Top Philadelphia, PA U.S. Visa Lawyers Near You

Do I Need a U.S. Visa Lawyer?

There are roughly 185 different types of entry visas into the United States. A U.S. visa attorney can help you understand your options in deciding which visa best fits your specific situation, whether it be visa eligibility, bringing over family members, visa extensions, etc.

Do I need a visa to come to the United States?

In general, foreign nationals who are visiting in the United States will need to obtain a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate prior to entry. You do not need an entry visa if you are:

• A permanent resident of the U.S.
• A citizen of Canada.
• A citizen of one of the 38 countries in the Visa Waiver Program.
• A Mexican citizen with a Border Crossing Card staying less than 72 hours and remaining in the “border zone.”

There are several other entry visa exemptions. U.S. visa policy can get complicated quickly. You should speak with a U.S. visa lawyer to better understand whether a visa exemption or other visa scenario applies to your situation.

What are the different types of visas to the U.S.?

There are two main U.S. visa categories: immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Immigrant visas are issued to those coming to the U.S. with the purpose of gaining permanent residency to live and work here. Immigrant visas usually require sponsorship from a U.S. citizen relative, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or prospective employer. Non-immigrant visas include visitor visas for tourism and business, student visas for international students, and temporary worker visas.

How can I get a tourist visa?

You’ll need to complete Form DS-160, pay the visa application fee, and schedule an appointment for visa application interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The form and additional application details are available on the U.S. Department of State website. A visitor visa is typically issued for 6 months and precludes visitors from working and conducting business, which would require a separate visa. A U.S. visa lawyer can help determine which type of visa suits your needs.

What sort of issues can I seek legal help with?

Specialized legal help is available for most legal issues. Each case is unique; seeking legal help is a smart first step toward understanding your legal situation and seeking the best path toward resolution for your case. An experienced lawyer understands the local laws surrounding your case and what your best legal options might be. More importantly, there are certain situations and circumstances – such as being charged with a crime – where you should always seek experienced legal help.

Tips on Approaching an Initial Attorney Consultation

• Use the consultation as a means of gaining a better understanding of your legal situation.
• Ask the attorney how many cases similar to yours he/she has handled. An attorney’s experience and knowledge can speak to their expertise (or lack of) in addressing your situation.
• Your attorney should be able to articulate roughly how long a case like yours will take to resolve and what sort of procedures to expect.
• Determine how comfortable you are working with the lawyer and/or law firm.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

In general, how much an attorney costs will often depend on these four factors: billing method and pricing structure, type of legal work performed, law firm prestige, and attorney experience. Depending on the legal issue you are facing, an attorney may bill you by the hour, settle on a flat fee, or enter into a contingency fee agreement. The type of legal work you need help with will also play a role in cost incurred.

Common legal terms explained

Plaintiff – a person or party who brings a lawsuit against another person(s) or party/parties in a court of law. Private persons or parties can only file suit in civil court.

Judgment – A decision of the court. Also known as a decree or order. Judgments handed down by the court are usually binding on the parties before the court.