|
A citizen of a foreign
country, who wishes to enter the United States, generally must first
obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an
immigrant visa for permanent residence. The type of visa you must
have is defined by immigration law, and relates to the purpose of
your travel.
The Immigration and
Nationality Act (INA) provides the exchange visitor (J) nonimmigrant
visa category for persons who are approved to participate in
exchange visitor programs in the United States. This means that
before you can apply at an American Embassy or Consulate for a J
visa you must apply, meet the requirements, and be accepted for one
of the Exchange Visitor Program categories through a designated
sponsoring organization. If you are accepted as a participant in an
exchange program, the sponsor will provide you with information and
documents necessary to apply for the J visa to enter the United
States.
Changes introduced
shortly after September 11, 2001 involve extensive and ongoing
review of visa issuing practices as they relate to our national
security. Visa applications are now subject to a greater degree of
scrutiny than in the past. Applicants affected by these procedures
are informed of the need for additional screening at the time they
submit their applications. So it is important to apply for your visa
well in advance of your travel departure date.
A visa allows a foreign
citizen to travel to the United States port-of entry, and request
permission from the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and
Border Protection, U.S. immigration inspector to enter the United
States. A visa does not guarantee entry
into the United States.
|
