Virginia Immigration Lawyer
Immigration opens the door to exciting possibilities, but the process of immigrating to the United States can be frustrating and fraught with difficulties and delays.
Whether you are trying to obtain a family-based immigration visa in NoVa, struggling to avoid deportation, seeking asylum, trying to qualify for an employment-based visa, or facing any other immigration challenge, a Virginia immigration lawyer may be able to assist.
While U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. State Department do not require immigrants to be represented by an attorney in immigration proceedings, many applicants find it in their best interests to work with experienced legal counsel.
A lawyer who understands the process and how to circumvent delays can provide valuable advice and advocate on your behalf to help reach the desired outcome.
Visa Overview
In most situations, people who are not U.S. citizens require a visa to enter the United States for any significant period of time. The government grants temporary visas to enter for a specific purpose such as study and permanent visas for those seeking to live and work permanently in the U.S.
A permanent or immigrant visa enables the holder to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR). Those with an identification card showing their status as LPRs are sometimes said to have a “Green Card” because the cards used to be printed on green paper.
Immigrant Visas
A limited number of permanent immigration visas are granted each year, so it is important for those seeking visas to ensure that they comply with requirements and provide information as accurately and completely as possible to increase the chances of an early favorable outcome. Most visas are granted on the basis of a family relationship or an employment opportunity.
Family Visas
Family members with a certain designated relationship to LPRs or U.S. citizens may be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa. Immediate family of U.S. citizens, which includes parents, minor children, and spouses, are not subject to immigration quota limits and have a visa immediately available.
Applications for other family members are limited and ranked according to preference. So, some applicants may have a long wait before their application for a visa is officially processed. The wait time will increase if information in the petition for immigration or the visa application is incomplete or inaccurate.
Employment Visas
As with family-based visas, employment visas are limited in number and ranked according to priority. In most cases, an applicant for an employment-based visa must have a job offer from an employer who has complied with specific guidelines from the Department of Labor.
There are five categories of employment visas. Applicants with greater levels of skill, experience, and reputation generally qualify for a higher preference category.
Deportation
People who are in the U.S. on a temporary visa or even a permanent visa may still face removal or deportation if they take certain actions. Committing specified types of crimes or violating the terms of a visa can provide grounds for removal.
In most cases, the person facing deportation proceedings has an opportunity to show an immigration judge why they should not be subject to removal. Alternatively, they may also demonstrate that they should be granted relief from removal. Individuals facing deportation should contact a dedicated immigration lawyer in NoVA as soon as possible.
Consult with a Dedicated Virginia Immigration Attorney Today
While there are no magic words to obtain your objectives when it comes to immigration law, there are certain procedures, arguments, and strategies that have proven to be effective in a number of cases.
A Virginia immigration lawyer with experience handling different immigration issues can evaluate a situation, assess the key issues, and take action to address the concerns in an efficient manner.
To learn how a knowledgeable legal advocate could assist in your situation, call for a consultation. Mistakes in immigration law can prove costly, but the right assistance can prove invaluable.
