visa

[ vee-zuh ]

noun

, plural vi·sas.

1. an endorsement issued by an authorized representative of a country and marked in a passport, permitting the passport holder to enter, travel through, or reside in that country for a specified amount of time, for the purpose of tourism, education, employment, etc.

verb (used with object)

, vi·saed, vi·sa·ing.

1. to give a visa to; approve a visa for.
2. to put a visa on (a passport).

visa

/ ˈviːzə /

noun

1. an endorsement in a passport or similar document, signifying that the document is in order and permitting its bearer to travel into or through the country of the government issuing it
2. any sign or signature of approval

verb

1. to enter a visa into (a passport)
2. to endorse or ratify

Word History and Origins

Origin of visa¹

1830–40; < French, short for Latin carta vīsa “the document (has been) seen”; vīsa, feminine past participle of vidēre “to see, look at”

Word History and Origins

Origin of visa¹

C19: via French from Latin vīsa things seen, from vīsus, past participle of vidēre to see

Example Sentences

It involved a lot of inconsistencies in visa applications, photographs, financial documents, bank details and employment history.

From BBC

But the issuance of new visas and work permits slowed to a crawl during his first term: Average wait times increased by almost half from 2016 to 2019, according to one legal industry group.

From New York Times

It’s apparent in how American Tech moguls want looser regulations on I-9 visas but also tariffs to protect America’s tech industry from China.

From Salon

The program temporarily extends student visas to allow for work training during or after the completion of studies.

From Los Angeles Times

Shortly after she spoke to the BBC, and only weeks out from her course start date, she received the official masters enrolment certificate and new study visa she feared would never come.

From BBC

Related Words

• acceptance
• admission
• affirmation
• approval
• authorization
• consent
• corroboration
• endorsement
• evidence
• green light
• passage
• recognition
• testimony
• verification