OTHER VISA CATEGORIES
Business Visitor (B-1)
The B-1 visa allows an individual to enter the United States on a temporary basis for business purposes. Business activities under a B-1 visa are limited to those which do not involve receiving a salary or income from a United States source (e.g. meetings, conferences, trade shows, training, etc.). Individuals entering the United States to work will require an employment visa.
Tourist Visitor (B-2)
The B-2 visa allows an individual to enter the United States on a temporary basis for purposes of business or pleasure. The individual must maintain a foreign residence which they have no intention of abandoning.
Academic Students (F-1)
The F-1 visa allows an individual to come to the United States to pursue an academic studies or language training program. In general, an individual may qualify for a F-1 visa if s/he meets the following requirements:
- acceptance to a non-academic or vocational studies program
at an institution approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- is enrolled in the program as a full-time student;
- exhibits proficiency in English or be enrolled in courses leading
- has sufficient funds to be self-supportive for the entire course of study; and
- has a foreign residence of which he/she has no intention of abandoning
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Vocational Students (M-1)
The M-1 visa allows an individual to come to the United States to pursue a non-academic or vocational studies program. In general, an individual may qualify for a M-1 visa if s/he meets the following requirements:
- acceptance to a non-academic or vocational studies program
at an institution approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- is enrolled in the program as a full-time student;
- exhibits proficiency in English or be enrolled in courses leading
- has sufficient funds to be self-supportive for the entire course of study; and
- has a foreign residence of which he/she has no intention of abandoning
Cultural Exchange Visitors (Q-1)
The Q-1 visa allows an individual to come to the United States to participate in an international cultural exchange program. In general, an individual may qualify for a Q-1 visa if s/he meets the following requirements:
- acceptance to a program which takes place in a school museum, business or other establishment where the public is exposed to aspects of a foreign culture as part of a structured program;
- works in a position that is part of the cultural component of the program;
- has the ability to perform the position and communicate the cultural attributes of his/her country; and
- has a foreign residence of which he/she has no intention of abandoning.
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Against Women Act (VAWA)
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows spouses and children of abusive United States citizens or legal permanent residents to petition for legal status in the United States without having to rely on the abusive citizen or legal permanent resident. In general, an individual may qualify to petition under VAWA if s/he meets the following requirements:
- entered into marriage in good faith with a United States citizen or legal permanent resident
- is legally married to the United States citizen or lawful permanent resident, or is filing the petition within two years of the abusive spouse's death or termination of the marriage due to the abuse;
- is the victim of a battering or extreme mental cruelty by the United States citizen or legal permanent resident during the marriage; and
- is a person of good moral character.
CRIMINAL ALIEN ISSUES
If you are a resident alien and you have committed a crime, you need to be aware of the criminal consequences and the issues related to the possibility of removal. The immigration system is keeping a closer eye on criminal aliens and addressing their immigration status with more expediency. There have been instances where an immigrant is out of jail on bond for theft, DUI, or an assault crime, but is taken into custody by immigration officials at the probation office. Some have been taken into custody after being stopped for a traffic violation.
ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS
Adjustment of Status is the process by which a person obtains legal permanent resident status through a Citizenship and Immigration Services District Office in the United States. The process involves preparing and submitting numerous immigration forms and supporting evidence to CIS and often concludes with an in-person interview with an immigration officer. The proper submission of these documents is important in order to prevent delays or denials which can result in loss of time and money. Our office has handled hundreds of adjustment cases. Our aim is to ensure that your adjustment of status case progresses as quickly and smoothly as possible. We are available to accompany you to your interview with the CIS District Office.
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