Manhattan Visa Attorney
Find Out How We Can Help You Achieve Your American Dream
Are you trying to enter the United States on a visa? Do you want to serve as a sponsor for someone you would like to bring into this country? If so, do not hesitate to speak with a competent immigration attorney from Segal & Lax today. Our Manhattan immigration attorneys have an extraordinary track record of success and a reputation for exceeding client expectations. We will do everything within our power in order to make your American dream your reality.
Understanding the Process
In order to lawfully enter the United States and remain in the country for a limited period of time, you must obtain a nonimmigrant visa or apply for an immigrant visa for permanent residence, which is often done through family-based immigration or employment-based immigration.
There are many different reasons that individuals obtain visas. Some of these reasons may include: leisure travel, travel for business trips, and temporary employment in the U.S. Foreign nationals who come to the United States on visas usually need to be sponsored by other individuals, such as family members who are U.S. citizens or U.S.-based employers.
Types of Visas
The type of visa you apply for will depend on the reason you want to visit the United States and the length of time you plan to stay. Here are a few examples of types of visas:
- B-1 visas for business travelers
- B-2 visas for tourists, vacationers, and for those coming to the U.S. for medical treatment
- E-1 visas for treaty traders
- E-2 visas for treaty investors
- F visas and M visas for students (academic and vocational)
- H-1B visas for temporary specialty workers
- K-1 visas for fiancés/fiancées (must be coming to the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen)
- K-3 visas for spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents (for those waiting for approval for immigrant status, or permanent status)
- O visas for foreign nationals with extraordinary ability in the arts, athletics, business, education or the sciences
For certain types of visas, there are only a limited number available each year. Because of this, you will need to see if the visa you are trying to obtain is actually available. There are two types of family-based immigrant visas. These include immediate relative immigrant visas (which are unlimited), and family preference immigrant visas (which are limited).
Each visa type requires certain kinds of forms to be submitted. In addition, some visas require additional documentation. For example, for employment-based visas, it is necessary to obtain foreign labor certification through the U.S. Department of Labor, according to the U.S. Department of State.
New Eligibility for Same-Sex Spouses
Same-sex couples, who were married in a state or country that legally recognizes same-sex marriage, should be aware that they are now eligible to petition for family-based immigration under recent changes in U.S. immigration policy. In June 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that defined marriage as being strictly between opposite-sex individuals. This ruling has allowed marriage-related federal benefits to be extended to same-sex spouses.
We Represent Clients Throughout the 5 Boroughs
Do you need help applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant or immigrant visa? Get the assistance you need by turning to our skilled legal team at Segal & Lax. We obtain the in-depth knowledge and legal resources necessary to help you obtain the outcome you desire