Immigration law is very complex, but immigration visa lawyers can help when it comes to getting a visa as a foreigner in America. Read on for a basic overview of visas.
DEFINITION OF VISA
Visas are official documents issued by the United States government to foreign nationals who wish to move to the US; they allow foreign citizens to live in this country permanently. Visas are often confused with green cards.
A green card and a visa are both official legal documents that allow a foreign national to enter and remain in the United States, but they serve different purposes and have different associated privileges as well as different limitations. A green card allows a foreign national to live and work in the US permanently, while a visa is actually a temporary travel document that is placed in the traveler’s passport to allow a foreign national to enter the US for a specific purpose and duration, such as for business, tourism, or study.
WHAT TYPES OF VISAS ARE THERE?
The type of visa that a person must obtain is outlined in US immigration law and relates to the purpose of your travel. There are two main types of US visas: nonimmigrant visas which are issued for travel to the United States on a temporary basis, and immigrant visas, which are for travel to live on a permanent basis in the United States.
That said, there are several categories of US immigration visas. Some of the most common categories include family-based immigration visas, employment-based immigration visas, and refugee and asylum visas. Family-based immigration visas are available to people who have close family members who are US citizens or permanent residents. Employment-based immigration visas are for individuals with job offers from US employers (or specialized skills or abilities that are in high demand in the US that will allow them to obtain work relatively quickly and easily). Refugee and asylum visas are obtainable by persons who have fled their home countries due to persecution.
Each US visa has its own set of eligibility requirements and application procedures. Because the application process for US visas can be complex and time-consuming, it is important to consult with a reputable, experienced immigration attorney to make sure that you are eligible and for help with the application process for the specific type of visa you need.
If you need an immigration lawyer in the USA for a free consultation in South Texas, consider securing the services of attorney Manuel “Manny” Guerra of Guerra Law Firm, P.C., based in McAllen, Texas. Mr. Guerra is the attorney to call for help with your immigration needs in South Texas when you need a lawyer you can trust. Mr. Guerra has practiced law in Texas for over 20 years and is currently a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. You can be sure that the caring and competent counsel at Guerra Law is experienced with immigration law and obtaining visas; he will make sure you understand the ins and outs of the process so you can get a visa in Texas. Contact Guerra Law Firm, P.C. online or by calling 956-948-7267.