Visitor Visas
(B1 Visa, B2 and J1
Visas, Change of Status, Extension of Stay in the US)
The
Immigration and Nationality Act defines a visitor for purposes of
immigration as "an alien (other than one coming for the purpose of study or
of performing skilled or unskilled labor or as a representative of foreign
press, radio, film, or other foreign information media coming to engage in
such vocation) having a residence in a foreign country which he has no
intention of abandoning and who is visiting the United States temporarily
for business or temporarily for pleasure."
Tourists,
business people, and exchange visitors need a visa to legally visit and stay
in the United States. An applicant wishing to obtain a visitor visa must
have a passport, valid for six months beyond the duration of the proposed
visit, one passport-size photograph, (see
the new nonimmigrant visas photograph requirements) and proof of social,
economic, professional or other compelling ties to a residence outside the
United States to which the foreign national will be expected to return after
the visit. Click on the links below to learn more about the different types
of nonimmigrant visas.
The LL.M. Law
Group understands that obtaining a visitor visa to the United States can
sometimes be difficult. Please click on one of the following links to learn
more about how the LL.M. Law Group can help you start traveling, and stop
worrying.
PLEASE NOTE: Since
the tragedy that befell the U.S. on September 11, 2001, and the recent Iraqi
conflict, security is extremely tight at all ports of entry and throughout
the United States. The Department of Homeland Security and other government
officials are warning travelers to expect delays at all U.S. ports, whether
by land, sea or air. Customs and immigration officials are placing extra
scrutiny on travel documents, enhancing identification checks and asking
more questions. Recently, the Department of State announced a worldwide
alert to American citizens, especially those overseas. All U.S. embassies
and consulates remain at a heightened state of alert and more than 20
offices have already been closed. Additional facilities may temporarily
close or suspend public service from time to time for security reasons. This
could seriously inhibit U.S. and foreign travelers from entering the United
States for business or pleasure.
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