If you are a foreign national seeking to enter the United States, you must first obtain a visa. Visas are generally divided into two categories: immigrant and nonimmigrant. If you want to immigrate to the U.S., you must determine which visa aligns with your needs. Please continue reading to learn how an immigrant and nonimmigrant visa differ and why connecting with a knowledgeable Essex County Immigration Attorney is in your best interest.
How Do an Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visa Differ?
If you are seeking admission to the United States, it’s important to understand the purpose of your intended travel and other factors will determine what type of visa you must acquire. Additionally, you must establish that you meet all the eligibility requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
If you plan on moving to the United States permanently, you will need to apply for an immigrant visa. This will allow you to live and work in the country for good. Generally, a relative or employer will need to sponsor your visa application. The application will be sent to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Upon review, if you meet the eligibility criteria, they will issue you an immigrant visa. After you enter the country, you can become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., also known as a green card.
A nonimmigrant visa, on the other hand, is issued to foreign nationals seeking to enter the U.S. on a temporary basis for tourism, medical treatment, business, and certain types of temporary work. However, once your authorized period of stay is over, you must return to your home country. Essentially, you must exit the country before the visa expires. It’s important to note that foreign nationals seeking to enter the country to study or work may need to obtain certain authorizations and documentation before applying for a nonimmigrant visa.
Should I Consult an Attorney?
If you are interested in coming to the U.S., it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced Essex County immigration attorney who can help you apply for a visa. An attorney can help ensure that your application is prepared and submitted correctly and on time. They can also identify any issues that could lead to application delays or rejections.
At The Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq., we understand how complex navigating this legal process can be. Our dedicated legal team of experienced immigration attorneys is ready to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you understand your rights. Connect with our firm today to learn more about how we can assist you.
