There are many different options for people who wish to obtain a United States visa. Attorney Maggiacomo offers experienced legal advice and representation, helping clients understand their options and assist them throughout the visa application process.

Family-Based Immigrant Visas (Green Cards) and Nonimmigrant Visa Petitions

When coming to the United States, foreign nationals must obtain either an immigrant visa or a nonimmigrant visa. An immigrant visa, known as a green card, allows a foreign national to become a legal permanent resident. A nonimmigrant visa allows foreign nationals to come to the United States temporarily as a visitor or student. While this visa is often easier to obtain than immigrant visas, there are restrictions on length of stay and ability to work while in the United States.

Petitioning for a Family-Based Immigrant Visa

Individuals with: (1) U.S. nationality; (2) citizenship; or (3) individuals with legal permanent residency status may petition to allow their family members to come to the United States. In some cases, visas will be available immediately. In other cases, applicants will need to wait for a visa to become available. The following may be eligible for family-based immigration status:

  1. Spouse of a U.S. citizen (immediate relative)
  2. Parent of a U.S. citizen (immediate relative)
  3. Unmarried minor child of a U.S. citizen (immediate relative)
  4. Unmarried adult children of a U.S. citizen (first preference)
  5. Married children of a U.S. citizen (third preference)
  6. Spouse and children of a legal permanent resident (second preference)
  7. Sibling of a U.S. citizen (fourth preference)
  8. Fiancé of a U.S. citizen (K-1 fiancé visa or K-3 spouse visa)

Temporary Visa

Nonimmigrant visas allow foreign nationals to come to the U.S. for a limited period of time for a specific reason. The following are various types of temporary visas.

  1. Temporary employment visas
  2. H1B visas for professionals in specialty occupations
  3. H2 visas
  4. L1 Transferee visas for international managers and business executives
  5. O1 visas for artists and other aliens of extraordinary ability
  6. E-Treaty investor visas
  7. J visas for exchange program visitors, including medical professionals
  8. National interest waivers
  9. F visas
  10. M visas
  11. Exchange visitor J visas