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 Minnesota, as in all other U.S. states, nonimmigrant visas are issued by the federal government to foreign nationals seeking temporary entry into the United States for various reasons such as tourism, business, medical treatment, and certain types of temporary work. The type of nonimmigrant visa required is determined by the purpose of the individual's travel, and the application process typically begins at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. For tourist (B-2) or business (B-1) visas, individuals can apply directly. However, for other categories like study or work, additional authorization and documentation may be necessary before applying for a visa. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State provide comprehensive lists and requirements for all nonimmigrant visa classifications. It's important to note that having a visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S.; it only indicates eligibility to travel to a port-of-entry where a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer will make the final decision on admission in accordance with U.S. immigration laws.