Birmingham Visa Lawyer

Apart from special exceptions for some short-term travelers, every foreign national who intends to enter the United States for any length of time must have both a passport from their country of origin and a visa from U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Unfortunately, determining which of the many unique visa types you need for your visit can become challenging, not to mention the process of obtaining one.

Whether you want to travel to the U.S. temporarily as a nonimmigrant or move here permanently, a Birmingham visa lawyer could help keep your future plans on track. An experienced immigration attorney could explain how USCIS processes visa petitions, guide you through the application stages, or resolve any complications that arise.

Who Needs a Visa to Travel to Birmingham?

Anyone who intends to enter the U.S. and live here permanently must obtain a visa that matches their grounds for admissibility as an immigrant. Most people who want to enter the country as nonimmigrants must also acquire a visa that indicates the length of their stay and what they will do while visiting.

Notably, foreign nationals from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program can lawfully cross U.S. borders at a port of entry without a permit and remain in the country for 90 days if they are traveling for tourism or business purposes. To do so, they must have up-to-date approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Chile, Taiwan, and most western or central European countries participate in this program.

A skilled attorney in Birmingham could assess a foreign national’s situation to determine whether they qualify for the visa waiver program or need a separate immigration permit.

Applying for the Right Type of Visa

Any foreign national who is not eligible for visa-free travel must obtain either an immigrant or nonimmigrant permit before traveling to the United States, depending on whether they intend to live in the U.S. permanently after arrival or return to their country of origin in the future. The two most common means of acquiring immigrant visas are sponsorship from a family member who already lives legally in the United States or support from a business owner who intends to employ the foreign national upon arrival. Meanwhile, individuals experiencing abuse or people who fit into special immigrant categories could apply for unique authorizations that usually do not require sponsorship.

Nonimmigrant visa applicants generally do not need a sponsor, although the foreign national must transparently declare the reason for their visit and demonstrate that they have valid travel authorization. For instance, students planning to study abroad in the U.S. must confirm that they have enrolled in a specific program with a predetermined start and end date.

A knowledgeable lawyer in Birmingham could determine which kind of visa an individual should apply for and help them submit the necessary documentation.

Enlist the Help of a Birmingham Visa Attorney Today

The process of obtaining a visa for lawful entry into the U.S. is, unfortunately, rarely streamlined. Even if you know what type of visa you need, making sense of the complex procedures and regulations that USCIS implements can become nearly impossible without guidance from a legal representative who has tackled similar cases.

A dedicated Birmingham visa lawyer could assist during all stages of the application process, working diligently to ensure a positive resolution. Call today to schedule your initial consultation.