Skip to articles

Notes on U.S. immigration & consular practiceAn independent reference journal

Meier & GiovaniniThe Immigration Notebook

Plain explanations.
Sources worth returning to.

Journal Visa basics Study in America Consular matters Useful resources About

Browse the journal

Journal Visa basics Study in America Consular matters Useful resources About

The article index

A subject-by-subject directory of the journal. All articles in this initial edition were published on 6 October 2026.

Visa basics

The date on your visa is not the end of your permitted stay
A business trip is not the same thing as permission to work

Study in America

An acceptance letter is only the beginning of the student visa process
Can a short course be part of a tourist visit?

Consular matters

What a 221(g) refusal tells you—and what it does not
Why a 214(b) refusal is not solved by a better invitation letter
The DS-160 confirmation page is not a visa appointment

About this notebook

A place to untangle the language of U.S. visas, admission and consular applications, with links back to the official rules.

Read about the publication

Browse by subject

Visa basics
Study in America
Consular matters

From the reference desk

Visa dates and permitted stay
Understanding a 221(g) notice
The DS-160 confirmation page

An earlier chapter

Ellis Island’s main immigration building, 1913. Historical imagery provides context, not current application instructions.

Official starting points

U.S. visa information
USCIS
Embassies & consulates
More research resources

Article index About the editors Privacy Terms of use

Meier & Giovanini — The Immigration Notebook. An editorial publication, not a law firm, government agency or application service. Articles provide general information; individual matters require advice from a qualified professional.

© 2026 The Immigration Notebook.