Visa Types and Fees
A person from another country that wishes to enter the United States (U.S.) must first obtain a travel document called a visa. There are many types of visas divided into two groups: nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. A Nonimmigrant Visa basically is a short term visa for a temporary stay, while an Immigrant Visa facilitates permanent stay in U.S.
- Non Immigrant Visa
A Nonimmigrant Visa covers tourists, business people, students, or specialty workers who wish to stay for a particular period of time in the United States to accomplish specific purposes. According to U.S. visa laws and regulations, most nonimmigrant visa applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they have strong ties to their country of residence and must show that they intend to depart the United States after their temporary visit.
- Immigrant Visa
Immigrant visas are for persons who plan to live permanently in the United States. The immigrant visa facilitates application for a Legal Permanent Resident Card (green card) and is a potential step toward acquiring U.S. citizenship. Individuals who wish to obtain legal permanent resident status in the U.S. generally obtain immigrant visas at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. consulate where they current reside in Malaysia. Most immigrant visa applications begin when a family member who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident submits a petition on behalf of the intending immigrant to the U. S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States or at an U.S. Embassy abroad. It is also possible for a U.S. employer to file a petition for a Malaysian national whom the employer wishes to hire.
A visa does not guarantee entry to the U.S. A visa simply indicates that a U.S. consular officer has reviewed your application, and that the officer has determined that you are eligible to apply for entry to the country for a specific purpose.
