Each year millions of foreign nationals enter the United States temporarily for a variety of reasons.  These temporary visitors are known as “nonimmigrants.” Most come as tourists or on short business trips, while others plan to study or work in this country for extended periods of time. 

 

There are over 26 nonimmigrant categories in which foreign nationals can be admitted temporarily to the United States.  They are labeled “A to Z” in accordance with their place in the immigration statute.    Each category has unique qualifications for entry, limits on length of stay and permissible activities within the United States.  Some of the categories have annual quotas and most require “nonimmigrant intent.”  Sometimes a foreign national qualifies for more than one visa category.  The choice of nonimmigrant visa can impact many aspects of the foreign employee’s life from salary requirements to the ease with which he or she is able to gain permanent residence to whether the foreign national's spouse can work. Learn more about the most common visas for professionals here.