Answers to common questions about U.S. immigration, visas, and permanent residency — from family sponsorship to business immigration and citizenship.
A temporary visa allows you to stay in the United States for a specific purpose and time, such as work, study, or tourism. A green card, or permanent resident status, allows you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely and is the first step toward U.S. citizenship.
Processing times vary depending on the relationship and nationality of the applicant. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens often face no quota delays, while other family preference categories may experience waiting periods of several years based on the Visa Bulletin.
Employment-based immigration includes several categories:
EB-1: Extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational executives.
EB-2 / EB-2 NIW: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, sometimes eligible for a National Interest Waiver.
EB-3: Skilled workers and professionals.
Nonimmigrant work visas such as H-1B (specialty occupation), L-1 (intracompany transferee), E-1/E-2 (treaty trader/investor), and O-1 (extraordinary ability) are also common.
Yes. Certain categories such as EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) and EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) allow self-petitioning if you can demonstrate that your work benefits the United States. Investors (EB-5) and family-based applicants may also apply independently of an employer.
Employers must meet Department of Labor and USCIS requirements, including offering a prevailing wage, maintaining compliance records, and conducting required recruitment steps. Timing is critical — especially for the H-1B annual cap, which opens each April for the following fiscal year.
The EB-5 program allows foreign investors to obtain a green card by investing in a U.S. business that creates at least ten full-time jobs. Investments typically range from $800,000 to $1,050,000, depending on the project location.
Yes. Under the EB-4 category, ministers and certain religious professionals who have worked in a qualifying nonprofit religious organization for at least two years may apply for permanent residency.
The B-1 visa is for short-term business visits such as meetings or negotiations, while the B-2 visa is for pleasure, tourism, or visiting family. Neither category permits employment or long-term study in the U.S.
Students on F-1 visas may work on campus and, in some cases, off-campus through CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training). M-1 vocational students have more limited work authorization.
Denials may occur for missing documentation, eligibility issues, or security concerns. In many cases, you can reapply or appeal. Our firm reviews each case to identify errors and strengthen future applications.
Immigration law is complex and constantly changing. An experienced attorney ensures proper documentation, strategy, and timing — reducing delays, avoiding costly mistakes, and improving your chances of approval.
Most permanent residents can apply for naturalization after five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen). Applicants must demonstrate continuous residence, good moral character, and pass English and civics tests. Legal guidance can help ensure the process goes smoothly.