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nonimmigrant

A nonimmigrant is a foreign citizen present in the United States (U.S.) on a temporary basis. A non-immigrant visa is required for entry into the U.S. and authorizes a stay for a limited period of time for a specific purpose. Once a person is admitted as a nonimmigrant, they are restricted to the activity for which they were admitted. The type of visa required is defined by immigration law, and relates to the principal purpose of the travel. Foreigners come to the U.S. for a wide variety of reasons, including tourism, business, study and transit.

Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary

People who come to the United States temporarily, with a nonimmigrant visa, for some particular purpose. A nonimmigrant must depart the U.S. within a designated length of time, and in most cases may not act with the intention of remaining in the U.S. permanently. There are many types of nonimmigrants. Students, temporary workers, and visitors are some of the most common.

Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.

August 19, 2010, 5:20 pm

Bureau of Consular Affairs, travel.state.gov/visa/temp/temp_1305.html

Becoming a Nonimmigrant Student in the United States, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, www.ice.gov/sevis/becoming_nonimmigrant_student_52007.htm#_Toc129683762