Individual Immigration
We provide counsel and legal assistance to foreign individuals seeking immigration benefits. Whether the foreign individual is in the U.S. or overseas, we will put our expertise to work in explaining options and creating the most effective strategy suited to your particular needs.
Common services we provide:
- U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization
- Family-Based Visas (Marriage, Fiancé, Children, Parents of a U.S. Citizen and Resident)
- Student Visa
- Visitor Visa
- Temporary Work Visa
- Visa Lottery
- Investor Visa
U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization
Persons born outside the U.S. to one or two U.S. citizen parents can acquire citizenship at birth. In addition, under specific circumstances, legal permanent residents may apply for U.S. citizenship through the process of naturalization.
Anyone seeking to become a naturalized citizen must submit a written and signed Application for Naturalization to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants must be over the age of 18, may be subject to a hearing, and must pay the application fee.
Family-based permanent residence is a two step process. First, the U.S. government must classify the applicant as a person who is qualified to immigrate or become a permanent resident (green card holder). This preliminary step is one in which the alien must be found qualified within one of the family preference groups. After the petition has been approved classifying the applicant in a preference category, the beneficiary of that petition may apply for permanent residence status. This application is either made at a U.S. consulate outside of the U.S. or it can be made in the U.S. to "adjust status" of a permanent resident.
Each year the U.S. attracts many foreign nationals to its academic institutions. The F-1 Visa (Student Visa) allows one to enter the U.S. as a full-time student at an accredited (government- approved) college or university. The student must be enrolled in a program or course of study that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate. The M-1 Visa (Vocational Student) is issued to students who want to pursue non-traditional degree programs such as health care technician, machinist, dental hygienist, etc. The J-1 Visa (Exchange Student) is for students pursuing graduate / post-graduate studies, visiting scholars, medical doctors undergoing training, etc.
Non-immigrant visitor visas are issued to people entering the U.S. temporarily for business (B1), or for pleasure/ tourism/medical treatment (B2). These are generally issued up to a period of 3 months to 10 years. An additional extension of 6 months can be obtained based on approval from the USCIS.
Note: Some countries have an agreement with the U.S. and participate in the Visa Waiver Program, where citizens of the participating countries do not require a visa for stays less than 90 days.
Anyone coming to the U.S. with the intention of working here temporarily must obtain a non-immigrant work visa. Persons entering the U.S. on a visitor visa are not permitted to work.
The most common categories of non-immigrant work visas are listed below:
- Temporary Work Visa (H)
- Intra-company Transferee Visa (L-1)
- Treaty Trader/Investor Visas (E -1 and E-2)
- Treaty Aliens in Specialty Occupations (E -3)
Each year there is a U.S. Green Card Lottery operated by the Department of State. 50,000 visas are issued annually based on the U.S. Green Card Lottery, which is officially known as the Diversity Visa. The U.S. Green Card Lottery is only open to those persons born in countries with low rates of immigration to the US. Each winner, and their family, will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency status after receiving their visa.
The U.S. Investor Visa program is designed to attract Investors who can help the local economy and bring money into the country. There are very specific qualification criteria such as at least a $500,000 cash investment and establishing a business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.
Please contact us to start your immigration application now.