October 15, 2024
The United States has long been called the land of opportunity. Many people from across the globe want to visit or move to the U.S. Thousands of people a year enter the U.S. for pleasure, work, school, or to live. In order to enter and remain in the U.S. you must obtain a visa. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees the entire immigration process including the visa application process. An experienced immigration attorney can help you through the visa process.
Immigration Visas
People who reside in other countries who wish to enter the United States must generally have a visa. A visa is a document issued through the U.S. government that provides permission to be in the country. There are two main kinds of visas including nonimmigrant and immigrant. Nonimmigrant visas are for those who want to travel in the U.S. for a short period of time. Immigrant visas are designed for permanent travel. There are many categories of visas available, and each has requirements that you must meet in order to obtain approval.
Common Types of Visas
The USCIS offers a wide range of visas to meet the various needs of those who wish to enter or reside in the United States. You must have a valid visa when you are staying in the U.S. Among the many types of visas, some of the most popular include:
Tourist Visa
Most people who reside in foreign countries are required to have a visa to visit the United States on a temporary basis. Some reasons you may need a tourist visa include to visit family members, to get medical treatment, to take a vacation, or to participate in a short seminar, among others. Not all countries are included in the requirement for a visa to visit the U.S., so it is best to seek guidance from a knowledgeable immigration attorney.
Student Visa
Student visas are generally F-1 visas. These temporary visas are for students who are attending college full-time in the United States. Students must be enrolled in an accredited institution and are not allowed to work off-campus during the first year. They are allowed to remain in the United States only while they are current students in good standing. An F-2 visa is for a spouse or minor child of a student.
Employment-Based Visa
An employment-based visa is a permit that allows someone to live and work in the United States for a period of time. A work visa may be temporary or permanent. There are a number of different types of employment-based visas depending on the type of work you do and the education, training, and experience you have. Employment-based visas have preferences ranging from EB-1 through EB-5.
Family Based Visa
Family-based visas are among the most common types of visas. A person who is either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident may sponsor a family member. Family-based visas are often considered the most desirable type of visa. When you obtain this type of visa you are considered a legal permanent resident. You must seek to change your status or renew your visa within a period of time to maintain your ability to remain in the United States.
Other Types of Visas
There are many additional visa categories. These include such visas as those for professional athletes or artists, business owners, exchange visitors, agricultural workers, business investors, refugees and more. Some types of visas are more difficult to obtain and may require a lengthier process than others.. Sometimes a person may qualify for more than one type of visa. A skilled immigration attorney will help identify the type of visa that best fits your needs and will guide you through the application process.
Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card)
A lawful permanent resident (LPR) is an immigrant who has been given the legal status to reside in the United States. A legal permanent resident is also called a green card holder. A green card offers a path to permanent residency and citizenship. Green card holders can become citizens through the naturalization process. A naturalized citizen has most of the same rights as citizens who were born in the U.S.
How to Apply for a Visa
Before you apply, you will need to know which type of visa you need. In general, the application process begins with the submission of the application along with the required documentation and appropriate fee. Once you submit the application, the USCIS will review the application for accuracy. If they need any further information, they will inform you in writing. Some types of visas require you to meet with the USCIS representatives for an interview as well as go through a biometric check and sometimes a medical exam.
If you are residing abroad, the consulate may be able to handle some types of requests. If you are planning to travel to the U.S. you will need to begin the visa process as soon as possible to allow time to process the request. The time to obtain a visa can vary greatly depending on the type and category and may range from months to several or more years.
Resolving Immigration Disputes
Immigrants must obey the law while they are in the United States and they must follow the rules of their particular visa. When someone violates these laws or rules, they could be detained or deported. Immigration legal matters are handled through immigration courts. A Notice to Appear (NTA) is a legal document requiring you to attend an immigration hearing with a judge.
One common reason for this notice is if you overstay your visa without renewing it. If you fail to appear, you will likely be required to leave the country. It is essential that you respond to a notice to appear and learn how you can resolve the matter. There are ways to remedy the situation in most cases. An immigration attorney will assist you through the legal process.
Legal Help is Available
While it is not a requirement, an attorney is available to assist you with the visa process. Obtaining a visa can be complex and the process can be lengthy in some cases. It is beneficial to ensure that you qualify for a visa and provide the necessary documentation in order to facilitate a smooth process without undue delays. We have experience handling all types of immigration matters. Contact us at Ibrahim Law Global at (312) 900-9252 to talk to our legal team.
