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U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Lawyer

If you’re in need of a nonimmigrant visa lawyer, look no further than Consumer Law Group. Our attorneys can help you obtain a nonimmigrant visa, whether you’re a student, traveler or businessperson in the U.S. for work.

What Are Nonimmigrant Visas?

If you’re from a foreign nation, you may be wondering what a nonimmigrant visa is. Nonimmigrant visas are those that are typically obtained by individuals entering the United States temporarily. In order to receive a U.S. nonimmigrant visa, you must show that you demonstrate “nonimmigrant intent,” which is the intent to leave the United States once you reach the expiration date on your nonimmigrant visa. Examples of reasons to visit the United States on a temporary basis include travel, study, temporary work, business and medical concerns. Depending on your situation, you may need to obtain a certain type of nonimmigrant visa.

Why A U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa May Be Right For You

A U.S. nonimmigrant visa may be right for you if you plan on visiting the United States temporarily. Nonimmigrant visas are broken into different categories, such as those for visitors, students, workers and exchange visitors. Below are the most common types of U.S. nonimmigrant visas.

Work Visas

There are several employment visas individuals can apply for to enter the United States temporarily. To obtain a work visa, an employer must file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once USCIS approves the petition, you’ll be able to apply for a visa using Form DS-160.

Student Visas

If you’re a foreign student looking to study in the United States, then you’ll have to apply for a student visa. Similar to work visas, student visas come in several variations, depending on your situation. However, the most common student visa is the F-1 visa, which allows recipients to study full time at an American university, college, community college, high school, middle school, elementary school or any other school approved by USCIS.

Travel Visas

Whether you’re arriving to explore America’s national parks or visit extended family, you’re going to need a travel visa. A travel visa is stamped on a recipient’s passport and allows them to enter the United States for a set period of time. The most common travel visa is the B-2 visa, also called the visitor visa.

Special Programs

There are a few special programs a visitor can apply for if they need to enter the United States temporarily. These special programs are typically meant for humanitarian emergencies. The three types of special programs include:

  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
  • Deferred action
  • Prosecutorial discretion

Dual Intent Doctrine And Nonimmigrant Visas

There are a few different types of visas that are considered “dual intent” visas, where a nonimmigrant intending to immigrate can visit the U.S. while not immigrating at the time of the visit. A dual intent visa allows a nonimmigrant to visit the U.S. while they still have the option to apply for a green card in the future. With a dual intent visa, a nonimmigrant can enter the U.S. even while their green card is being processed. Below are nonimmigrant visas with dual intent.

H-1B Visas

If you’re looking to work temporarily for a company based in the United States, then you can apply for an H-1B visa. H-1B visas are meant for labor and employment purposes for highly educated foreign nationals with an intent to work temporarily in the U.S. The U.S. government sets a cap on the number of H-1B visas administered each year, making them somewhat difficult to come by.

To obtain an H-1B visa, your employer will have to file a petition for you to qualify as a nonimmigrant worker. Types of workers who can be eligible include individuals in specialty occupations that require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, workers involved in research projects administered by the U.S. Department of Defense, and fashion models.

If you’re looking to obtain temporary work in the U.S., one of our nonimmigrant visa lawyers at Consumer Law Group can help ensure that you file a successful application.

L: Intracompany Transfers

An employee working for a multinational company with an affiliate, subsidiary or joint venture partner in the U.S. can apply for an L visa. It allows a foreign national in an executive or managerial role or with specialized knowledge to transfer to the U.S. for a set period of time.

O: Aliens Of Extraordinary Ability

A nonimmigrant demonstrating extraordinary ability in business, athletics, art, science or education can come to the U.S. temporarily with an O visa. O visas allow nonimmigrants to live and work in the U.S. as long as they demonstrate extraordinary abilities, which can be proven if they’ve received a major internationally recognized award, like a Nobel Prize, or there’s documentation of their abilities and achievements in exclusive associations, publications or employment roles in highly regarded companies.

P: Performing Artists And Athletes

Athletes and performing artists, such as musicians, bands and circus performers, can apply for P visas to temporarily visit and work in the U.S. Groups can apply for a P visa, or each member can apply separately, but not both. To apply, your employer must submit Form I-129 and the supporting documents to the branch of USCIS that’s in the area you intend to perform.

Other Nonimmigrant Visas

There are dozens of nonimmigrant visas that allow foreign nationals to come to the U.S. temporarily. However, knowing which one is right for your situation can be a challenge. At Consumer Law Group, our nonimmigrant visa lawyers can help you decide which of the following nonimmigrant visas is right for you:

  • A: Diplomatic, Ambassadors
  • B: Visitors for Business/Pleasure
  • C: Foreign National in Transit
  • D: Crewpersons
  • E: Treaty Traders & Investors
  • E-3: Australian Specialty Occupation Workers
  • F: International Student
  • G: Foreign Government Agencies
  • H: Temporary Workers
  • I: Foreign Media Representatives
  • J: Exchange Visitors
  • K: Fiancé(e) of U.S. Citizen
  • L: Intracompany Transfers
  • M: International Vocational Student
  • N: Children of Special Immigrants
  • O: Aliens of Extraordinary Ability
  • Q: Cultural Exchange Visa
  • R: Religious Visa
  • S: Special Snitch Status (“LEA”)
  • T: Work Options for Students
  • B-1: Temporary Business
  • B-2: Temporary Tourists
  • C-1: Transit Visa
  • C-2: United Nations
  • C-3: Government Officials
  • D-1: Crewmen
  • D-2: Crewmen
  • E-2: Investors
  • H-1B1: Specialty Occupations
  • H-2A: Agricultural Workers
  • H-2B: Temporary Services
  • H-3: Training
  • O-2: Accompanying Aliens
  • P-1: Artists and Athletes
  • P-2: Troupes and Bands
  • P-3: Artists and Entertainers
  • TN-1: Canadian Citizens
  • TN-2: Mexican Citizens
  • H-1B: Audit and Investigations
  • U Nonimmigrant Visa: Victims of Criminal Activity

How To Obtain A Nonimmigrant Visa

To apply for a nonimmigrant visa, you’ll first need to determine whether you’re required to have a visa in the first place – some countries participate in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Then, you’ll need to figure out which type of nonimmigrant visa you should apply for. Our team at Consumer Law Group can work with you to help determine the best course of action. After you’ve found out which nonimmigrant visa to apply for, you’ll begin your visa application and submit the following materials:

  • The online nonimmigrant visa application form, Form DS-160
  • A photo of your face
  • A visa application fee
  • A schedule for your visa interview

Once these steps are complete, you’ll be on your way to obtaining a nonimmigrant visa.

Get Assistance From Our Nonimmigrant Visa Lawyers Today

If you’re ready to come to the United States for a temporary stay, whether it’s for work, travel or school, make sure you’re prepared with a nonimmigrant visa. At Consumer Law Group, our immigration law attorneys can help you decide which nonimmigrant visa is right for you and walk you through the steps to obtain one.

Our team of nonimmigrant visa lawyers are committed to helping you get the best outcome – but don’t just take our word for it. Take a look at what our customers have to say about us by reading through our testimonials. To embark on your new journey to the U.S., get in contact with us by calling 312-766-7777 or reaching out to us online today.