As an attorney, I can advise that there is a significant difference between an immigrant and nonimmigrant visa. An immigrant visa is issued to those who intend to permanently reside in the United States, while a nonimmigrant visa is issued to those who intend to stay in the United States on a temporary basis.
Immigrant visas are commonly referred to as green cards, which individuals obtain through various means, such as family sponsorship, employment, or asylum. Once an individual has a green card, they can live and work in the United States permanently, and they may eventually qualify for citizenship.
On the other hand, a nonimmigrant visa is issued to individuals who plan to visit the United States for a specific purpose and a limited time. Examples of common nonimmigrant visas include student visas, tourist visas, and work visas.
A nonimmigrant visa usually has an expiration date, and individuals must depart the United States before the expiration date. If an individual wants to extend their stay or change their status to an immigrant, they must go through the appropriate legal channels to do so.
It is important to note that the process of obtaining an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa can be a complex and lengthy process. There are many exceptions, limitations, and requirements that individuals must meet to obtain visas in either category.
If you are seeking to obtain a visa, I strongly suggest consulting with an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that you are taking the appropriate steps to meet the relevant legal requirements.
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