Temporary Visas are needed by foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States  temporarily for a specific purpose. Non-immigrants enter the U.S. for a temporary period of time, and once in the U.S. are restricted to the activity or reason for which their visa was issued. They may have more than one type of non-immigrant visa but are admitted in only one status.

These are general requirements for foreign nationals seeking temporary admission:

• The purpose of the visit must be temporary

• An agreement to depart at the end of his/her authorized stay or extension

• The foreign national must be in possession of a valid passport;

• A foreign residence must be maintained by the foreign national (in most cases)

• The foreign national may be required to show proof of financial support

• The foreign national must be admissible or have obtained a waiver for any ground of inadmissibility

• The foreign national must abide by the terms and conditions of admission

The different types of non-immigrant categories include:

• Business or Pleasure Visitors

• Temporary Workers

• Students Attending U.S. Schools

• Exchange Visitors

• Foreign National Entering the U.S. as the Fiancé (e) of a U.S. Citizen

• NAFTA Professionals

• K Nonimmigrant visas (LIFE Act)

• T Nonimmigrant visas (VTVPA)

• V Nonimmigrant visas (LIFE ACT)

A foreign national may apply for an extension of a temporary stay if:

• He/she is lawfully admitted into the United States as a nonimmigrant in a category that is not ineligible for an extension, and

• He/she has not committed any act which would make him/her ineligible for an extension, and

• He/she submits the application for an extension of stay before the current authorized stay expires.

For more information on Application Procedures for Extension of Stay in the U.S., please see How Do I Extend My Stay in the U.S.?

If you are a Nonimmigrant you may qualify for a change of nonimmigrant status if you are:

• lawfully maintaining your present nonimmigrant status in a category that is not ineligible for a change in status;
• eligible according to immigration regulations for the nonimmigrant status you are requesting; and
• have not violated any law which would keep you from being granted this benefit

For more information on procedures, please click How Do I Get Permission to Change to a New Nonimmigrant Status?.

For an extensive list of non-immigrant classifications and visa categories, visit http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/visas.htm#non