If you are in need of an experienced McLean, VA immigration attorney, the Law Offices of Kermit A. Monge, PLLC is here to assist you with any immigration related legal matters. We have years of experience assisting individuals who live in, or are interested in living in McLean, VA and surrounding areas. Our immigration law services are designed to aid you in your process, and keep you informed along the way.
Immigration Visas Available In McLean, VA
In this review, we discuss the different types of immigration visas that are applicable to non-residents that are in McLean or intend to visit the McLean area. Our McLean, VA immigration law firm is here to assist you in your immigration process, and work diligently to provide you with the best possible outcome.
Employment Visas
There are various types of employment visas, including A visas, EB visas and more. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
A-1 Visas
The A-1 visa is for nonimmigrants of a foreign national government who are seeking entry into the United States for work-related reasons on behalf of their foreign national government.
A-2 Visas
Whereas the A-1 visa is for consular officers, diplomats, ministers and ambassadors, the A-2 visa is for foreign officials who do not fall under one of these categories and thus are not eligible for the A-1 visa.
A-3 Visas
The A-3 visa is for individuals who work for or with an A-1 or A-2 visa holder. Applicants must prove their position and receive a referral by the A-1 or A-2 visa holder they are traveling with.
EB-1A Visas
The EB-1A visa is a type of “first preference” employment visa intended for individuals who have “extraordinary abilities” within their profession. This includes leaders in the sciences, arts, athletics, education and business sectors.
EB-1B Visas
An EB-1B visa offers a way for professors and researchers who are considered to be outstanding to gain employment-based permanent residency if they secure an academic position in the United States.
EB-1C Visas
The EB-1C employment visa provides employment-based permanent residency to executives and managers of an international business, particularly those who intend to relocate to a U.S. based office or location.
EB-2 Visas
Foreign nationals that have exceptional skills or an advanced degree (above a Bachelor’s) can receive an EB-2 visa if they meet all additional requirements.
EB-3 Visas
If you work in a field where there is a shortage of qualified workers in the United States, then you may be eligible for an EB-3 visa. This allows you to live and work in the United States as long as you have a sponsored employer.
EB-4 Visas
The EB-4 visa is the fourth preference visa. Applicants who are accepted become a lawful permanent resident (LPR). Although there are many ways to qualify, the requirements are quite strict.
EB-5 Visas
This visa is for wealthy businessmen and business owners who can invest $500,000 or more and employ at least 10 American workers. The purpose of the EB-5 is to boost the American economy and provide a pathway for nonimmigrant entrepreneurs.
H-1B Visas
American businesses can hire foreign workers through the H-1B visa program on a temporary basis if there is a shortage of qualified U.S. workers. Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in work experience.
L-1 Visas
L-1 visas are temporary visas reserved for company employees, executives, etc. that need transfer into the United States for work purposes. L-1A and L-1B visas have minor differences to understand.
L-1A Visas
If your company has offices in the United States as well as abroad and you or one of your executives or employees needs to transfer to the U.S. location, then you can apply for the L-1A visa.
L-1B Visas
The L-1B visa is available for anywhere from three months to five years. It is designed for employees and executives that possess special knowledge within a company. It allows them to work at an affiliated office inside the U.S.
L-2 Visas
Of course, the spouse and children of an L-1A or L-1B visa holder can bring their spouse and children under the age of 21 with them. For spouses and children of an L-1 visa holder, the L-2 visa program is the visa to seek.
O Visas
An O visa offers a way for foreign nationals that have international recognition within their profession or possess an “extraordinary ability” the opportunity to live and work in the U.S.
Q Visas
The Q visa is a unique visa that allows you to live and work in the U.S. on a temporary basis. Qualified applicants must be a part of a cultural exchange program.
Fiancé Visas
The purpose of fiancé visas is to allow foreign nationals to come into the United States for marriage. It also applies to children of a fiancé visa holder.
K-1 Visas
K-1 visa holders have 90 days to come into the United States for marriage. After the wedding, they can apply for permanent residency to remain in the U.S. with their new spouse long-term.
