There exist "more than 20 nonimmigrant visa types for people traveling to the United States temporarily," according to the Department of State. Some examples are visas for business visitors, au pairs, athletes, journalists, religious workers and temporary agricultural workers. The Department of State requires specific certifications for certain visas, such as the Department of Labor foreign labor certification and program approval in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Most people applying for immigrant visas need to have connection to the United States through a U.S. citizen, resident or employer.
Those outside the United States with questions regarding visa denial, visa processing status and applications should call the Department of State or a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. After reaching the country, inquiries and issues like "approval of all petitions, the authorization of permission to work in the U.S., the issuance of extensions of stay, and change or adjustment of an applicant's status" should be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, according to the Department of State.
If a passport expires with a valid visa, the old passport may be presented with a new one without applying for a new visa. The visa must be in good shape and of correct type. The passports must also be of the same type and country. The Customs and Border Protection Immigration Officer ensures that all of the above is valid. If everything is correct, the officer gives an admission stamp and the annotation VIOPP (visa in other passport).
A visa only allows a foreign citizen "to travel to the United States port of entry and request permission to enter the U.S.," according to the Department of State. Customs officers interview incoming citizens and inspect all personal belongings to ensure people are safe to enter the country. These Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials admit, deny and determine duration of stay of all incoming foreign citizens.
