Visa and Immigration

Follow this link for official information about U.S. visa policy and procedures.
http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov

Visa Services
The following pages provide visa information for those seeking to enter the United States for a temporary period and for those wishing to take up indefinite or permanent residence.

What is a Visa?
A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry. An officer of the Immigration and Naturalization Service at the port of entry determines the visa holder's eligibility for admission into the United States.

What types of visas are available?

Non-Immigrant Visas: A non-immigrant visa is required by anyone seeking temporary admission into the United States who is not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, or is exempt from the visa requirement. Non-immigrant visas cover visits for tourism, business, work or study.

Immigrant Visas: An immigrant visa is required by anyone seeking to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States. Upon entry into the United States, an immigrant visa holder is processed for a Permanent Resident Card (PRC), commonly known as a Green Card. The holder of a PRC may reside and work in the United States. There is no requirement that the holder of PRC apply to become a naturalized U.S. citizen; he or she may retain his or her citizenship and passport. However, those seeking to become naturalized U.S. citizens may file an application after five years; the period is three years if married to a U.S. citizen.