Many people would like to come to the United States and wonder how to do it. A qualified immigration attorney will counsel you through this process; help you to determine the foundation for your visit and the best strategy for meeting your goal, coming to the U.S.
First, you need to think about why you want to enter the U.S. Do you want to visit Niagara Falls or Yellowstone National Park? Do you want to study at Ohio State or Harvard? Do you want to live with your parents or spouse? Do you want to visit Aunt Penelope or Uncle Jose? Do you want to participate in the New York ballet or opera? Do you want to work for Microsoft or Apple?
Second, when you think about why you want to come to the U.S., you’ll know whether you need an immigration visa or a non-immigration visa. Immigrant visas are permanent; whereas, non-immigrant visas are temporary, meaning that you can enter for the the particular purpose stated, but you then must leave when your purpose has been accomplished or within a specific time period.
Third, match your reason for coming to the U.S. with either the immigration or non-immigration path; fill out and file the required forms with appropriate documentation; and, wait.
For example,
- A K-3 visa is a non-immigrant visa for a spouse.
- A K-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for a fiancé(e).
- An EB-5 visa allows those who invest significantly in the U.S. and create jobs to enter the U.S. This is an immigrant visa.
- An H-1B visa is a temporary work visa; it is a non-immigrant visa.
- The B-1 visa is for athletes, both amateur and professional to compete for prize money. It’s non-immigrant visa. Business visitors also use a B-1 visa.
- File for a B-2 visa if you want to visit family in Columbus, receive medical care in Cleveland; or, visit Football Hall of Fame in Canton or the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
- An R visa is appropriate for religious workers; a professor, teacher, or scholar uses a J visa; and, the media and journalists use an I visa.
Where to Get Help Obtaining a Visa
Our immigration attorneys at Geygan and Geygan, Ltd. have helped many people just like you to obtain and renew visas. We focus our practice on immigration law; we will gently walk you through the visa process. Your next step is to contact our office, and you can reach us at 513-793-6555 or Thomasjr@geygan.com.