If your application for a nonimmigrant visa has been denied, you have a limited number of options for recourse. It is best to confront any potential issues with your visa application at the beginning of the process rather than at the end. Contact our firm today to speak with an immigration attorney about your application and any potential problems that may prevent you from obtaining a nonimmigrant visa.
Non-Immigrant Visas Information Center
Non-immigrant visas are intended for foreign nationals who are traveling to the United States for a specific purpose without the intention of securing permanent residency status or naturalization. Non-immigrant visa seekers must demonstrate that they have requisite financial support while in the United States and that they intend to return to their home country. At the Law Office of Mark Galvin, we offer strategic advocacy and service to businesses and employees seeking a temporary work visa or non-immigrant status. We will guide you through the immigration process, offer strategic advocacy and counsel you to best protect your rights and interests while navigating the immigration legal system.
Protect your rights. Secure a visa, residency, or citizenship. Call 401-861-8810 to speak directly with an experienced immigration lawyer.
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We help employers and employees navigate the immigration legal system to quickly and effectively secure non-immigrant visas in the United States. Call 401-861-8810 today for an initial consultation.
We are experienced in providing sound counsel to help businesses and immigrants secure visas to promote business, innovation, science and the arts in the US.
The Law Office of Mark Galvin offers sound, experienced counsel in business and family immigration matters. Contact our attorney by e-mail or by calling 401-861-8810 for services in the United States or abroad.
Changing Visa Status
Each nonimmigrant visa is issued for a specific purpose and allows the visa holder to do things to accomplish that purpose. Sometimes, foreign nationals desire to change the purpose of their visit to the United States, such as a pleasure traveler who decides to attend school. If you need help applying for a change of nonimmigrant status, contact Law Office of Mark Galvin in Providence, Rhode Island to speak with an experienced immigration attorney today.
Eligibility Requirements to Change Nonimmigrant Status
In order to change the type of nonimmigrant visa, the visa holder must submit an application to change status with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To be eligible for the change in status, an applicant must:
- Be legally in the US with a valid visa
- Hold a US visa with a category eligible for change in status (C, D, K-1, K-2, S, TWOV, WT, WB, J-1, M-1 and Q-2 are ineligible)
- Follow all conditions for holding the visa (like not working without authorization)
- Apply for the change of status prior to his or her expiration of status
- Possess a passport that is valid for the duration of his or her stay under the new nonimmigrant status
- Meet the requirements for the new nonimmigrant category
Even if all of these requirements are met, it does not necessarily mean that an applicant's request to change status will be accepted. Since processing times for applications can be long, the USCIS suggests those wishing to change status apply no later than 60 days prior to their expiration of status date. Applicants can apply for a status change up to six months prior to the expiration date.
Changing from Nonimmigrant to Permanent Resident Status
Those who come to the US on nonimmigrant visas and then decide they would like to remain permanently in the country can face many challenges. In order to obtain a nonimmigrant visa, applicants had to offer evidence of their attachment to their homeland and their intent to return home at the conclusion of their time in the US. Nonimmigrant visa holders who misrepresented their purpose for coming to the United States as a temporary one when they actually intended to stay in the country permanently can be deported.
However, the USCIS and the US Department of State both recognize the doctrine of dual intent in which an applicant for a nonimmigrant visa could have intended to return to his or her homeland at the time the visa was granted and then later developed the intent to remain in the United States. Proving dual intent can be difficult. If you are seeking to become a lawful permanent resident and currently hold a nonimmigrant visa, it is best to speak with an immigration attorney prior to applying to stay in the country permanently.
Conclusion
Changing your nonimmigrant status to another nonimmigrant category can be a time-consuming process. Contact Law Office of Mark Galvin in Providence, Rhode Island for more information about changing your nonimmigrant status. Whether you seek approval to work temporarily in the US or want to become a permanent resident, an experienced immigration attorney can explain your options.
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