Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Visas to the United States

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Planning a visit to the United States, or a temporary stay? Your first step is probably to apply for some sort of visa. Learn the basic categories of who qualifies for U.S. visas and how to apply.

Eligibility for Temporary Visas to the United States

Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Visas: Who Qualifies?
Overview of the types of temporary visas allowing entry to the U.S. for work, study, and other types of visits.
Who Can Visit the U.S. Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Citizens of certain countries enjoy easy travel access to the U.S. -- but limited rights once here.
What's the Difference Between a Visa and a Green Card?
Understanding how visas are sometimes the equivalent of green cards, other times are merely entry documents that allow only a temporary stay, and so on.
Inadmissibility: When the U.S. Can Keep You Out
A list of the security, criminal, health, financial, and other grounds upon which anyone can be denied a visa, green card, or other U.S. entry.
Consequences of Unlawful Presence in the U.S. -- Three- and Ten-Year Time Bars
Despite being technically eligible for a visa, your application may be blocked if you have a history of overstays or unlawful presence in the United States.
How Same-Sex Partners Can Accompany Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Visa Holders to the U.S.
Use of the B-2 visa can allow partners to travel and stay in the U.S. together.
At the U.S. Border or Airport: What to Expect When Entering
Tips and cautions for your meeting with the powerful officials who screen visitors at the U.S. ports of entry.

Detailed Information on Work Visa Eligibility

Work Visas (Nonimmigrant)
Individual articles on H-1B, L-1, O-1, and the various other types of U.S. work visas.

Other Popular Temporary U.S. Visas

Student and Exchange Visitor Visas
For articles containing information on F-1, M-1, J-1, and Q-1 visas for study or related programs in the U.S., click here.
K-1 Fiance Visas
Although K-1 visa holders can apply for green cards after they marry, the K-1 itself is considered a nonimmigrant visa.
Visiting the U.S. for Business, Pleasure, or Medical Treatment
All about the Visa Waiver Program and B visas for tourism and more.
U Visas for Crime Victims Assisting Law Enforcement
U visa eligibility, application process, and more.

Applying for a Temporary Visa to the U.S. Learn More

Application Process for a Temporary (Nonimmigrant) U.S. Visa
Learn about the various steps to applying for a temporary visa, special procedures for particular visas and nationals of certain countries, and more.
The Day of Your Consular Interview
Security, travel, and other concerns when preparing for your nonimmigrant visa interview.
How Long Will Your U.S. Visa Allow You to Stay?
Information on the maximum stay under various nonimmigrant visas, and whether extensions are available.
Filling Out Form I-539 to Extend Nonimmigrant Visa
Line-by-line instructions to help you apply to stay in the U.S. longer.
Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa (Hranka) Waiver
Applicants for nonimmigrant visas have a separate procedural route by which to apply for a waiver of various grounds of inadmissibility.
Made a mistake on Form DS-160 -- how do I fix it after it's submitted?
You can't go back and amend the same submission, but here's the next best thing.

Additional Resources

U.S. Immigration Made Easy
This comprehensive guide contains individual chapters devoted to the various types of nonimmigrant visas to the U.S.