Nonimmigrants are foreign nationals who come to the United States for a specific temporary purpose. There is no such thing as a "general work visa" nor are nonimmigrants allowed to remain in the U.S. indefinitely. Please click on the specific links below to learn more about various nonimmigrant immigration subjects. 

• NIV Chart
• Nonimmigrant eligibility, generally
• Changing nonimmigrant status
• Travel abroad while a change of status application is pending. 
• Extending nonimmigrant status, generally
• Interpretation of “Period of Stay Authorized by the Attorney General” in determining "unlawful presence" under INA section 212(a)(9)(B)(ii).
• Why some nonimmigrant visa applications are refused 
• Special visa processing procedures - travelers from countries designated by the U.S. as state sponsors of terrorism
• CIS Memo discussing correcting I-94 errors
• INS Field Memo re: 3 and 10 year "unlawful presence" exclusions in situations involving applications for change or extension of stay filed prior to the expiration of status 
• The CIS Adjudicator's Field Manual discussion of maintaining status and "unlawful presence"
• Visitor visas - business and pleasure 
• Inviting your parents to visit
• Temporary workers: An overview
• A complete list of STEM fields for extended practical training
• H-1B temporary professional workers 
• Procedures for Calculating Maximum Period of Stay Regarding the Limitations on Admission for H-1B and L-1 Nonimmigrants. 
• Requests for Extension of H-1B Status Beyond the 6th Year 
• H-1B petitions that are not subject to the annual quota 
• CIS memo: H-1B portability (1)
• CIS memo: H-1B portability (2) 
• CIS memo: Recapture of time for H and L workers 
• H-2B temporary workers
• H-3 trainees
• Intracompany Transferee (L) visas 
• CIS interpretation of the term "specialized knowledge"
• INS Memo: Employment authorization for E and L spouses. 
• Visa Office Memo: Visa applications by artists and entertainers
• Public Access File requirements 
• Foreign students
• Why OPT is exempt from payment of Social Security tax.
• Dept. of State telegram re: student visa intent 
• Exchange ("J") visitors
• Step by step instructions for applying for a waiver of the J two year home residence requirement
• Visa Office Memo: Validity of Student Visas Subsequent to a Break in Studies
• Fiancée ("K") visa 
• FAQ: Changing nonimmigrant status
• FAQ: Extension of nonimmigrant status 
• FAQ: H-1B petitions, visas, and status 
• (CIS) H-1B extensions past the 6-year limit under §106(a) of AC21. 
• ( CIS) H-1B extension past the 6-year limit under §104(c) of AC21 (aliens subject to per country limitations).
• FAQ: (CIS) H-1B portability under §105 of AC21.
• FAQ: Fiancé(e) visas