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Immigrant visas lead to a green card (permanent residence); nonimmigrant visas are for a temporary stay such as work, study or tourism.
US immigration law divides visas into immigrant and nonimmigrant categories. Immigrant visas — obtained through family, employment (EB-1 to EB-5), the Diversity Visa lottery or humanitarian programs — lead to lawful permanent residence (the green card). Nonimmigrant visas, such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, F-1 and B-1/B-2, authorise a temporary stay for a specific purpose and duration. Some nonimmigrant routes can later support a green-card application, but they are temporary by default.
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Guidance only, not legal advice. ACME is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with any government. Rules change, confirm details with official sources.