Before we begin to present the forms that relate to visas and American citizenship, let's go over a short recap of visas and their purposes. Understanding the purpose of a visa, will help understand all the types of visas, the forms and paperwork required to obtain a visa and/or an American citizenship.

A visa (simplified) represents the United States approving one or more people to enter the United States at least once. Visas to the United States, green cards, and an American citizenship, all deal with a few basic questions related to why the person wants to enter the United States, for how long will the person stay within the United States, is anyone traveling with them to the United States, and do they intend to ultimately stay in the United States.

1) Tourism based visas allow a person to visit the United States as a tourist in order to travel the nation, or visit family. These visas are often limited to a few months (3-6) and are based on the assumption that the person will leave the United States before the expiration date of the visa.Other reasons may apply.

2) Diplomatic and military service related visas allow a person to enter the United States in order to serve their country of origin. The person requesting the visa is either a diplomat, embassy/consulate security personnel, staff, or any other position as requested by the foreign country and approved by the United States. These visas may include United Nations related positions, and NATO related positions. Other reasons may apply.

3) Temporary worker visas allow a person to enter the United States and stay within the United States for as long as they have a job with the employer that sponsored their visa request and/or as long as they are necessary and of value to be worth approval of their visa. These visa are often limited to three years before a renewal application is required. People on temporary worker visas may transition between visa types if the necessity exists. Furthermore, a person with a legitimate temporary worker visa, may apply for a permanent residency (Green Card; PR visa) while their current visa is valid (did not expire).

4) Multiple visa to the United States have a corresponding visa type that allows people to accompany them to the United States while their visa is valid, and no longer. These visas are often for family members such as a spouse and children to be able to be with their love one. These visas are also used for personal assistants, staff, and personal that are essential to the function of the main visa holder. Such visa holders are usually not allowed to work during their stay within the United States.

5) Permanent Residency (PR) visas are also known as a Green Card (this is a slang term, not a professional term). Contrary to a common rumor, a green card is still a visa. It is usually limited to ten years, must be renewed every ten years, or changed to another visa and/or an American citizenship. A iPermanent Residency is similar in some aspects to being a citizen, yet not identical. PR visas allow the visa holder to work for any employer within the United States similar to an American citizenship. Commonly, at least five years as a permanent residency are required in order to be considered for citizenship, often seven years.