;

A foreign residence must be maintained by the foreign national, in most instances;

The foreign national may be required to show proof of financial support;

The foreign national must be admissable or have obtained a waiver for any ground of inadmissability;

The foreign national must abide by the terms and conditions of admission.

Here are various types of visitors:

Business or Pleasure Visitors

Temporary Workers

Students Attending U.S. Schools

Exchange Visitors

Foreign National Entering the U.S. as the Fiancé of a U.S. Citizen

NAFTA Professionals