Welcome
to the Visa section of travel.state.gov, an official source of information about
United States ( U.S. ) visa policy and
procedures. We hope you’ll use this
site to learn about different types of
U.S. visas, the application process, and
to better understand the requirements you
need to meet in order to receive your visa.
Millions
of foreign visitors travel to the U.S.
each year. Others come to live here permanently.
International visitors and immigrants add
greatly to our nation's cultural, education
and economic life. We welcome them. At
the same time, we need to do everything
we can to keep everyone here, safe. We
believe in secure borders and open doors.
A
citizen of a foreign country, wishing to
enter the U.S., generally must first obtain
a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for
temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for
permanent residence. The type of visa you
must have is defined by immigration law,
and relates to the purpose of your travel.
If your destination is the U.S., please
see our e-Jourmal USA: See
You in the USA and watch
a brief video. These
items assist in explaining new visa policies
and procedures for visitors to the United
States -- a nation with secure borders
and open doors. Our Customer
Service Statement details our commitment
to those who seek visas to travel to the
U.S.
If
you are visiting temporarily, see Temporary
Visitors to the U.S.
If
you want to live and work in the United
States permanently, see Immigrants to
the U.S.
Questions?
See Questions
about Visas
Please
visit the News section
of our website for information on developments
in U.S. visa policy, press releases and
more.