There are many immigration visa options available to non-U.S. citizens who want to visit, work, or immigrate to the United States. This article provides an overview of some of the most utilized avenues to obtaining a U.S. Visa or becoming a Lawful Permanent U.S. Resident.
Immigrant Visas
Immigrant visas and permanent resident (Green) cards are available to non-U.S. citizens who want to relocate to the United States on a permanent basis. In order to become a U.S. citizen, an immigrant must first obtain a non-immigrant visa and then become a Lawful Permanent U.S. Resident. Immigrant visa options include:
1. Family-based immigrant visas are available to the spouse or other close family member of a United States citizen or permanent resident.
Immediate-Relative visas are unlimited in number and, thus, may be obtained without a waiting-period. A United States citizen may apply for a immigrant visa for the U.S. citizen’s spouse, unmarried children under 21 years of age, parents, and adopted orphans.
Family-preference visas are available for relatives of a United States citizen and for relatives of a Lawful Permanent U.S. Resident (a non-U.S. citizen who has been issued a “Green Card”). Family-preference visas, unlike Immediate-Relative visas, are available only on a limited basis and, thus, are subject to waiting periods.
The preference classes are:
1. Family-based immigrant visas are available to the spouse or other close family member of a United States citizen or permanent resident.
Immediate-Relative visas are unlimited in number and, thus, may be obtained without a waiting-period. A United States citizen may apply for a immigrant visa for the U.S. citizen’s spouse, unmarried children under 21 years of age, parents, and adopted orphans.
Family-preference visas are available for relatives of a United States citizen and for relatives of a Lawful Permanent U.S. Resident (a non-U.S. citizen who has been issued a “Green Card”). Family-preference visas, unlike Immediate-Relative visas, are available only on a limited basis and, thus, are subject to waiting periods.
The preference classes are:
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Preference 1: Unmarried children of U.S. citizens.
Preference 2: Spouses and children of Lawful Permanent U.S. Residents (immigrants who have been issued a “Green Card”). Preference 3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their children. Preference 4: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, and their children. |
2. Employment-based immigrant visas are available to skilled workers, persons with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, multi-national managers and executives, investors, and others.
3. Asylum is also available to persons who had fled from persecution in their home country or who are likely to suffer persecution if they return to their home country.
An immigrant must first obtain an immigrant visa, in order to be eligible for permanent residence (Green Card) in the United States.
3. Asylum is also available to persons who had fled from persecution in their home country or who are likely to suffer persecution if they return to their home country.
An immigrant must first obtain an immigrant visa, in order to be eligible for permanent residence (Green Card) in the United States.
Citizenship
Permanent residents may, but are not required to, become United States citizens.
For more information on becoming a United States citizen, CLICK HERE
For more information on becoming a United States citizen, CLICK HERE
Non-Immigrant Visas
Non-immigrant visas are available to non-U.S. citizens who want to visit the United States on a temporary basis, either for work or for pleasure.
Non-immigrant visa options include:
1. Business or Tourist visa (B-series visa)
2. Treaty Trader or Investor visa (E-series visa)
3. Student visa (F-series visa)
4. Temporary Worker visa (H-series visa)
5. Exchange Visitor visa (J-series visa)
6. Executive/Manager visa (L-series visa)
7. Extraordinary Ability/Achievement visa (O-series)
8. Religious Worker visa (R-series)
Non-immigrant visa options include:
1. Business or Tourist visa (B-series visa)
2. Treaty Trader or Investor visa (E-series visa)
3. Student visa (F-series visa)
4. Temporary Worker visa (H-series visa)
5. Exchange Visitor visa (J-series visa)
6. Executive/Manager visa (L-series visa)
7. Extraordinary Ability/Achievement visa (O-series)
8. Religious Worker visa (R-series)
Potential Consequences of Unlawful Presence
The consequences of unlawful presence in the United States can be quite severe.
First, and perhaps most importantly to most non-U.S. citizens who are in the United States, is removal (deportation). Being deported can tear families apart and result in a myriad of other life-changing hardships.
Second, depending on the length of time a person is unlawfully present in the United States, that person may be barred from reentering the United States if they are deported or otherwise leave the country.
First, and perhaps most importantly to most non-U.S. citizens who are in the United States, is removal (deportation). Being deported can tear families apart and result in a myriad of other life-changing hardships.
Second, depending on the length of time a person is unlawfully present in the United States, that person may be barred from reentering the United States if they are deported or otherwise leave the country.
Complexity of U.S. Immigration Law
United States immigration law is extremely complex, always changing, and often not entirely logical or consistent. Although there is no legal requirement that visitors or immigrants to the United States use the services of an American immigration law attorney, doing so is highly recommended.
Lapin Law Group provides Immigration Law services nationwide
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DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this publication is provided by Lapin Law Group, P.C., for informational purposes only and shall not constitute legal advice or serve as the basis for the creation of an attorney-client relationship. The laws and interpretation of laws discussed herein may not accurately reflect the law in the reader’s jurisdiction. Do not rely on the information contained in this publication for any purpose. If you have a specific legal question, please consult with an attorney in your jurisdiction who is competent to assist you.
Lapin Law Group, with its principal office in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, serves all 254 Texas counties.
Lapin Law Group, with its principal office in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, serves all 254 Texas counties.
