The U.S. strives to control its borders, which can make it difficult for someone trying to get a visa to enter the U.S. Even people seeking a temporary visa can run into problems.
Consulting an immigration attorney before applying for a visa could help you avoid pitfalls that might complicate a visa application. A Cicero visa lawyer could ensure you apply for the correct visa for your needs and guide you through the application process.
The U.S. allows citizens of some countries to enter our nation without a visa if the country that issued their passport participates in the Visa Waiver Program. Although these immigrants must complete an electronic screening form, travelers from participating countries can enter the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or to seek medical care.
Other travelers must acquire a visa to enter the U.S., even for short stays. The traveler must apply for the appropriate temporary visa online and upload a photo. He or she then must wait to be notified of his or her appointment for an interview at the U.S. Consulate in his or her country of residence.
An interviewer seeks confirmation that the applicant has sufficient ties to his or her home country and will not attempt to stay in the U.S. when their visa expires. A holder of a temporary visa who wants to extend his or her time in the U.S. can do so in some instances. A Cicero attorney could help someone with applying for or extending a temporary visa.
Some individuals might want a visa that allows them to study or work at a seasonal or temporary job. Thankfully, there are various visas available for these purposes.
The U.S. offers more than 20 categories of visas to non-immigrant temporary workers. The type of visa a specific applicant requires depends on the work he or she will do in the U.S.
Most types of temporary work visas require a prospective employer to submit a Form I-129, Petition for Non-immigrant Worker to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In some cases, the employer also must obtain a certification from the Department of Labor establishing they tried to find a U.S. citizen for the job but were unsuccessful. A Cicero lawyer could assist an employer in obtaining the necessary certification and completing visa applications on behalf of foreign workers.
Several visas are available for applicants interested in study or cultural exchange in the U.S. Applicants must demonstrate an adequate command of English and an intent to return to their home country when they complete their studies. They also must show they have enough money to support themselves in the U.S.
Students intending to enroll full-time in an academic program that leads to a degree can apply for an F-1 visa. Meanwhile, the M-1 visa best is for people studying a vocational program like coding, culinary school, design, flight school, or mechanics. Finally, an applicant sponsored by a U.S. State Department-certified cultural exchange organization could apply for a J-1 visa.
Applicants for student visas must prove they have been accepted into an educational or cultural exchange program. They then apply for a visa online and go to an interview at the U.S. Consulate in their home country.
Sometimes, people intend to make the United States their permanent home. To account for this wish, the U.S. offers visas that allow holders to obtain Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status and eventually apply for citizenship. However, the number of immigration visas available in most categories is subject to an annual limit, and wait times for immigration visas can sometimes extend for years.
Most immigrant visas require sponsorship from a family member or employer. For family-based immigration, U.S. citizens and Green Card holders can usually sponsor family a relative’s visa application. The sponsor must guarantee that he or she will be responsible for their family member’s financial needs and demonstrate he or she has the means to support them. A Cicero attorney could help a sponsor prove this required financial responsibility.
When seeking a visa for permanent work, potential immigrants can often turn to their employers for assistance. These employers must sponsor the employee and demonstrate the position in question cannot be filled by a U.S. citizen. In some cases, people of renown or uniquely talented individuals could receive an immigration visa based on their unique skills or abilities. Investors could obtain an immigration visa if they meet specific requirements. Our legal team could help with proving eligibility for these unique permits.
When you want to immigrate into the U.S. on a temporary or permanent visa, you have many options for doing so. However, applying for visas can be challenging, as can determining which one will best fit your circumstances.
A Cicero visa lawyer could offer sound advice about the visa application process. Call today to speak with a knowledgeable immigration attorney.
