Law Office of Michael E. Zaidel, PL

Citizens of most foreign countries need a visa to enter the United States.

There are two categories of U.S. Visas: Immigrant and Non-Immigrant, sometimes referred to as Permanent and Temporary.

Non-Immigrant visas are for people with permanent residence outside the U.S., but who wish to be in the U.S. on a temporary basis - for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study.

U.S. law requires that people who apply for non-immigrant visas provide evidence that they don't intend to stay in the United States permanently. It's up to consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates to determine eligibility on an individual basis, on the merits of each case.

Because each applicant's personal situation is different, people applying for the same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents. Under U.S. law, the authority to issue or refuse visas is vested solely in consular offices abroad.

Consular officers have the authority to decide whether the evidence submitted in support of an application is sufficient to establish an applicant's eligibility for a visa.

Consular officers may request additional information or documentation depending on their assessment of each person's situation. Our office will assist you in gathering necessary evidence and properly addressing all issues.

Immigrant visas are for people who intend to live permanently in the U.S. There are several categories of people who are eligible for immigrant status. Certain applicants can apply on their own behalf¹. All others must have a relative² or potential employer³ apply for them.

In general, in order to be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen/resident relative(s) or by a prospective employer. Unlike most other immigrant categories, Immediate Relatives are not subject to numerical limits under American immigration law. Major immigrant categories are:

• Immediate Relatives
• Special Immigrants
• Family-sponsored
• Employer-sponsored

To learn more about specific visa types and your eligibility for application, please contact our office to arrange a consultation with an attorney specializing in U.S. Immigration Law. 

We look forward to working together and helping you and your family realize the dream of visiting or living in the United States.

¹Asylum/Refugee, Extraordinary or Exceptional Ability, Investor.   
²Spouse, Fiancée, Parents, Children.
³PERM, Religious Workers, Intra-Company Transfer.