Atlanta Visa Lawyer

In most situations, any foreign resident that intends to enter the United States must first secure a visa from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You could need a visa for vacationing in the U.S. or immigrating here for the rest of your life.

The visa application process can be challenging. If you are considering moving forward on your own, it could be in your best interests to first discuss your options with a seasoned immigration attorney. An Atlanta visa lawyer could assist with identifying and securing the correct permit for you.

Who Needs a Visa?

Most people that are not U.S. citizens require a visa to enter the country. The United States has many types of visas, and an applicant must select the appropriate option when applying to enter the country. The specific permit an applicant chooses will impact several factors, including how long they can stay in the country and whether they can work while they are here.

The failure to follow the requirements of a visa could lead to harsh consequences. This is especially true for anyone who engages in employment while on a permit that does not allow them to do so.

It is also important to note that a visa is not necessary under every circumstance. Specifically, the Visa Waiver Program allows certain foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for no more than 90 days, even though they do not have a visa. These foreign residents must be traveling for business or tourism purposes and come from specific countries, including:

Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Chile
Taiwan

Not every foreign resident will qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A knowledgeable attorney in Atlanta could advise when this program is an option.

Immigrant vs. Non-Immigrant Visas

Even though foreign residents come to the United States for many different reasons, they all fit into one of two categories. Every person hoping to enter the United States pursues either an immigrant or non-immigrant visa. A skilled Atlanta lawyer could help explain the different visa types.

Immigrant Visa

The purpose of an immigrant visa is to allow a foreign citizen to remain in the U.S. on an indefinite or permanent basis. Anyone seeking this type of permit does so with the intention of making the U.S. their long-term home. Many use this as a steppingstone towards citizenship.

Non-Immigrant Visa

Not everyone seeking a visa plans on living in the U.S. forever. Non-immigrant permits are meant for individuals who only plan on being in the country for a set amount of time. A person could use a non-immigrant visa for education or employment purposes. Individuals also use this visa for vacations.

Talk to an Atlanta Visa Attorney Today

You do not have to navigate complex immigration laws on your own. The process and rules surrounding the visa application process change frequently, and a dedicated legal team could help you keep up with those changes.