A visa is a permit to apply to enter the United States, but it does not guarantee entry into the U.S. There are two types of visas:
· The nonimmigrant visa is issued to individuals who intend to come into the U.S. for a temporary period of stay for a specific purpose.
· The immigrant visa is issued to individuals who intend to live and work permanently in the U.S. These individuals get green cards after arrival and are called permanent residents.