Visas Basics

Visa

A visa is required for a foreign national to enter the United States unless the person is from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), in which case they can enter the U.S. with a valid passport. Did you know that being issued a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed into the United States? This bit of information, plus a whole lot more, is in the visa basics guides below.

Next: Obtaining Visas

Legal Guides

Visa Basics

Written by attorney Arnold Feldman.

Introduction A visa is a document issued bythe U.S. Department of State at an Embassy or Consulate abroad. Your visa does not guarantee that you will be admitted to the United States, but it does... more
What is a Visa?

Written by attorney Maria Glinsmann. STAFF PICK

Review the basics on what a visa allows you to do.
Visas: Ineligible classes

Written by attorney Carl Shusterman. STAFF PICK

Not everyone who wants a visa is eligible for one. The US State Department classifies people with certain health or behavior characteristics as ineligible and denies them entry. The classifications... more
Types of Visas

Written by attorney Carl Shusterman.

Those from a foreign country who want to come into the United States usually need a visa to do so. There are two main types of visas: non-immigrant and immigrant. People who plan on a temporary stay... more
Diversity Lottery

Written by attorney Carl Shusterman. STAFF PICK

The US State Department conducts an annual Diversity Visa Lottery--also called a green card lottery--which awards eligible people the chance to receive one of 50,000 immigrant visas distributed... more
The U visa for Victims of Crimes

Written by attorney Scott Poston.

If someone doesnt have legal status everyday events can be frightening. Even more frightening often is interaction with law enforcement. What if you are a victim of a crime? Should you report the... more