INTRODUCTION

The Immigration & Nationality Act requires most foreign visitors to apply for a visa before entering the United States. By requiring a visa to be issued in advance, the United States government regulates the number and nature of foreign visitors to the country.

Jurisdiction over foreign visitors is determined by location of the foreign national. Those foreign nationals who are abroad are administered by the United States Department of State, through the consular offices located at U.S. embassies and consulate offices.

Once a foreign national enters the United States, he becomes subject to the jurisdiction of the Immigration & Naturalization Service.

United States visas are divided into two main categories, nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. Those persons who intend to enter the United States for a temporary period are issued nonimmigrant visas. The specific type of visa will depend upon the specific purpose of the foreign national's visit.

Those persons seeking to enter the United States on a permanent basis are required to qualify for immigrant visas.

The UNITED STATES VISA GUIDE has been prepared to outline some of the most commonly sought visa categories, together with the characteristics of the respective visas.

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