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American Visa

Immigration Articles >> United States Visas >> American Visa

Most citizens of foreign countries require a visa in order to be able to travel to America. An American Visa indicates that the traveler’s application has been approved by an officer at an American embassy or consulate. It is important to note that an American Visa does not guarantee entry into the country; it just means that the traveler has been determined to be eligible to enter the country by a consulate officer. Essentially the American Visa allows the individual to travel to a port of entry of the United States, such as a sea or land border crossing. Once at a point of entry, an immigration officer determines if the American Visa holder is eligible to enter the country. Eligible citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries do not have to attain a visa prior to traveling to the United States, but must follow other regulations such as attaining a travel authorization before they initiate travel to America.

The U.S. Department of State oversees the issuance of American Visas, and immigration to America is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Individuals desiring to enter America may try to attain either a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa. Nonimmigrant American Visas are for travelers who live permanently in another country besides the United States, but desire to travel to the country for tourism, business, medial, work, or other purposes. Immigrant Visas are for individuals who desire to eventually make America their permanent residence. American Visas are attained at American consulates and embassies abroad, and allow the individual to travel to a US port of entry and ask the immigration officer for permission to enter the country. U.S. immigration officers then determine the length of stay the American Visa holder is permitted to remain in the country.

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