For foreign nationals who do not wish to enter the United States permanently can apply for a non-immigrant visa, which allows them to remain in the country for a prolonged period of time and work in some cases. A non-immigrant visa requires an individual apply directly to the U.S. consulate or embassy in his or her country for either a tourist, student, business, or temporary employment non-immigrant visa. Some other types of non-immigrant visas include:

• Student Visas. To study as a full-time student in the United States, you must be able to prove you are enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program. You must also be able to financially support yourself during the entire course of study.
• Specialty Job Visas. In order to immigrate to the U.S. for a job, you must have your employer file a nonimmigrant petition on your behalf. This is different than a business visa which is for those looking to conduct commercial or professional activities with business associates, negotiate a contract, or attend a conference.
• Medical Treatment Visas. This type of visa requires that an individual show that the treatment they seek in the U.S. is medically necessary and is not available to them in their country of origin. It is also required that you prove you can pay the cost of U.S. healthcare and provide letters from your physician and a medical professional from the U.S. Once the medical treatment has been received, you must return to your country of origin.

Approval of a visa application does not necessarily guarantee access to the United States. Upon arrival at the port-of-entry, you will be subject to an inspection that will determine whether or not you are eligible to enter the country. It is important to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that U.S. immigration law is being properly applied to your case.