Nonimmigrant visas are temporary visas that allow foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for a specific purpose for a specific amount of time. Applying for the right type of nonimmigrant visa is important. It can position you to accomplish your goals once you reach the U.S. If you have questions about any aspect of the nonimmigrant visa process, contact an experienced immigration attorney at Hanlon Law Group, P.C.
During a free, confidential consultation, we can answer your questions and help you determine which nonimmigrant visa best fits your needs. We can also help you move forward with the application process and position your status change request for a favorable outcome.
Applying for nonimmigrant visas starts by submitting an application with the U.S. consulate or embassy in a foreign national's home country. The amount of time it takes to get a visa can vary. Therefore, it's best to begin the process well in advance of the time you need to travel to the U.S. If you are unsure about whether you need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa for your planned trip to the U.S., contact your local consulate for more information.
In order to get a nonimmigrant visa, you will need to:
Due to the heightened security measures in the U.S. post-9/11, most applicants for nonimmigrant visas will have to submit to an in-person interview with a consular officer before the application can be approved. During this interview, applicants can expect to be questioned extensively about their:
Applicants may also have to provide other documentation, depending on the purpose for the nonimmigrant visa. For example, if the applicant is applying for a business visitor visa, (s)he should provide a letter from the employer stating the purpose and duration of the visit. Since individual applications vary greatly, it is best to contact the consular office directly or review its website for information about additional documentation.
The most common types of nonimmigrant visas are issued for travelers, business visitors, students and temporary workers. There are 26 other nonimmigrant visa categories available including those for:
Additionally, spouses and unmarried minor children may also be issued nonimmigrant visas to travel with the principal visa holder to the U.S. It is best to apply for the spousal and/or child visa(s) at the same time as the original visa.
Once you are issued a visa, you are not guaranteed entry into the U.S. The visa gives you a set amount of time during which you can travel to a U.S. port of entry. Once you reach a U.S. port of entry, you will have to provide your visa, passport and other documentation to an officer of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS officer will then:
When holders of nonimmigrant visas enter the U.S., they receive an I-94 card that specifies the date by which they must leave the country. To extend a stay beyond that date, permission must be obtained from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Permission to extend a stay must be sought prior to the expiration date on the I-94 card.
There are a few exceptions to this requirement. Specifically, USCIS will c
The trusted Los Angeles immigration attorney at Hanlon Law Group, P.C. is waiting to speak to you, find out more about your immigration needs, and explain your options. Having handled countless professional visa applications for foreign professionals and U.S. employers, our lawyer has the experience and insight you can count on for exceptional service and representation.
Our experience, skills and dedication to our clients are backed by the following, which all of our clients can expect to receive:
