The United States is known as the land of opportunities and has been attracting people from all over the world for decades. People from all over the globe come to the US in search of better employment opportunities, education, and a better quality of life. Immigration and Non-Immigration visas offered by the US cater to the needs of different categories of immigrants. Understanding the differences between these two types of visas is crucial, especially if you are planning to migrate to the US.
Immigration Visas
Immigration visas are designed for individuals who want to live in the United States permanently. These visas are issued to people who wish to become lawful permanent residents (LPR) of the United States. Immigration visas provide foreign nationals with the opportunity to work and live in the United States permanently. Immigration visas are classified into several categories based on the purpose of travel:
- Family-Based Immigration Visas: Family-based immigration visas are available for individuals who have a close family member who is a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of US citizens can apply for family-based immigration visas. Similarly, unmarried children over the age of 21 and siblings of US citizens can apply for family-based immigration visas, but the wait time for these visas is significantly longer.
- Employment-Based Immigration Visas: Employment-based immigration visas are issued to foreign nationals who have a job offer in the United States. These visas are issued based on the needs of US employers, and the applicant must meet certain eligibility criteria to be eligible for these visas.
- Diversity Visa Program: The Diversity Visa Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a program that awards permanent residence visas to foreign nationals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the US. To dive deeper into how the Green Card Lottery works and what it could mean for you, check out our detailed guide here.
Non-Immigration Visas
Non-immigration visas are temporary visas that allow foreign nationals to enter the United States for a specific period for a particular purpose. These visas do not provide permanent residency and are issued for specific reasons, such as education, employment, or tourism:
- Student Visa: Student visas are issued to foreign nationals who wish to study in the United States. There are two types of student visas – F-1 and M-1. F-1 visas are issued to foreign students who wish to attend academic programs, while M-1 visas are issued to students who wish to attend vocational or technical schools.
- Work Visa: Work visas are issued to foreign nationals who have a job offer in the United States. These visas allow foreign nationals to work for a specific employer for a specific period. Work visas are issued for a variety of employment categories. Work visas like the H-1B provide foreign professionals with a chance to contribute their skills in the US across various industries. Whether you’re in IT, engineering, or healthcare, this visa could be your pathway to a successful career in the US. To explore how the H-1B visa works and its application process, check out our detailed H-1B Visa Guide.
- Tourist Visa: Tourist visas, also known as B-2 visas, are issued to foreign nationals who wish to visit the United States for a short period of time for tourism purposes. The visa allows the foreign national to visit family members or to travel as a tourist in the United States.
- Exchange Visitor Visa: Exchange visitor visas, also known as J-1 visas, are issued to foreign nationals who participate in educational and cultural exchange programs in the United States. These programs may include research, teaching, or training programs.
Conclusion
The United States offers a range of visas to cater to the needs of different categories of immigrants. Immigration visas are designed for individuals who want to live in the United States permanently, while non-immigration visas are temporary visas that allow foreign nationals to enter the United States for a specific period for a particular purpose.
Understanding the differences between Immigration and Non-Immigration Visas is crucial, especially if you are planning to migrate to the US. If you are not sure which visa category applies to your situation, it is best to consult an immigration lawyer who can help you navigate the complex US immigration law and provide you with guidance on the visa application process. Qazi Law is here to help you check which visa or process is relevant to your case here in the United States. Call us today at 630 504-0648 to learn which visa is appropriate for you!
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