Introduction to the U.S. immigration system:
Despite recurring criticism, the U.S. immigration system is still not a point-based system. An applicant looking to come to the U.S. cannot be granted entry based on scores against a number of assessment criteria. Instead, the current U.S. immigration system is devised under categories. Each category carries specific requirements and bestows specific benefits. The applicant must fit into at least one category and satisfy all of its requirements to be granted a visa benefit.
The main division between categories is between immigrant (permanent or “green card”) and non-immigrant (temporary) visas. Both immigrant and non-immigrant categories provide numerous venues for qualification. A visa in the immigrant category and a visa in the non-immigrant category may have very similar requirements for qualification, the non-immigrant visa, however, will only provide valid status up to a certain time period.
Another division is between family-based and employer-based categories. This division refers to sponsorship of applicant through a family member already in the U.S. such as a spouse or a parent, and sponsorship through a bona fide job offer by a U.S. employer. Some temporary (non-immigrant) visas such as the K-1 fiancé(e) visa, grant entry into the U.S. leading directly to permanent (immigrant) residence. Most temporary visas, do not directly lead to permanent residence and can only be renewed up to a certain number of years. Many temporary visas require that the applicant demonstrate no intent for permanent residence at the time of entry into the U.S. Read more about intent.
Our immigration practice:
Whether your stay in the US of a temporary or permanent nature, we provide thorough and knowledgeable immigration counsel. We advise clients to take full advantage of the many visa categories developed by the US legislature, including the notable B, E, H, K, L, O, R and TN categories, and through labor certification and the full range of employment immigrant visa options, including visas for multinational managers and executives, outstanding researchers, extraordinary ability individuals, and EB-2 and EB-3 priority workers. We lead our clients through family-based permanent resident processing, and through naturalization processing. We advise on and prepare filings to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and assist in preparation of various documents needed to facilitate immigrant and non-immigrant visa processing through US embassies and consulates abroad. Our practice is result-driven, meaning that we are committed to providing these services on a cost-efficient and rapid response basis.
Your matter will be treated with responsiveness and responsibility. We recognize that the legal industry is a service industry, some attorneys believe it is about them – we believe it is about you. More about us.
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