If you’re planning to travel to the United States, you will need to obtain a US visa, which is an official document granting you permission to enter the country for a specific purpose. US visas come in various types, each serving a different purpose, such as tourism, business, education, or employment. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of US visas and provide an overview of what they look like.
1. Nonimmigrant Visas
Nonimmigrant visas are temporary visas issued to individuals who intend to visit the United States for a specific period and purpose. These visas are usually denoted by the letter “N” followed by a numerical code. The appearance of the visa may vary depending on the specific visa category, but generally, they share similar characteristics. Here’s what a nonimmigrant US visa typically looks like:
- Visa Classification: The visa classification is indicated by a two-letter code that represents the purpose of your visit. Examples include B-1 for business visitors, B-2 for tourists, F-1 for students, and H-1B for temporary workers.
- Personal Information: The visa will display your full name, date of birth, and passport number.
- Visa Expiration Date: This is the date until which the visa is valid. It represents the last day on which you can use the visa to enter the United States.
- Number of Entries: The visa will indicate the number of entries permitted. It could be a single entry (denoted as “S”), multiple entries (denoted as “M”), or the number of entries explicitly stated (such as “2” for two entries).
- Visa Issue Date: This is the date on which the visa was issued by the US embassy or consulate.
- Issuing Authority: The visa will bear the seal or emblem of the US Department of State and the issuing embassy or consulate.
- Visa Holder’s Photo: A recent photograph of the visa holder will be printed on the visa. The photo should meet the specifications outlined by the US embassy or consulate.
- Additional Endorsements: Depending on the visa category, there may be additional endorsements or markings on the visa. For example, an F-1 student visa may have a notation indicating the name of the educational institution.
It’s important to note that the appearance of the US visa may vary slightly depending on the country where it is issued and the specific visa category.
2. Immigrant Visas
Immigrant visas, also known as green cards, are issued to individuals who wish to permanently reside in the United States. These visas grant the holder lawful permanent resident status. The appearance of an immigrant visa differs from nonimmigrant visas. Here’s what an immigrant visa typically looks like:
- Visa Classification: The visa classification will denote the immigrant visa category, such as IR (Immediate Relative), F (Family Preference), or EB (Employment-Based).
- Personal Information: The visa will display your full name, date of birth, and passport number.
- Visa Expiration Date: This is the date until which the immigrant visa is valid for entry into the United States. Once entered, the visa holder becomes a lawful permanent resident, and the visa’s expiration date is no longer relevant.
- Alien Registration Number (A-Number): An immigrant visa will include an A-Number, which is a unique identifier assigned to the visa holder by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Visa Holder’s Photo: A recent photograph of the visa holder will be printed on the visa. The photo should meet the specifications outlined by the USCIS.
- Issuing Authority: The visa will bear the seal or emblem of the US Department of State and the issuing embassy or consulate.
It’s important to note that once an immigrant visa is used to enter the United States, the visa holder will receive a permanent resident card (green card) as proof of their immigration status. The green card will serve as their identification document in the United States.
3. Electronic Visa System
In recent years, the United States has implemented the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) for certain nonimmigrant visas. Instead of receiving a physical visa sticker in their passport, travelers from countries participating in EVUS will receive an EVUS enrollment confirmation. This confirmation must be presented alongside the passport when entering the United States.
The EVUS enrollment confirmation typically includes the traveler’s full name, date of birth, passport information, and a unique enrollment number. It’s important to carry the EVUS enrollment confirmation along with the passport when traveling to the United States.
Conclusion
US visas come in different types and serve various purposes, whether temporary or permanent. The appearance of a US visa depends on the type of visa, but they generally include personal information, visa classification, issuance and expiration dates, and the issuing authority’s seal. Nonimmigrant visas and immigrant visas differ in their design and the purpose they serve. Additionally, the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) has been implemented for certain nonimmigrant visas, requiring an EVUS enrollment confirmation instead of a physical visa sticker. It’s crucial to carefully review the visa details and adhere to the regulations and conditions associated with your specific visa category.
