Miami Non-Immigrant Visa Attorney
Helping Clients Enter the U.S. on a Temporary Basis
If your future plans involve visiting the United States for a temporary stay, you will likely need to apply for a non-immigrant visa before you can enter the country. This type of visa lets you visit the U.S. for various purposes, including tourism, business, school, temporary work, or medical care. You will need to apply for a specific visa depending on your reason for visiting, as there are several options to choose from.
Considering the complexity of immigration law in the U.S., it’s best to hire Miami immigration lawyers to help you choose the right visa and complete the application process. At FR Law Firm, PLLC, we’ve helped clients face and resolve a wide range of legal issues, so we can help you decide if you need an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa and then guide you through the legal process until you’re approved. If you have any immigration concerns or questions, contact our Miami immigration law office for a free consultation with a caring immigration attorney.
Do You Need a Non-Immigrant Visa?
Before you begin the immigration process, you should consider what kind of document you will need to enter the U.S. This depends on the purpose and length of your stay. Generally, if your goal is to achieve permanent residency or citizenship in the future, you’ll need to apply for an immigrant visa. However, if you want to visit the U.S. on a temporary basis and you plan to return home within months or years of entering the country, a nonimmigrant visa is likely right for you.
When you apply for this type of visa, you’ll need to explain your purpose for visiting the U.S. – such as for work, school, or tourism – and specify how long you plan to stay. This information will determine what specific nonimmigrant visa you get and its expiration date.
Note that some foreign nationals don’t need a visa to visit the U.S. due to the Visa Waiver Program, an agreement between the U.S. and several countries. If you’re from a country that qualifies for the Visa Waiver Program, you can visit the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa as long as you have a valid passport and meet certain criteria.
Experienced immigration lawyers can tell you if you need a visa, and if so, what kind. They can then guide you through the application process, letting you know what documents you need and the expected visa processing times. Contact our Miami immigration law firm for legal counsel if you’re uncertain about your immigration needs.
What Non-Immigrant Visa Should You Apply for?
There are several types of non-immigration visas available to foreign nationals who want to visit the U.S. Your immigration attorney will tell you which one is appropriate for you based on the purpose of your visit. The common types of non-immigrant visas include:
- B-1 for business activities, such as negotiating contracts, attending conventions or seminars, and meeting with business associates
- B-2 for tourism, including taking a vacation, visiting friends and family, attending a social event or performance, or getting medical treatment
- F-1 for full-time students attending high school or college in the U.S.
- H-1B for temporary workers with a college degree in a specialty occupation
- H-2A for temporary agricultural workers
- H-2B for temporary non-agricultural workers
- J-1 for participants of exchange programs, including students, teachers, interns, au pairs, and camp counselors
- L-1 for intracompany transferees
- M-1 for students pursuing non-academic or vocational studies in the U.S.
- O-1A for individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, business, athletics, or education
- O-1B for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in film or television
A trusted immigration attorney will sit down with you to determine which visa is right for your needs. They can then provide legal assistance with the application process so you have peace of mind as you make your U.S. travel plans. If you’re ready to learn more about your non-immigrant visa options, call our Miami immigration law office for an initial consultation with an experienced immigration attorney.
How Can You Apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa?
The visa application involves several steps that can vary depending on what type of visa you need and where you’re applying from. This is why it’s recommended that you reach out to immigration lawyers before you begin the first step of immigration proceedings. As you await your initial consultation to discuss your legal options, knowing what to expect from the application process may be helpful.
The first step is to complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, after which you should print the confirmation page to prove you successfully submitted it. This step requires you to submit a photo of yourself that meets the requirements explained on the application. You’ll also need to pay the visa fee and schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate near you. Note that the wait times for interviews can vary quite a bit, so make sure you schedule your appointment as soon as possible if you need to be in the U.S. by a specific date.
Once you’ve scheduled your interview, you should prepare by gathering all the documents you’ll need to bring. In most cases, these will include your valid passport, proof you paid the visa fee online, a photo, and printouts of the DS-160 confirmation page and interview appointment confirmation.
You might also be required to bring proof of your travel plans showing why you’re visiting the U.S. and how long you plan to stay. In general, the point of the interview is to show that you’re entering the country for a specific period of time and have no plans to stay and try to become a lawful permanent resident. So, any proof you can present to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is helpful. This could include a letter from your employer or business partner detailing your business immigration plans, such as the length and purpose of your stay. It could also involve proof of the social activities, medical treatment, or other plans you’ve made in the U.S.
When you arrive at the interview, expect to show the immigration forms you’ve brought and answer any questions about why you intend to enter the U.S. and how you’ll pay for your visit. Note that you’ll be under oath when answering questions, so it’s imperative that you tell the truth. You will also have your fingerprints taken and your criminal record checked for any criminal charges that could get your visa application denied.
Once the interview is done, you’ll need to wait for a response. This typically takes one to two weeks, but it could be longer if your immigration case is particularly complicated or there are more applicants than usual. A skilled immigration attorney will ensure that you know what documents to bring and feel prepared for the interview overall, so call our South Florida immigration law office today for assistance with your immigration journey.
How Will Our Trusted Miami Non-Immigrant Visa Attorney Assist You?
At FR Law Firm, PLLC, we’ve spent years serving clients from our South Florida law office, offering the legal advice necessary to help them achieve the American dream. We’re eager for the chance to do the same for you and your family. Whether you have questions about family-based immigration, deportation defense options, the Labor Certification process, or other immigration matters, we’re confident we can successfully handle your immigration issue on your behalf.
Regardless of where you are in the immigration process, you can get legal representation from caring immigration lawyers capable of getting you the best possible outcome. Whether your immigration goals involve permanent residence, U.S. citizenship, help with deportation defense, or assistance with other immigration practice areas, we’ll make sure you know your legal rights. Additionally, we’re committed to providing accurate answers to your immigration questions and any concerns related to your case. If you’re ready to discuss your immigration case with trusted Miami immigration lawyers, call 786-706-0422 today to schedule an initial consultation.