Although some types of family-based visas are not difficult to obtain, many applications are rejected because they were incorrectly filled out or improperly submitted. Supporting documentation must all be submitted with the application in order for it to be considered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Contacting an attorney who understands the complexities of United States immigration law will ensure that your paperwork is complete and correctly submitted and that your interests are represented.
Help With All Your Temporary and Permanent Immigration Needs
Often, whether or not you will obtain the temporary visa or permanent green card comes down to the immigration lawyer you hire. Immigration law can be confusing, frustrating, and involve a very long process. An error in your visa application may result in delays.
At the Law Office of Donald E. Robinowitz, you will find professional, intelligent, experienced legal professionals ready to help you with all of your immigration needs. I am attorney Donald Robinowitz. I invite you to learn more about family and employment visa law on this page.
Contact my offices in Houston, Texas, to arrange a free consultation.
Thank you for contacting Donald E. Robinowitz, Attorney at Law. Your message has been sent.
Call us now
or use the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Immigrant Visas
Q: What is an immigrant visa?
A: An immigrant visa is a document that allows a person who plans to move to the United States on a permanent basis to apply for entry to the U.S. People who wish to become permanent residents of the U.S. may qualify for an immigrant visa based on employment, a family relationship, diversity immigrant or refugee status, or other special circumstances.
Q: What is the difference between an immigrant visa and a nonimmigrant visa?
A: An immigrant visa holder who is granted admission to the United States is issued a Form I-551 (also known as a "green card") and becomes a permanent resident alien. A permanent resident alien may live and work indefinitely in the U.S. On the other hand, a nonimmigrant visa holder who is granted admission to the U.S. may only live in the U.S. for a limited period of time and for a particular purpose (to seek medical attention, conduct business, or study, for example).
Immigrant Visas - An Overview
People living outside the United States who wish to become permanent residents must obtain an immigrant visa to apply for entry to the United States. To obtain an immigrant visa, a person must qualify for one of the immigrant classifications such as employment-based, family-sponsored, diversity, or refugee. Immigration law and the visa process are complex. There are specific requirements, rules, and procedures that vary depending on the category of immigrant visa sought, and the success of each visa application depends on the particular circumstances of the applicant. Unfortunately, many visa petitions are rejected or subject to delays because the petitioner did not understand the requirements. A competent and experienced immigration attorney from Donald E. Robinowitz, Attorney at Law in Houston, Texas, can ensure that your immigrant visa application is carefully prepared and submitted. If you have questions about immigrant visas, call Donald E. Robinowitz, Attorney at Law today.
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
There are many types of employment-based immigrant visas and each has its own particular requirements. The process of obtaining an employment-based visa can be complicated and tedious. Failing to comply with the detailed laws and regulations governing employment-based visas can result in processing delays and rejected applications followed by protracted and costly appeals. Whether you are an individual, business professional, entrepreneur, investor, U.S. corporation, university or other organization that employs foreign nationals, you need experienced representation to ensure that employment-based immigrant visas are obtained without unnecessary delays.
Family-Based Immigrant Visas
Under federal law, citizens and legal permanent residents can sponsor their family members for immigrant visas. There are no limitations on the total number of visas that can be issued to a child, spouse, or parent of a United States citizen; however, the total number of visas issued to immediate relatives (children, spouses, or parents) of U.S. citizens affects the availability of other family-based immigrant visas. Family-based immigrant visas require careful preparation, but even accurate and thorough applications may face significant delays.
The Diversity Visa Lottery Program
Each year approximately 55,000 people are selected by lottery to file a petition for an immigrant visa. The lottery is available to people from nations with a comparatively low rate of immigration to the United States in the last five years. These "low admission" countries are further categorized in "high admission" and "low admission" geographic regions, and nations within a high admission region receive fewer slots in the diversity lottery.
Asylum and Refugees
Other than the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, asylum and refugee status may be the only way for individuals who do not qualify for family-based or employment-based immigration to enter the United States in immigrant status. Among other requirements, refugee applicants and asylum applicants must satisfy the definition of a refugee found in section 101(a)(42) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). To meet the definition of a refugee, a person must have, among other things, a "well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion."
Immigrant Visas Resource Links
Business Visa Center
The Business Visa Center is available to assist businesses in the United States and their partners, customers, and colleagues around the world in obtaining employment-based visas for their workers.
Department of State Travel Website - Visa Section
Information from the United States Department of State regarding the different types of United States visas, the visa application process, and U.S. visa policy and procedures.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Information from the United States Department of State for nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who wish to travel to the U.S. without a visa.
Glossary of Visa Terms
Visa terms and definitions provided by the United States Department of State.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
The USCIS website contains immigration laws and regulations, immigration forms, and a variety of information and resources for immigrants.
