Virginia Visa Lawyer
A NoVa attorney can help in a variety of situations. Maybe you know what type of visa you need but want to make sure you follow the procedures correctly to give yourself the best chance of success. Maybe you have already applied for a visa and want to know if there’s anything you can do about a delay. Or perhaps you have no idea whether you need a visa at all.
Consulting a knowledgeable Virginia visa lawyer is the right step to take next, regardless of where you are now in the process. A dedicated immigration lawyer experienced in visa issues can assess your situation, explain your options, and, if desired, advocate on your behalf to help you reach your objectives.
The Process of Obtaining a Visa
The process for applying for and obtaining visas will vary somewhat depending on the type of visa sought. A permanent visa, also known as an immigrant visa, enables the holder to live and work permanently in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident or LPR, sometimes referred to as Green Card holder. Temporary visas, by contrast, are issued for a finite period for a particular purpose. A seasoned visa lawyer in NoVa could help one with determining which visa they may want to seek.
Immigrant Visas
To obtain an immigrant visa, the process usually begins with a sponsoring family member or employer filing a petition for relative or worker. The petition is reviewed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, often referred to as USCIS.
Once a petition is approved by USCIS, then the prospective immigrant begins the application process. Immigrant visa applications are processed by the National Visa Center, which is part of the U.S. State Department. When all requirements are fulfilled and documented, the applicant will undergo an interview before a determination is made whether to grant or deny a visa.
Nonimmigrant Visas
The procedures for applying for a nonimmigrant temporary visa vary depending on the reason for and duration of the visit. For instance, a business traveler coming to the U.S. to consult with associates, negotiate a contract, or attend a conference would usually apply for a B-1 visa.
Specifics regarding the application process will vary depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate where the application is made. In general, the applicant will need to fill out the application form, pay the fee, show identification, and undergo an interview.
Employment-Based Visas
There are several types of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas granted on the basis of employment. Many of these require the employer involved to obtain approval from the U.S. Department of Labor certifying that workers from the U.S. are not available to perform the required work.
Immigrant visas granted on the basis of employment are limited in number annually. They are prioritized by the qualifications of the applicant. For that reason, applicants should usually apply for the highest preference category for which they can demonstrate qualifications.
Family-Based Visas
Family relationships may make a foreign citizen eligible for an immigrant visa to the U.S. or a temporary visa. Just as with employment visas, immigrant family visas are also limited in number, except for those issued to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. Family members of lawful permanent residents may also obtain immigrant visas, but their applications will be subject to annual quotas so the wait for processing may be much longer.
An immediate relative includes parents, spouses and unmarried minor children of U.S. citizens. Other relatives who may also be eligible for immigrant visas include adult children, married children, and their families, and siblings.
For Assistance Contact a Virginia Visa Attorney Today
With so many different types of visas, it can be challenging to know where to start and how to proceed to obtain the desired results in the most efficient manner. Working with an experienced Virginia visa lawyer can help alleviate many concerns.
When you work with an immigration lawyer who understands visas, you can gain advice and assistance throughout the process, whether just beginning an application or trying to troubleshoot a delay. To learn how a visa lawyer may assist in your circumstances, call now.
