SERVICES - IMMIGRATION
US iMMIGRATION
Immigration to United States
United States of America holds one of the highest immigrants’ populations in the world. The economic stability of the country attracts foreigners from around the world. People move to USA for achieving the dream of a life with better opportunities and luxurious living in the country.
In the USA, immigration law is highly complex. In many circumstances, complications may arise while resubmitting an application that was completed incorrectly the first time. One may find it difficult to defend oneself in removal proceedings after an application has gone seriously wrong.
Getting expert assistance while acquiring USA immigration can save your time and avoid frustration associated with the probable horrible consequences. Cardinal Solicitors offer the best solutions for such procedures, so that one can focus on other challenges that may arise due to settling in a new destination.
All foreign nationals must apply for a visa if they plan to enter or stay in the USA. There are two basic categories for USA visas. Third category (Visa Waiver Program) omits the requirement of visa for the citizens of qualified nations. The categories are listed as follows
- Non-immigrant Visa
- Immigrant Visa
Non-immigrant Visa
Tourists, businesspeople, students, and employees who intend to stay in the United States for a certain period of time and want to achieve some goals may apply for a non-immigrant visa. The visa applicants must prove that they have connections to their home country and intend to leave the United States after their temporary stay. There are multiple kinds of work visas are tabulated as follows:
| Type of Visa | Purpose |
| Business/Tourist Visa | B1/B2 is a permit for conducting business activities, tourism or seeking medical treatment |
| Work Visa | A work permit based on the type of work |
| Student Visa | A permit for students to study in US institutions |
| Treaty Trader & Investor Visas | A permit for foreign nationals to manage their business and investment in US |
| Exchange Visitor Visa | A permit for foreigners to enter through institutional sponsorship |
| Transit Visa | Entry permit for a foreigners’ transit to another destination |
| Religious Worker Visa | A permit for religious workers |
| Journalist & Media Visa | Travel permits for media representatives for conducting media coverage |
Business/Tourist Visas
| Visa | Purpose |
| B1 | A permit for businesspeople |
| B2 | A permit tourists and medical treatment seekers |
Work Visas
Working in US is one of the top reasons for an increased immigrant population in the country. There are multiple types of visas available under the umbrella of work visas and can be chosen according to individuals’ work requirements
| Visa | Purpose |
| H-1B | A permit for specialty occupation in a specific field |
| H-2A | A permit for the job of agricultural industry temporarily |
| H-2B | A permit for skilled and unskilled laborers |
| H3 | A permit for a trainee to get training in the US |
| H4 | A permit for dependent spouse or children of individuals holding H (work) visa, without getting an employment in the country |
| L1 | A permit of intra-company transfers in multinational firms |
| L2 | A permit for dependent spouse or children of individuals holding H (work) visa and can work in the country |
| O | A permit for over achievers in a specific field |
| P | A permit for artists and entertainer intended to perform in an event |
| Q | A permit under international cultural exchange program |
Student Visas
US attracts student from around the globe as it is home to world-class educational institutions and universities. Students can get a visa after securing admission in an education institution in the country. The following visas are available for students:
| Visa | Purpose |
| F-1 | A permit academic student |
| M-1 | A permit for getting vocational and non-academic education |
Treaty Business & Investor Visas
Due to exceptional economic stability, many foreign investors and businesses are attracted to the United States. Such individuals can acquire E-visas for the purpose of managing investment and enterprises in the US. Following are sub-types for E-visas:
| Visa | Purpose |
| E-1 | A permit for treaty traders and business owners |
| E-2 | A permit for treaty investors |
Exchange Visitor Visas
US offers multiple exchange programs in multiple fields for exchanging skills and knowledge. This visa category encompasses students, artists, workers, trainees etc. US offers J visas for this category. The visa holder can accompany a dependent spouse or unmarried children.
Transit Visas
When a foreign travelers’ route passes through the United States, the individual is obliged to get a Transit Visa. This visa falls under C-visas category. However, there may be exceptions for obtaining this visa due to Visa Waiver Program.
Religious Worker Visas
The United States offers visas for individuals who want to engage in religious practices in the country. They can avail R-visas for serving in religious practices under The Immigration and Nationality act (INA).
Journalist & Media Visas
Foreigners who intend to visit the United States to practice their profession on a temporary while maintaining their home office in another country, are eligible to apply for I-visas. Acquiring this visa permits them to practice media activities in US for a specific duration.
Immigrant Visa
Individuals who intend to stay and immigrate to the United States are obliged to apply for Immigrant Visas. Before applying for an immigrant visa, a person who desires to immigrate to the United States must first have a petition approval from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A person with approved petition is eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or a K non-immigrant visa. There are multiple kinds of immigrant visas listed as follows:
| Type of Visa | Purpose |
| Immediate Relative Visa | A permit for an immediate relative of a US citizen |
| Family Visa | A work permit based on the type of work |
| Fiancé Visa | A permit for students to study in US institutions |
| Spouse/Child Visa | A permit for foreign nationals to manage their business and investment in US |
Immediate Relatives Visas
This category applies for the individuals who are the family members of a Green Card holder US citizen and lawful permanent resident. The number for these visa applications is limited for each fiscal year. The sub-types are listed as follows:
| Visa | Purpose |
| K-3 | A permit US citizen’s spouse married outside US |
| K-4 | A permit for US citizen’s child/children |
A US citizen (Green Card holder) can file a petition for:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
A lawful permanent resident can file a petition for:
- Spouse
- Unmarried Children
Fiancé Visas
The applicant can acquire a visa who is a fiancé of a US citizen. This visa is a K-1 type non-immigrant visa and the applicant has to marry the US citizen within 90 days of arrival.
