nonimmigrant visa
Last updatedDefinition
A nonimmigrant visa is granted to an individual who lawfully enters a host country for a specific purpose (such as tourism, business, temporary work, or study) for a temporary stay that will end when this purpose has been accomplished. Those who are granted nonimmigrant status demonstrate their intention to return to their home country.
While an individual can be labeled a “nonimmigrant,” it can be confusing with other statuses like native citizens and risks reducing someone to just their duration and purpose of stay in a country. Using “nonimmigrant” to describe a person’s visa status instead of their entire personhood is both more precise and more humanizing.
Additional references
- Nonimmigrant vs. Immigrant Status (University of California Berkeley)
Summary
A nonimmigrant visa is granted to an individual who lawfully enters a host country for a temporary stay, such as tourism, business, temporary work, or study. Using “nonimmigrant” to describe a person’s visa status instead of their entire personhood is both more precise and more humanizing.