Difference between Immigrant and Non-immigrant US visas
United States is one of the most popular countries that have attracted most people to arrive in the US as visitors or permanent residents (with the motive to work and live). For that, you will need to apply either for an immigrant or Non-immigrant US visa, depending on your requirements and intention.
Moreover, several people get confused in differentiating between an immigrant visa and a non-immigrant visa. Therefore, here in this article, you will get a comparison between immigrant and non-immigrant US visas.
Difference between Immigrant and Non-immigrant US visa
| Immigrant US Visa | Non-Immigrant US Visa |
| An immigrant visa is mainly issued to the person willing to live in the United States. | A non-immigrant visa is issued to people who are willing to visit the united states temporarily. |
| Immigrant visa holders are issued to the people who wish to live permanently in the United States. | Non-immigrant pass holders are neither allowed to work nor be a part of any US activity. |
| Immigrant pass holders are granted to work, live, and become part of any United states activity they like. | Only those people can apply for the non-immigrant visa are visiting the united states as a tourist, temporary work, business meeting, or education. |
| Anyone can apply for the immigrant visa if they have an intention to work and live in the United States. | A non-immigrant visa is issued to those who have an intention to return to their home country. |
| Immigrant visa holders get most of the rights similar as the US citizens. | Non-immigrant holders do not get rights similar to the rights given to the US residents. |
| Applying for the immigrant visa is very complex as it needs close consultation managed by the immigration attorney. | The non-immigrant visa application process is a bit easier when compared with the immigrant visa. |
| To get approved, you will have to show proof that you have a job offer, or it depends on the types of US immigrant visa you are applying for. (be it green card, permanent resident, etc.) | To get your US non-immigrant visa approved, you will have to prove that you don’t have dual attention (means after your Non-immigrant visa expires or your purpose of coming to the united states is completed, you will return to your home country) |
FAQs
Is Immigrant Visa the same as a green card?
No Immigration visa is not the same as the green card; an immigrant visa grants you to apply for the permanent resident; they do not give the permanent resident by themselves. A green card is a visa card that allows you to work and live within the United States. Before applying for a Green card, you will have to apply for the immigrant visa.
Can NVC deny a visa?
No, NVC does not have the right to approve or deny any visas. Their work is only to collect the documents needed prior to the visa petition approved by USCIS, which needs to be sent to the consulate office for the interview and issue of visa.
What are the types of non-immigrant visas?
The common types of non-immigrant visa are as follows:
- Business/Tourist Visa.
- Work Visa.
- Student Visa.
- Exchange Visitor Visa.
- Transit/Ship Crew Visa.
- Religious Worker Visa.
- Domestic Employee Visa.
- Journalist and Media Visa and so on.
How long does a non-immigrant visa last?
The validity of your non-immigrant visa depends on your visa and the type of non-immigrant visa you are applying for. The average validity of the non-immigrant visa is somewhere between three months and ten years. Within this time, you can enter multiple times in the United States.