|
Glossary of Immigration and
Naturalization Terms
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I J K
L
M
N
O
P Q
R
S
T
U
V
W X Y
Z #
- V -
Visa: A U.S. Visa allows the bearer to
apply for entry to the U.S. in a certain
classification, such as a student, visitor, or a
temporary worker. A visa does not grant the
bearer the right to enter the United States. The
Department of State (DOS) is responsible for
visa adjudication at U.S. Embassies and
Consulates outside of the U.S. The Department of
Homeland Security (DHS), Bureau of Customs and
Border Protection immigration inspectors
determine admission into, length of stay and
conditions of stay in, the U.S. at a port of
entry. The information on a non-immigrant visa
only relates to when an individual may apply for
entry into the U.S. DHS immigration inspectors
will record the terms of your admission on your
Arrival/Departure Record (I-94 white or I-94W
green) and in your passport.
Visa Waiver Program: Allows citizens
of certain selected countries, traveling
temporarily to the United States under the
nonimmigrant admission classes of visitors for
pleasure and visitors for business, to enter the
United States without obtaining nonimmigrant
visas. Admission is for no more than 90 days.
The program was instituted by the Immigration
Reform and Control Act of 1986 (entries began
7/1/88). Under the Guam Visa Waiver Program,
certain visitors from designated countries may
visit Guam only for up to 15 days without first
having to obtain nonimmigrant visitor visas.
Voluntary Departure: The departure of an
alien from the United States without an order of
removal. The departure may or may not have been
preceded by a hearing before an immigration
judge. An alien allowed to voluntarily depart
concedes removability but does not have a bar to
seeking admission at a port-of-entry at any
time. Failure to depart within the time granted
results in a fine and a ten-year bar to several
forms of relief from deportation. | 
