What is the difference between an immigrant visa and a nonimmigrant visa?

An immigrant visa and a nonimmigrant visa are types of visas that are requested by people who wish to enter or stay in the United States. The main difference between the two is their purpose. An immigrant visa is issued to a foreign citizen who wishes to permanently reside in the United States while a nonimmigrant visa is issued to a foreign citizen who wishes to temporarily visit the United States for a specific purpose. An immigrant visa is also known as a green card and allows the holder to become a permanent resident of the United States. Those who hold an immigrant visa may also be allowed to work, open bank accounts and obtain a driver’s license. Those who hold a nonimmigrant visa, on the other hand, are only allowed to stay in the United States for a certain period of time, depending on the type of visa that was granted. In Washington, the process for obtaining an immigrant or a nonimmigrant visa is similar but there are some differences. Immigrant visas must go through the standard visa application process, which includes a detailed medical and legal evaluation. Nonimmigrant visas on the other hand, may require a more in-depth background check or a visa interview. The length of time it takes to process an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa varies depending on the specific situation.

THELAW.TV ofrece respuestas en español a todas las preguntas sobre la ley de inmigración.

La diferencia entre una visa de inmigrante y una visa no inmigrante se basa en el motivo del viaje. Una visa de inmigrante se otorga a aquellas personas que desean mudarse a Washington, Estados Unidos, para establecerse permanentemente en el país. Estas visas de inmigrante están disponibles para un cónyuge extranjero, un pariente cercano, un empleador o un inversionista. Una visa no inmigrante, por otro lado, se otorga a aquellas personas que desean visitar a Washington temporalmente. Estas visas no inmigrantes están disponibles para personas que desean visitar por motivos de negocios, turismo, estudios, trabajo temporal, etc. Estas visas son temporales y vencen una vez que el solicitante abandone Washington. En general, una visa de inmigrante otorga al solicitante la oportunidad de residir permanentemente en Washington y obtener una tarjeta verde, mientras que una visa no inmigrante solo otorga el derecho de estar temporalmente en el país. A veces, una persona con una visa de inmigrante también puede solicitar una visa no inmigrante para viajar temporalmente fuera de Washington. Esto se debe a que la visa de inmigrante no le proporciona el derecho de viajar fuera del país sin antes obtener una visa no inmigrante.

Related FAQs

What is the process for appealing an immigration decision?
What is the process for applying for a “U” nonimmigrant status?
How can I renounce my US citizenship?
How do I obtain a travel document?
How can I become a permanent resident of the US?
What is the naturalization process?
What are the requirements for traveling to the US on a visa?
What is the process for obtaining permanent residency through refugee or asylee status?
How long is a green card valid for?
What is the process for obtaining an employment-based visa?

What is the difference between an immigrant visa and a nonimmigrant visa?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts