Visas
Foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States must obtain a non-immigrant or permanent residency visa --- B-1 for temporary business, or B-2 for pleasure or medical treatment. Students, temporary workers, etc, must apply for a different visa in the appropriate category. Travelers from some countries may enter without a visa. Applicants must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Since the legal presumption is that every visitor intends to immigrate, visitors must overcome this by demonstrating that:
Their trip is for business, pleasure, or medical treatment;
They plan to remain for a specific, limited period;
They have a residence outside the U.S. and binding ties that will insure they will return abroad.
A visa does not guarantee admission. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has authority to deny entry. The authorized period of stay is also determined by the INS. Port of entry officials must stamp Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure, which notes the length of stay permitted. Visitors wanting to stay beyond the period must contact the INS to request Form I-539, Application to Extend Status.
