A visa allows a foreign national to travel to the United States as far as the port of entry (airport or land border crossing) and ask the immigration officer to allow entry into the country. Only the immigration officer has the authority to permit someone to enter the United States. He or she decides how long a person can stay for any particular visit. Immigration matters are the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

There are two categories of U.S. visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant.

Immigrant visas are for people who intend to live permanently in the U.S. Nonimmigrant visas are for people with permanent residence outside the U.S. but who wish to be in the U.S. on a temporary basis – for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study.

FAQS

My friend or relative was denied a visa to visit me in the United States because of 214(b).  What is Section 214(b) and can you help?

Section 214(b) is part of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).  It states: 

Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to Nonimmigrant status.

To qualify for a nonimmigrant visa, applicants have to show that they have a permanent residence and other ties abroad that will compel them to leave the United States at the end of their temporary stay. 

In order for me to write a letter to the embassy on your friend or relative's behalf, I will need the following information:

• His or her full name and address;
• His or her passport number;
• Places of employment and length of time employed.  If he or she is not employed, what is the source of income?
• Whether he or she has ever traveled outside of the country of residence;
• Information on any property owned

Please send the information to:

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
59 Elm Street, Second Floor
New  Haven, Connecticut 06510

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program was established in 1986 to allow nationals of certain countries to visit the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.  Participants in the Visa Waiver Program are not eligible to change or extend their status after  90 days.  If there is a possibility that they may want to stay longer, they should apply for a nonimmigrant visa instead.

The following is a list of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program: