Prince George’s County Visa Lawyer
Immigrating to the United States can be a complex process. In many cases, gaining even a temporary visa often requires a great deal of work and perseverance.
Because mistakes in the process can prove very costly, those in need of a visa often choose to consult a Prince George’s County visa lawyer to help ensure that they properly complete the requirements, meet the necessary deadlines, and submit information in a manner to increase the likelihood of a quick and successful outcome. A knowledgeable immigration attorney can assist at many stages in the process of obtaining a visa.
Overview of Visas in the U.S.
The U.S. issues two primary types of visas – permanent immigrant visas for those seeking to immigrate to the U.S., and temporary visas for those traveling to the U.S. for education, business, tourism, or other reasons. Because the number of immigrant visas issued each year is limited, sometimes those who want a permanent visa start by obtaining a temporary visa. There are numerous types of both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, and the qualifications vary depending on the type.
Those who obtain an immigrant visa are eligible to live and work legally in the U.S. and are referred to as lawful permanent residents or LPRs. The identification cards issued to LPRs have traditionally been green, so those with LPR status are said to have a “Green Card.”
The visa application process involves many stages and usually at least two federal agencies, the U.S. State Department and the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS has field offices around the country with the nearest field office to PG County.
Immigrant Visas Granted on The Basis of Family Relationship
Most immigrant visas are granted either based on a family relationship with a citizen or LPR or on the basis of employment. Foreign nationals seeking permanent visas based on family relationship are ranked in order of preference.
First preference goes to the immediate family members of U.S. citizens, which includes spouses, unmarried minor children of citizens, orphans adopted by citizens, and parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old. The number of visas that may be granted each year to those who fit this category is not limited.
Other family members may also apply for immigration visas based on their relationship with a U.S. citizen or LPR. These include unmarried adult (21 years or older) sons and daughters of citizens (and their minor children,) spouses and unmarried children of LPRs, married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens along with their spouses and minor children, and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, along with their spouses and minor children.
The number of visas granted in these categories are limited annually, so many applicants must wait some time before their applications are approved. Contact a PG County’s visa lawyer for assistance with filing a successful application.
Employment Visas
Immigrants who do not seek permanent visas on the basis of family connection often obtain visas based on employment eligibility. As with many family visa applicants, employment-based visas are also ranked by priority, and there are five preference levels.
Employment-based immigrant visas may go to:
- First preference – persons with extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers and multinational executives
- Second preference – Persons with advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability
- Third preference – Skilled workers, unskilled workers, and professionals
- Fourth preference – Special Immigrants
- Fifth preference – Investors
In most situations, a person seeking an employment-based visa must have a job offer from a company that has met all qualifying prerequisites.
Let a PG County’s Visa Attorney Assist You
Determining eligibility for different types of visas can be challenging, so it may be helpful to consult a dedicated Prince George’s County visa lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney can provide help at any stage in the process, whether you are just looking for background information or are following up on a delayed petition or appealing a denial.
Providing incomplete or inaccurate information can delay or prevent approval of an application, possibly permanently. So, for advice and assistance with a visa in PG County, call now for a consultation to learn how a visa lawyer can help.