Nonimmigrant visas are an excellent way to work, study, or visit in the U.S. on a temporary basis.

Overall, it is not as difficult to secure a nonimmigrant visa, as compared to a permanent, immigrant visa. However, refusal rates for both categories of visas have been increasing as the U.S. government has been engaging in a new practice of “extreme vetting.”

To receive a nonimmigrant visa, you typically need to apply directly at the designated closest consulate or embassy in your home country. You will need to fill out an online visa application, pay the required fees, provide a large number of supporting documents, and then attend an interview with a U.S. consular officer. In some cases, however, if you are already within the U.S., you do not need to leave to apply for a different nonimmigrant visa and can instead “change status” by filing certain forms and supporting documents directly with USCIS.

The B category of visas are reserved for temporary visitors to the U.S. for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2).  This is the most used visa category for nonimmigrants entering the U.S. It is also common to use this category for visitors who do not clearly qualify for any other category.