Chicago Nonimmigrant Visas Attorney

There are many reasons to come to the United States, including career and education opportunities, medical care, or simply to satisfy a love of travel. The Immigration and Nationality Act outlines the different nonimmigrant classifications available for individuals who enter the United States on a temporary basis.

If you are pursuing a United States visa, you will be classified as either a nonimmigrant or an immigrant. An immigrant visa can be appropriate for a foreign national who plans to live in the United States forever. A nonimmigrant visa can be appropriate for a foreign national who plans to be in the United States on a temporary basis. Nonimmigrant visas can work for those seeking medical care, work opportunities, business opportunities, educational programs, or recreation. If you are unsure of which visa classification applies to you, a Chicago nonimmigrant visa attorney can help.

Do I Need a Nonimmigrant Visa?

Immigrant visas are designated for people who seek to live in the U.S. forever. The federal government limits the number of immigrant visas available every year. The wait time to have your immigrant visa application processed can be extremely long. Nonimmigrant visas are not as restricted by the U.S. government. In other words, they are not subject to the same limitations. The waitlists are shorter, and the applications are more readily approved. While a nonimmigrant visa limits the amount of time you can remain in the United States, you may be able to apply for more time if needed. 

Do I Need an Immigration Lawyer?

The proper visa for any foreign national to pursue will depend on that person’s unique circumstances. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you determine what visa to apply for and can help you fill out and file that application. A foreign national planning a trip to the U.S. can apply directly at their local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. People who are traveling to the United States for work or study might need to submit additional documents and answer additional questions as part of their visa application process.

So, where should you start applying for your nonimmigrant visa? There are many different types of nonimmigrant visa classifications, and navigating the application process without the help of an experienced immigration lawyer in Chicago can be quite difficult. A Chicago nonimmigrant visa lawyer can answer your individual questions and help determine which visa is the best fit for your unique circumstances.

Can I Travel to the United States Without a Visa?

There are certain nations whose residents are eligible to travel to the United States without a visa. These countries have been designated through the visa waiver program, and these foreign nationals can only remain in the U.S. for 90 days or less. The reasons for their travel can be either work or recreation. The requirements for people who are seeking visa-free travel can be complicated, and a Chicago nonimmigrant visa lawyer can help you ensure that your application is complete. Your immigration lawyer can also help you determine whether you are eligible for visa-free travel to the U.S. A traveler looking to apply for the visa waiver program must do the following, among other things:

• Complete an arrival/departure form known as I-94.
• Have a passport that is capable of being read by a machine.
• Have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay.
• Arrive on a carrier that is designated as a signatory to the visa waiver program agreement.

If you need help obtaining a nonimmigrant visa, or traveling to the United States without a visa, schedule a consultation with a Chicago immigration attorney right away. We can answer your questions and get you moving in the right direction.

What Kind of Nonimmigrant Visa is Right for Me?

There are many different types of nonimmigrant visas. Selecting the right type of visa, filling out the application, gathering the required documents, submitting the required forms online, creating a profile, paying the visa application fee, and scheduling an interview appointment are all important steps in the process of obtaining your nonimmigrant visa.

Nonimmigrant visas fall into four main categories:

• Business
• Tourism
• Medical treatment
• Certain types of temporary work

Some specific types of nonimmigrant visas for which one can apply include the following:

• Student
• Tourist
• NAFTA professional from Canada or Mexico
• Doctor
• Clergy member
• Temporary or seasonal worker
• Athlete
• Au pair, nanny, or domestic worker
• Border crossing guard
• Foreign official or diplomat
• Employee of a designated international organization or NATO
• Foreign military personnel stationed in the U.S.
• Foreign national with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, business, or athletics
• International cultural exchange visitor
• Visitor seeking medical treatment
• Journalist
• Victim of a crime
• Immediate family member of a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

Reach Out to an Experienced Nonimmigrant Visa Attorney in Chicago

Are you looking to travel to the United States, but are unsure of which visa is the right one to pursue? Do you even need a visa at all? You need an experienced Chicago immigration lawyer on your side, guiding you through every step of the visa application process. Get started today by contacting Sverdloff Law Group. You can reach us at 312-238-9090 to schedule a consultation. Our Chicago immigration lawyers are here to help you navigate the process with ease and answer all of your questions. We know that immigration issues can be intimidating. Do not put off your travel plans any longer. We can help.