Introduction
The terms immigrant intent and nonimmigrant intent are fundamental concepts in U.S. immigration law. They refer to the intentions of a foreign national regarding their stay in the United States. Understanding the difference between these two terms is crucial for anyone navigating the U.S. immigration system.
Immigrant Intent(Permanent)
Immigrant intent refers to the intention of a foreign national to reside permanently in the United States. This intent is typically demonstrated when a foreign national applies for an immigrant visa, also known as a green card. The applicant must provide evidence of their intention to live and work permanently in the U.S., such as a job offer, family ties, or investment plans. An easy example of someone with immigrant intent is the foreign national spouse of a US Citizen. They got married abroad and now with the support of their US Citizen spouse the foreign national is applying for a lawful permanent resident card under the visas allotted for spouses of US Citizens. The foreign national spouse intends to move to the USA permanently after their immigrant visa is approved. Another example would be a citizen of a country other than America, being recruited by a large company like Amazon, Tesla, Microsoft, or Walmart to come and work in the States permanently. It could also be a smaller company like a medical clinic or engineering firm looking to permanently hire a doctor or engineer. The US Company becomes the sponsor and the foreign national would be the beneficiary of the immigrant visa petition.
Nonimmigrant Intent(Temporary)
On the other hand, nonimmigrant intent refers to the intention of a foreign national to stay in the U.S. temporarily. This intent is demonstrated when applying for a nonimmigrant visa, such as a tourist visa (B-2), student visa (F-1), or temporary worker visa (H-1B). The applicant must prove that they intend to return to
their home country after their temporary stay. Evidence might include a return ticket, proof of property or family in the home country, or a letter from an employer stating that the individual will return to their job. An easy example of a nonimmigrant visa is a tourist from Europe that has always wanted to visit New York City, but has a good job, and a happy family back in Europe. He booked a round-trip ticket to visit the States for three weeks and then plans to return home. He has no intention of staying in America permanently.
Another example of a nonimmigrant visa is an F1 student visa. A young woman from South America gets accepted to study genetics at the University of Florida, so she applies for an F1 student visa that will last the full four years of her program of study. After she graduates she plans to return to South America to work as a researcher at a cutting edge genetics facility in her hometown.
The Importance of Intent
The distinction between immigrant and nonimmigrant intent is crucial because it determines the type of visa for which a foreign national can apply. Misrepresentation of intent can lead to serious consequences, including visa denial or even deportation. An easy example of misrepresentation is someone applying for a tourist visa to visit the USA that has the intention to stay in America permanently to work after they arrive. To qualify for a tourist visa you need to intend to visit America for six months or less(nonimmigrant intent). If you actually intend to travel to the USA to work permanently then you have immigrant intent, which is not allowed for tourist visas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between immigrant intent and nonimmigrant intent lies in the foreign national’s intended duration and purpose of stay in the U.S. Understanding this distinction is vital for successfully navigating the U.S. immigration system. To paraphrase the hit song by Paula Abdul,
“Straight up tell me do you want to live in America forever? Or are you just having fun?”