While we probably do not know what all the questions are you may have, this post is USA Immigration Hub’s attempt at anticipating which questions you do have and answer them.
Q: Where do I Start?
A: Our best advice would either be to begin with the immigration attorney or get some self-search done and then find an immigration lawyer. One way or another, it is highly advised to get the legal advice and guidance of an attorney, and preferably their actual legal services
Q: What does USCIS do?
A: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the federal bureau that partially or completely takes care of immigration related issues in collaboration with other federal bureaus such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Q: What is a visa?
A: A visa is the permission to enter the United States at least once
Q: Why are visas important?
A: Visas are the only legal way to enter the United States and spend time in the United States in accordance with the visa’s limitations. Entering and staying the United States is ill-advised
Q: What are the main differences between a common visa and a green card?
A: A green card is a visa The main two differences between a green card and a common visa are that a green card needs to be renewed every ten years as opposed to three years, and allows the green card holder to work for any employer where a common visa is limited to three years and allows employment for a specific employer and only that employer
Q: What is the main difference between a non-immigrant visa and an immigrant visa?
A: The main difference between the two is that a non-immigrant visa is approved assuming that the person will not stay in the United States to live once the visa has expired, while an immigrant visa is approved assuming the person intends to stay in the United States for good
Q: What are the main differences between a green card and U.S. citizenship?
A: A green card is a visa termed at ten years while a citizenship is truly permanent; A green card must be renewed while a citizenship does not; A green card can be revoked while a citizenship cannot; A green card does not warrant an American passport while citizenship does
Q: Why are immigration attorneys/lawyers important?
A: Immigration attorneys are professionals that are extremely knowledgeable about USCIS’ processes and procedures that pertain to applying and obtaining a visa, green card, or U.S. citizenship. These processes and procedures can be challenging, the cost money, and it is advised to hire the legal advice and services of an immigration lawyer
Q: How long does it take to get a visa, green card, or U.S. citizenship?
A: It is truly difficult to answer this question. USCIS seems to truly want to give excellent service and shorten the time it takes to decide in every application’s case. A person should be ready for the process to take several months, even more once the application is submitted, and several months (potentially) preparing to submit the application
Q: Can processes be expedited (speeded up; taken care of faster)?
A: Some application can be expedited, and some cannot; It depends on which specific application is being considered. In some cases, the applicant can pay to have the application analysis and approval process expedited
Q: How many times can a person re-apply for a visa, green card, or citizenship?
A: Once more, each application process is specific to it being for a visa, green card, or citizenship, and who is the person applying, which USCIS category is used as the basis of the application, etc. Thus, in some cases the answer is yes, and in some cases the answer might be no
Q: Can I challenge USCIS’ decision?
A: In some cases, you are allowed to request that your case be reopened or reconsidered, and in some cases, you are not. USCIS does have the last say in all matters immigration related (definitely in regards to the application process and its technicalities)
Q: Can a visa be cancelled/revoked?
A: Yes; Every visa, including green cards, can be cancelled/revoked
Q: Why might a visa be cancelled/revoked?
A: As a matter of principle, USCIS will most likely cancel/revoke a visa if U.S. laws (one or more) related to immigration have been broken; It is enough that one of the criteria and requirements pertaining to your visa is no longer met or the visa was obtain illegally or dishonestly/untruthfully that USCIS might cancel/revoke the visa
Q: What happens if a visa is cancelled/revoked?
A: Without a valid visa in place, you no longer can legally stay in the United States. While you will be given a fair chance to leave willfully, if you fail or refuse to leave on your own, you will be deported or removed by agents of the government
Q: Is deportation final?
A: You are allowed to challenge the decision to have your visa revoked to a certain extent or the decision to have you removed from the United States; Most deportations are limited in time until the person can apply to get permission to enter the U.S. again
Q: Who is allowed to work in the United States?
A: U.S. citizens and green card holders are allowed to work for any employer or be independent (self-employed), while people on a visa (other than a green card) must obtain official permission to work in the United States if it is not automatically approved as part of their visa
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Q: How much does it cost to obtain a visa, green card, or U.S. citizenship?
A: The costs of applying for a visa, green card, and citizenship can range from the minimum (just fees) if you apply on your own (without the costs of an immigration lawyer) to $30,000-$40,000 depending on the costs of the immigration lawyer and fees together (this is a rough estimation)
Q: What determines the overall cost of the application for a visa, green card, or U.S. citizenship?
A: The overall costs of the process depend mainly on the fees paid to the government, the immigration lawyer’s fees, possible travel, postage, getting degrees evaluated, and how many times will you need to apply before it is approved or ultimately denied
Q: How many types of visas exist?
