What is a Nonimmigrant Visa?
A nonimmigrant visa is a visa that allows a nonimmigrant to remain within the United States for a particular purpose. A nonimmigrant visa for a particular category is valid for entry only for the purpose for which it was originally issued. For example, a student visa cannot be used for entry as a visitor, nor can the possessor of a visitor visa enter to study. A visa is not a guarantee of entry into the United States. The bearer of a visa is subject to inspection at the port of entry by US Immigration officials who have authority to deny admission. Therefore, the recipient of a visa should carry with him/her, for possible presentation to immigration inspectors, the evidence submitted to the consular officer when the visa was obtained. The validity period shown in a nonimmigrant visa relates only to the period during which it may be used in making application for admission into the United States, it does not indicate the length of time the alien may spend in the United States. The U.S.
