Legal Melon
An immigrant visa (IV) allows people to live permanently in the United States.
Green Card for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants ( I-130) Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants (I-140)
A nonimmigrant visa (NIV) is issued to a person with permanent residence outside the United States, but wishes to be in the U.S. on a temporary basis for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study, as examples.
Visitor visa for tourism or business (B-1/B-2) International student visa (F-1) Treaty trader & investor visas and visas for Australians (E-1/E-2/E-3) Specialty occupations (H-1B)