A: First let’s distinct between a green card visa (lawful permanent residency) vs other visas; Other than a green card visa, USCIS visas include several classes such as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, NATO, CW, BCC, TN, TD, and “other” visa categories (special visas); Visas can also be divided into immigrant and non-immigrant visas
Q: Can I transition from one visa type to another?
A: As a matter of principle, the answer is yes. Also, transitioning from one visa type to another is specific to each person and their circumstances, and specific to the visas at hand
Q: How long until I can apply for a green card?
A: In some cases, you can apply for a green card as soon as one year from being granted entry to the United States. The perfect timing for applying for a green card depends more on when you can meet all requirements than anything else
Q: How do I choose the right immigration lawyer?
A: Just like with choosing any professional provider, their professionalism (success rate) and costs are the two main aspects leading the decision. Other considerations should include the languages the immigration lawyer speaks, their physical location (if face to face interactions are important). Other consideration may apply on a case-by-case basis
Q: Who can come with me?
A: Every person that wishes to enter the United States must have their own visa. Immediate family such as spouses (wife or husband) and children, a fiancé, other dependents, or aids may enter with you based on your visa. Each case will be determined separately according to circumstances
Q: How long can I stay in the U.S.?
A: The length of time you are allowed to stay in the United States depends on the reason you are entering the U.S. to begin with and thus the type of visa that has been approved for you. Commonly, tourist visas are valid for up to ten years after being issued, and 180 days in the U.S. at a time; Most non-immigrant visas are limited to three years; A green card visa is issued for ten years at a time; Visas can be renewed elongating the time that you are allowed to stay in the U.S.
Q: Can I live wherever I want in the U.S.?
A: Limiting where you are allowed to live in the United States is most likely not going to happen, though there might be special circumstances that might warrant such a limitation (asylum or refuge in some cases); Although rare, people participating in a witness protection program might be forced to live in a certain place not of their choice; In most cases it is common sense and necessity that will ultimately determine where you end up living
Q: Can I leave the U.S.?
A: As a matter of principle, people on a visa can leave the United States, though the length of time they are allowed to be outside of the U.S. varies, and there might be specific periods of time that they should not leave the U.S. (for example, after applying for a green card); The longest you can leave the U.S. while on a visa if 12 months if you have a green card or if you are stationed abroad as part of your military service
Q: Do I have to be physically present to apply for a visa?
A: Most of the process can be done online, and USCIS prefers that it be done online. Certain parts of the process demand that you be present in person at an embassy, consulate or other U.S. government center as specifically indicated in your case; The interview demands your physical in person presence, yet U.S. authorities can demand that you be present in person if, when, and where they deem necessary
Q: What can I bring with me into the U.S.?
A: Entering the United States, you are not allowed to bring more than $10,000 in cash per person; Illegal substances; Anything that is on U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection’s list of prohibited items. For the list, click here
Q: Which documents are needed to enter the U.S.?
A: First and foremost, you need a valid passport; If you are not an American citizen, you need your visa stamped within your valid passport; Children must be accompanied by an adult guardian (the child’s parent or a person with the parent’s consent) with their passports; Canadian citizens and residents are eligible for Global Entry benefits through membership in the NEXUS program; ESTA travelers, for example, need a biometric passport; More documents may be required
Q: Can I travel to the U.S. while pregnant?
A: The U.S. addresses two main points while giving permission to enter the U.S. to a woman who is pregnant. The first point is having medical insurance with appropriate coverage and being able to cover all costs. The second point is that immigration officers need to be convinced that the woman is not entering the U.S. as part of the “Birth tourism” phenomenon. In such a case, the officer must be sure that the woman is not traveling to the U.S. just to give birth and have her child be an American citizen
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Q: Do I need an interpreter to enter the U.S.?
A: If you can conduct a basic conversation in English, you do not need an interpreter. If you are not able to conduct a basic conversation in English, you need an interpreter (at your expense). The U.S. does not see itself obligated to offer translation services
Q: Do disabilities change my chances of being approved for a visa?
A: Disabilities do not automatically change your chances of being approved a visa, yet you are obligated to report any physical and/or mental disabilities you have been diagnosed with. You will most likely be required to submit detailed medical records as part of your application. In some cases, your disabilities may be basis for denying your visa application at USICS discretion
Q: Is there an age limit to entering the U.S.?
A: There are no age limitation as to entering the U.S., and there are no age limitations for being approved a visa. If you meet the requirements, you will be approved
Q: Can I change my gender after my visa is approved?
A: Requirements for a visa are not based on your gender to begin with. Thus, USCIS allows visa holders to change their gender at any time on their visa for as long as the visa is valid
If you have a question you would like us to add, please email us your question at info@usaimmigrationhub.com.
No matter what the circumstances of your case are, make sure to obtain legal immigration advice and/or services from an immigration attorney, which can found according to U.S. state on www.usaimmigrationhub.com.
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