Immigration & Naturalization > Temporary Visa Options
Many foreign nationals come to the United States on a temporary basis with no intent to remain permanently. Some are brought by companies for a specific job task, by employers seeking to fill specific needs. Others come for pleasure or educational opportunities. Most visitors are required to obtain a visa from a Consulate abroad.
Temporary visitors are issued nonimmigrant visas typically within weeks of the application, unlike permanent resident visa applications, which could take years. The visas are valid for a certain period of time as determined by USCIS or the U.S. Consulate abroad. Some of the nonimmigrant visas can allow a person to live and reside in the United States for a lengthy or indefinite period of time. However, recent security clearance procedures have caused significant delays.
Whenever an alien applies for a nonimmigrant visa at a Consulate or in the United States with USCIS, there is always a rebuttal presumption that the alien has intent to immigrate permanently to the United States. If the Consular Post of the USCIS believes that the alien has intent to immigrate to the United States permanently, they will often not issue a nonimmigrant visa. In addition, issuance of a visa is not a guarantee of entry at the port. That decision is up to the port officer.