At Berardi Immigration Law we have a Visa Services Department dedicated to preparing our clients for their nonimmigrant visa interviews at embassies and consulates around the world. A nonimmigrant visa is issued for a temporary stay in the U.S. Below we take a look at some frequently asked questions on this process.
Why do I need a U.S. nonimmigrant visa?
There are many reasons why a foreign national would need a nonimmigrant visa but the most common reason is to work in the U.S. Take, for example, an H1B visa. The foreign national’s employer would file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service with the supporting evidence to prove that the foreign national qualifies in the H1B category. Once the petition is approved the foreign national would have to attend a nonimmigrant visa interview at an embassy or consulate outside of the U.S. to have the H1B visa placed in their passport. This visa would then be presented at the border to gain entry into the U.S. in the H1B category.
What does applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa entail?
Applying for a nonimmigrant visa involves several steps including paying a visa issuance fee and submitting an application electronically to the foreign national’s chosen embassy or consulate. Each country has their own protocol for items such as how to pay the visa issuance fee, how to schedule the interview, what documents are required for the interview and how the passport is returned to the applicant. After the interview the embassy or consulate will keep each applicant’s passport to make the visa a permanent page and return it to them approximately three to five business days after the interview. Due to heightened security concerns applicants are not permitted to return to the embassy or consulate to retrieve their passport.
Why should I retain Berardi Immigration Law to assist in obtaining my visa?
As each country has its own protocol and systems in place, navigating the process can be confusing and complicated. Here at Berardi Immigration Law, we will prepare the visa application, schedule the interview, arrange for payment of the visa issuance fee, provide detailed instructions for the interview, answer any questions that the applicant may have throughout the process and follow for the return of the passport. Our Visa Services Coordinator will guide the applicant through the process from beginning to end.
I’m interested in attending my visa appointment in London, U.K. Do you have any special services there?
Yes, we do! As an added service in London we have a visa agent on the ground that meets the applicant at the embassy, takes them to the front of the very long line and provides them with all of the documents they need for their interview. This dramatically cuts down on the amount of time spent at one of the busiest embassies in the world.
If you are interested in applying for your visa at a U.S. consulate abroad or have questions about the process, please contact our office to speak to one of our knowledgeable attorneys today!
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