Our firm handles immigration matters for executives, information technology professionals, students, scientists, highly skilled foreign workers, and other foreign-born individuals who seek to legalize their immigration status either temporarily or permanently.   Because the U.S. Immigration laws are national in scope, we can effectively represent clients located anywhere in the world.  Each case is personally handled by an attorney to assure quality work and complete client satisfaction.  Our attorneys and support staff are fluent in English and Spanish. Contact us for a FREE no obligation consultation.

305-567-2499

 Most filings start as low as $500 plus filing fees and costs.  Filing fees vary from form to form.  For more information on filing fees go to the USCIS web site.

CITIZENSHIP

 If you meet certain requirements, you may become a U.S. citizen either at birth or after birth. 

To become a citizen at birth, you must:

• Have been born in the United States or certain territories or outlying possessions of the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; or 
• Had a parent or parents who were citizens at the time of your birth and meet other requirements.

To become a citizen after birth, you must:

• Apply for “derived” or “acquired” citizenship through parents; or
• Apply for naturalization.

You May Qualify for Naturalization if:

• You have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years and meet all other eligibility requirements.
• You have been a permanent resident for 3 years or more and meet all eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a U.S. citizen.
• You have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements.
• Your child may qualify for naturalization if you are a U.S. citizen, the child was born outside the U.S., the child is currently residing outside the U.S., and all other eligibility requirements are met.

 VISAS

Those wishing to enter the border of the U.S. from another country in order to temporarily visit or work within the US must first generally secure a visa, or an authorization document.  A U.S. visa is usually a stamp or authorization inside a passport.  When a traveler approaches a border crossing, an airport, or another port of entry, the U.S. visa is important when asking Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials to enter the U.S.  Visas show that a consular official has found that a traveler is eligible to enter the U.S. for the purpose outlined in the visa.

It is important to note that a U.S. visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S.  Travelers can still be denied entry if DHS or CBP officials determine that a traveler is not eligible to enter the country after all.  As well, travelers from some countries who wish to enter the U.S. on a temporary basis may not need a visa at all.  However, for most people hoping to enter the U.S. to live and work in the U.S., a U.S. visa is an important first step.

Types of visas available

There are twobasic types of US visas:

1.  Immigrant visas – allow travelers to enter the U.S. in order to live and work permanently in the U.S.

2.  Nonimmigrant visas – allow travelers to enter the US temporarily for a specific reason, such as tourism or  business.

Within these two general categories, there are many types of visas.  The type of visa you will need is based on the purpose of your travel.   Some of the more
common visas fall within the following categories.

1.  Visitor Visas – The visitor visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure, tourism or medical treatment (B-2).

2.  Student Visas – Academic and vocational (F and M Visas).

3.  Work Visas –  Temporary Workers:

• Foreign nationals with extraordinary ability in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business or Athletics (O visas)
• International cultural exchange visitors (Q visas)
• Intra-company transferees (L visas)
• Performing athletes, artists, entertainers (P visas)
• Specialty occupations in fields requiring highly specialized knowledge (H-1B)
• Temporary agricultural workers (H-2A)
• Temporary workers performing other services or labor of a temporary or seasonal nature (H-2B)
• Training in a program not primarily for employment (H-3)
• Crewmembers (D visa)
• Foreign Media, Press, and Radio (I visa)
• Religious Workers (R visa)
• Treaty Traders & Treaty Investors (E visa)

4.  Immigrant Visas – For those immigrating to the U.S. to live permanently.   In general, to apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen relative(s), U.S. lawful permanent resident, or by a prospective employer, and be the beneficiary of an approved petition.

If you want to enter the US, in many cases you will need to determine whether you need a visa. You may ask at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you live as to whether you need a visa to enter the US.  If your home country is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and you seek to enter the U.S. temporarily without working you may not need a U.S. visa at all. If, however, you will need to work in the U.S. or if your country is not part of the VWP, you will need a visa.  We will review the types of visas available in order to determine which visas you may be eligible for.

You will want to apply for a visa well in advance of your travel date.  Different visas have different wait times.  In some cases, there is a limit on the number of visas issued each year so that you may need to wait until one becomes available.  You will need to file the appropriate forms and pay the correct fees in order to start your visa application.  You will generally need to attend an interview at a US consulate or embassy and submit to fingerprinting.

In most individual cases the firm charges a flat rate of $500 (this does not include filing fees and costs) to determine which visa is the right one for you and prepare and submit all necessary documentation.  It is important to file for the correct visa in the correct manner.  Any small mistakes could delay your visa application considerably, especially if you are applying for US visas with long wait times. If your application is rejected for any reason, you may need to wait quite a long time in order for a US visa to become available again. You will want to ensure that you get your visa application correct the first time.

For more information on filing fess go to the USCIS website.

Call (305) 567-2499 for a FREE no obligation consultation.