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.

When to Hire a Lawyer

It is in your best interest to get legal help early on in addressing your situation. There are times when hiring a lawyer quickly is critical to your case, such as if you are charged with a crime. It may also be in your best interest to have a lawyer review the fine print before signing legal documents. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered a serious injury. For issues where money or property is at stake, having a lawyer guide you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and possibly a lot of grief in the long run.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

How to Find the Right Attorney

• Determine the area of law that relates to your issue. Attorneys specialize in specific practice areas around legal issues within the broad field of law.
• Seek out recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues. A successful attorney or practice will typically have many satisfied clients.
• Set up consultation appointments to get a better understanding of your case as well as gauge your comfort level with different attorneys. Find the attorney who is the right fit for your needs.

Common legal terms explained

Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.