What is a Nonimmigrant Visa, and Who Needs One?

 Posted on May 29, 2025 in Immigration

While nonimmigrant visas may be less common than immigrant visas, in 2023, the U.S. Department of State issued 10,438,327 nonimmigrant visas. Immigrant visas are provided to those who want to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. A nonimmigrant visa is issued to a person who has a permanent residence outside the United States but wants to temporarily come into the U.S. for a specific reason.  

The reasons for obtaining a nonimmigrant visa may include study, work, business, tourism, or medical treatment. There are more than 20 different categories for nonimmigrant visa classifications. If you have questions regarding nonimmigrant or immigrant visas, speaking to a knowledgeable Itasca, IL immigration attorney can be beneficial.

Who Can Enter the U.S. With a Nonimmigrant Visa?

Nonimmigrant visas are most commonly either a B-2 tourist visa or a B-1 business visa. A B-2 tourist visa covers:

• Amateur or professional athletes competing for prizes or money
• Individuals on vacation to the United States or those visiting with friends or relatives
• Individuals seeking medical treatment
• Participants in a social event hosted by service, social, or fraternal organizations
• Amateur participants in musical events or contests
• Individuals enrolled in a short recreational course of study that is not for degree credit.

A B-1 business visa covers:

• A person coming to the United States to consult with business associates.
• Domestic employees or nannies accompanying a foreign national employer
• An individual who must settle an estate in the United States
• A person who is negotiating a contract in the United States
• A person attending a business convention or conference, or attending a scientific, educational, or professional conference

A person on a B-1 or B-2 visa is not allowed to seek employment in the United States. Students require an F or M visa to study in the United States. If you are seeking medical treatment, the consular officer may require documentation that includes a medical diagnosis and the reason you are seeking treatment.

You may also need a letter from a physician or medical facility in the U.S. stating they are willing to treat your illness, detailing the length of the treatment and the cost of the treatment, and proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses while in America will be covered.

Individuals who require a nonimmigrant visa to study or work typically need to provide specific documentation and obtain authorization before submitting their application. Even if you have been issued a nonimmigrant visa, you are not guaranteed entry into the United States.

Having a nonimmigrant visa issued to you simply means that your application was reviewed by a consular officer, either at an American embassy or consulate, and your eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa was approved.    

What is the Process for Obtaining a Nonimmigrant Visa?

The Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form (DS-160) is used for temporary travel to the United States. The form is submitted electronically. You should print and keep the DS-160 barcode page, then schedule a visa interview appointment.

The U.S. Consulate or Embassy will not schedule the appointment on your behalf. You will visit the Embassy or Consulate website, where you will be interviewed for specific instructions. After paying your visa application processing fee, you will review the country-specific instructions.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Immigration Attorney

If you are considering a nonimmigrant visa, it is important to have the assistance of an experienced Itasca, IL immigration lawyer from Unzueta Law Group, P.C.. We are a local family firm with over two decades of experience in immigration law, representing a diverse group of individuals and families throughout the U.S. and internationally.  Call 630-509-2363 to schedule an initial attorney meeting. Se Habla Español.