K-2 Visas
If your parent holds a K-1 or K-3 visa and you are not yet married and under the age of 21, then you may be eligible for a K-2 visa. This allows you to live in the U.S. as well as attend school or work.
K-3 Visas
If you are married to a U.S. citizen but have not yet received a green card, then you can receive a K-3 visa that grants you legal rights to live in the United States.
Non-Immigrant Visas
P visas are special visas that allow entertainers, entertainment groups, athletes and sports teams to come into the United States on a temporary basis.
P-1A Visas
The purpose of the P-1A visa is to allow international athletes to visit the United States temporarily and compete in a specific contest or competition.
P-1B Visas
Is there a specific entertainment event or sports contest you are interested in participating in within the United States? If so, your group can attend with a P-1B visa.
P-2 Visas
You can travel to the United States and perform in an event that is interesting to you through the P-2 visa. Applicants must be a part of a reciprocal exchange program.
P-3 Visas
The P-3 visa program allows performers and entertainment groups that are “culturally unique to travel to the United States for the purpose of performing.
P-4 Visas
The P-4 visa is a non-immigrant visa for the spouse and children of a P-1, P-2 or P-3 visa holder. P-4 visa holders are not allowed to work without a work permit, although they can attend school full or part-time.
U Visas
The U non-immigration visa allows individuals who were the victim of the crime to remain in the United States while they assist in a federal or local government investigation.
Student Visas
F-1 visas, J-1 visas and M-1 visas are the three most common types of student visas. These allow foreign students to come to the United States to study.
F-1 Visas
The F-1 student visa allows you to travel to the United States to study at an accredited college or university. Students are allowed to stay for up to 60 days after they finish their study program.
J-1 Visas
The J-1 visa applies to individuals who are a part of a student exchange program involving the United States and the applicant’s home country.
M-1 Visas
The M-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows you to study at a non-academic institution in the United States, such as a vocational school or technical school.
Visitor Visas
The B-1 and B-2 visas are for foreign nationals who want to visit the United States on a temporary basis. The B-1 visa is for business purposes, whereas the B-2 allows nonimmigrants to travel.
B-1 Visas
Is there a business event that you would like to attend in the United States? If so, you can receive temporary permission to come into the United States to attend the event through the B-1 visa program.
B-2 Visas
B-2 visa holders are for tourists that would like to visit the United States for vacation, see family and friends, etc. The stay can last up to six months, and an extension is possible.
Green Cards
You can permanently live in the United States with a green card. There are several ways to obtain a green card, which we review below.
Employment-Based Green Cards
You can seek an employment-based green card if you have an employer that has or is willing to hire you on a permanent basis (full-time) and is willing to serve as your sponsor.
Family-Based Green Cards
The family-based green card gives permanent residence to immediate family members of a U.S. citizen or resident. This does not apply to distant relatives or children that are over 21 or already married.
Waivers
Are you afraid a previous violation of your immigration status will affect your chance at a future visa or green card? If so, you can submit a waiver, a request to the U.S. government to forgive the “inadmissibility”.
McLean, VA Removal Defense
If you are seeking to remain in the United States lawfully but currently have deportation status, then there are several methods of removable defense to consider.
Asylum
A refugee is someone who is unwilling or unable to return to their native country due to persecution. If this is you, then you can apply for asylum to remain safely and legally in the U.S.
Cancellation Of Removal
The purpose of cancellation of removal is to change the legal status of a foreign national that is seeking permanent residence in the United States, particularly those whose current immigration status is “deportable”.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
The purpose of the special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS) program is to give children 20 and under the opportunity to get the care they need and live in the U.S. permanently and legally if they are the victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment.
Speak With An Experienced McLean, VA Immigration Attorney
For more information about any of the immigration visas available for residents in McLean, VA, reach out to Kermit A. Monge, a professional and experienced McLean, VA immigration attorney. Please give our office at 703.273.5500 or request a consultation online today.