The U.S. government uses the term nonimmigrant to refer to foreign nationals who are admitted to the United States temporarily for a specific purpose. By contrast, the term immigrant refers to foreign nationals who wish to come to the United States permanently.

What does nonimmigrant mean?

Nonimmigrant status

This status is for people who enter the U.S. on a temporary basis – whether for tourism, business, temporary work, or study. ... Some people may have more than one visa in their passport, but they can only be admitted into the U.S. in one type of nonimmigrant status at a time.

Is green card immigrant or nonimmigrant?

Green cards are technically a type of visa that allows for permanent residence. Green cards are issued after arrival in the United States. To qualify for a green card, the applicant must have an immigrant visa already, and applications are made to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).