Most people who intend to travel to the United States will need a visa. Various programs are available to meet these travel needs, whether people hope to come here temporarily or permanently.
Not every applicant will be accepted, and the process can take years. Relying on the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney could help avoid delays and secure the best possible outcome. Let an Elgin visa lawyer review your application and answer any questions you might have.
The federal government offers various visa options that fall into two general categories: immigrant and non-immigrant. While the first option allows a person to stay here indefinitely and eventually qualify for citizenship, the other does not result in a green card for the applicant.
An individual’s reason for coming to this country is important, as it will largely determine which program they qualify for. Many people come to the U.S. to further their careers, and certain employment-based visas provide a path to citizenship. Some of the other situations that could qualify a person for a visa include the following:
There are individual programs within each of these broad categories, and the qualifications for each one can vary dramatically. The good news is that a visa attorney in Elgin could help with every part of the application process.
With so many different programs available, the process for applying for a visa can vary, depending on the person’s circumstances. There are different forms associated with each of these options, and choosing the wrong document could cause significant roadblocks to an applicant’s success in obtaining a visa. A lawyer in Elgin could help an applicant choose the right documentation to obtain a visa.
One of the most important things to understand is that certain visas require a person to serve as a sponsor. This is most common among family and employment-based visas. The first step in these instances is to have a relative of a prospective employer file the initial paperwork and sponsor an applicant before the case can move forward.
Other options allow a foreign resident to start the process on their own. For example, someone hoping to further their education in the U.S. could file his or her own application without needing a sponsor.
The National Visa Center handles the submitted forms and all necessary supporting documents. In addition to the paperwork, applicants generally need to provide biometric data, including their fingerprints.
He or she will also typically sit down for an interview with a federal agent. The interview location depends on the physical location of the immigrant during the process. Someone pursuing a visa from his or her country of origin will need to attend a interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in that nation. Anyone already located in the country can remain here and adjust his or her legal status without needing to return home.
Obtaining a visa can be exciting and nerve-wracking. You are potentially starting a new life and want to ensure that you get the best possible results. The outcome of your case could impact not only your future, but also those you love. In some cases, you could be able to arrange for legal status for a spouse or minor child. Reach out to an Elgin visa lawyer to learn more about your options.
