Legal Definitions - Visa

A visa is an official authorization, typically a stamp or sticker placed within a passport, granted by a country's government. It permits a foreign national to seek entry into that country for a specific purpose and for a defined period. Essentially, it signifies that the individual has met certain preliminary requirements for travel and entry, although final admission is often determined by immigration officials at the port of entry.

• Example 1: Tourist Vacation

  Imagine a citizen of India planning a two-week vacation to visit historical sites and museums in Italy. Before traveling, they would need to apply for a Schengen tourist visa through the Italian embassy or consulate in India. Once approved, this visa would be affixed to their passport, officially permitting them to enter Italy (and other Schengen Area countries) for tourism purposes during their specified travel dates.

• Example 2: International Education

  Consider a student from Nigeria who has been accepted into a four-year undergraduate program at a university in Canada. To legally reside and study in Canada, this student must apply for a student visa from the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria. This specific type of visa, once issued, grants them permission to enter Canada for the express purpose of pursuing their education for the duration of their academic program.

• Example 3: Business Conference

  An executive from a technology company based in South Korea needs to attend an important industry conference and several client meetings in the United States. This executive would apply for a business visa (often a B-1 visa for the U.S.) at the U.S. embassy or consulate in South Korea. The visa, once granted, would authorize them to enter the United States for a limited period to conduct business activities, such as attending the conference and meetings, but not to engage in employment.