29
Sep
Immigration Law: Demystifying Visa Categories
Navigating the complex United States immigration system can be tough, especially if you’re not familiar with different aspects of immigration law. One of the most confusing areas to wade through is how to secure a visa and which type you need. There are quite a few different types of visas, and in this blog, we’ll work on demystifying this particular aspect of immigration law.
- Family-Based Visas:These visas are intended for people who have immediate family members, such as a spouse, who are legal U.S. citizens or green card holders. As with all visas, these are conditional, so it is important to consult with someone skilled in immigration law to determine which is best for your unique situation. The type you need will depend on your marital status (married vs. engaged) and several other factors. For example, the CR1 is a conditional green card that is good for two years, whereas an IR1 is a permanent marriage green card and is good for ten years.
- Employment-Based Visas:If you are a foreign national who is seeking employment or other work-related opportunities within the U.S., you will need an employment-based visa. The specific visa will depend on the opportunity you are seeking; for example, the H-B1 visa is for those seeking specialty occupations (usually those that require a bachelor’s degree or above).
- Student Visas: Students from foreign nations who wish to attend academic or vocational schools in the U.S. will need a student visa. A common example is the F-1 visa, which permits part-time work as long as it is on campus and also allows for optional practical training (OPT) related to the designated field of study.
Remember, the best course of action is to seek the help of an attorney who practices immigration law since they will be able to review your circumstances and help you determine the best path forward.
