Nonimmigrant visas authorize a foreign national to enter the United States for a temporary purpose: tourism, business, study, training, employment, or investment, among others. Each visa category has specific eligibility requirements, periods of authorized stay, and conditions on activities that can be performed.
The firm handles nonimmigrant visa applications, status changes within the United States, extensions, and consular processing.
Categories the firm handles.
B-1 and B-2 business and tourist visas. F-1 student visas, including SEVIS issues, OPT and STEM OPT, and reinstatement of status. M-1 vocational student visas. J-1 exchange visitor visas, including waivers of the two-year home residency requirement. E-1 treaty trader and E-2 treaty investor visas. R-1 religious worker visas. P visas for athletes and entertainers. Visa Waiver Program issues and ESTA denials.
Status maintenance and changes.
Many nonimmigrant visa holders need to extend status, change to a different category, or change employers. Each of these requires a separate filing with USCIS and careful attention to deadlines. Failure to maintain status can result in unlawful presence, which can trigger bars to reentry.
Consular processing.
Most nonimmigrant visas are issued at U.S. consulates abroad following an interview. The firm prepares clients for the interview, assembles the documentary support, and addresses any prior denials, refusals under section 214(b), or visa revocations.
Inadmissibility.
Nonimmigrant visa applicants must clear the same grounds of inadmissibility as immigrant applicants. The firm prepares INA 212(d)(3) waivers where applicable to overcome certain inadmissibility issues for nonimmigrant entries.
Who This Is For
- First-time visa applicants and prior denials
- F-1 students with SEVIS or status issues
- J-1 exchange visitors needing 212(e) waivers
- Treaty traders and investors
- Status change and extension applicants
Why Work With This Firm
- Honest pre-filing assessment of approval likelihood
- Consular interview preparation
- 212(d)(3) waiver preparation
- Status maintenance counseling
- Coordination with any long-term immigration goals