Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States on a temporary basis for tourism, business, medical treatment, and certain types of temporary work. The type of nonimmigrant visa needed is defined by immigration law and related to the purpose of the travel.

Generally, an individual applies directly to the U.S. consulate or embassy abroad for a tourist (B-2) or business nonimmigrant (B-1) visa. But foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States to study or work may require certain authorization and documentation prior to applying for a nonimmigrant visa. For an alphabetical listing all of the nonimmigrant visa classifications and specific requirements, refer to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, or the U.S. Department of State website.

Issuance of a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. A visa simply indicates that a U.S. consular officer at an American embassy or consulate has reviewed the application and that officer has determined that the individual is eligible to enter the country for a specific purpose. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port-of-entry will conduct an inspection to determine if the individual is eligible for admission under U.S. immigration law.

In Kentucky, as in all U.S. states, the regulation of nonimmigrant visas is a federal matter, not governed by state law. Nonimmigrant visas are for foreign nationals who intend to stay in the United States temporarily. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of their travel, such as tourism (B-2), business (B-1), study, or temporary work. Applicants must apply for these visas at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad, and may need specific authorization and documentation before applying, especially for study or work. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State provide comprehensive information on the various nonimmigrant visa categories and their requirements. It's important to note that having a visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S.; this is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port-of-entry based on their assessment of the individual's eligibility under U.S. immigration law.