A nonimmigrant visa is placed in your passport and grants you permission to travel to the United States on a temporary basis. Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to travel to the United States must apply for and obtain a U.S. visa that fits the purpose of their travel. For example, a foreign national who wants to vacation at Disney World will require a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to travel to the United States.
Many foreign nationals already residing in the United States may also need a visa to return to the United States after international travel. For example, an F-1 student who recently changed their status to that of an H-1B worker while in the United States is able to work and remain in the country during the validity printed on their approval notice, but if the H-1B worker now wishes to return to their home country to visit family, they will need to apply for an H-1B visa to return to the United States to resume working in H-1B status.
There are exceptions to visa requirements for Canadians and other foreign nationals who are eligible for visa waiver programs. You should speak to an immigration attorney if you have questions about whether you need a visa to travel.
If you have questions or need more information about nonimmigrant visas or any other immigration matter, please contact the Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C. by e-mailing us at azita@azitalaw.com or calling us at 312.641-0771.