Applying for a Visa in Goose Creek

Almost all foreign nationals looking to visit, live, work, or study in the United States need a visa. However, each visa has its own requirements, benefits, and restrictions. Luckily, you do not have to navigate this process on your own.

If you or your family is thinking about coming to the U.S., ask one of the talented immigration attorneys at Miller | Conway about applying for a visa in Goose Creek today.

Immigrant Versus Nonimmigrant Intent

Visas are generally distinguished by whether they are for immigrants or nonimmigrants.

Nonimmigrant Intent

Nonimmigrant intent means that visa holders plan to remain in the U.S. temporarily, such as to work or study. Establishing nonimmigrant intent usually requires showing that an applicant has strong ties to their country of origin and an intent to return. This can happen through evidence of property, family, employment, or other connections to the applicant’s home country.

Immigrant Intent

Immigrant intent means that visa holders intend to reside in the United States long-term. Most immigrant visas are either family- or employment-based and provide a path to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, also known as a green card.

Dual Intent

Some nonimmigrant visas are dual intent. Applicants for these visas do not have as high a burden to show an intent to return to their home country because they can apply for immigrant status once certain conditions are met. For example, an applicant for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa can apply to become an LPR after marrying their U.S. citizen or LPR spouse in the United States. Some employment or study visas, such as L-1 intracompany transferee and F-1 student visas, can also be obtained with dual intent.

Navigating visa intent is complex. A Goose Creek immigration attorney at Miller | Conway can help you avoid mistakes when applying for a visa.

Visa Subcategories

Noncitizens can apply for family-based, employment, study, tourist, and humanitarian visas.

Family-based visas are for immediate relatives—parents, siblings, spouses, and children—of U.S. citizens and LPRs. Employment and study visas allow foreign nationals to work and study, respectively, in the U.S. Tourist visas are for visiting citizens of countries that are not part of the Visa Waiver Program or for citizens of countries that are part of the program but who want to visit the U.S. for more than 90 days. Humanitarian visas allow noncitizens to enter or remain in the U.S. for humanitarian reasons, such as to undergo life-saving medical treatment.

It can be tricky to determine which visa is most appropriate for your purposes, especially given the nuance within categories. Therefore, it is best to consult with an immigration lawyer in Goose Creek before applying for a visa. They can listen to your goals, make recommendations, and help you prepare a strong application.

Applying for a Visa

Unfortunately, there is no standardized visa application. Most applications start with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, but may then go to the Department of State or Department of Labor for additional certification. Those seeking a visa abroad must usually complete a consular interview in their home country, while applicants already present in the U.S. may be able to remain while their case is being decided. Sometimes, applicants can apply for a visa directly, but at other times, they must have a family member or employer sponsor them.

Our knowledgeable team of attorneys in Goose Creek can guide you through the visa application process. We can keep track of your application’s progress and overcome any obstacles that arise, such as requests for additional evidence or administrative errors. Importantly, if your visa is denied—which can happen even with a well-prepared application—we can help you appeal the decision or quickly reapply.

Speak With a Goose Creek Attorney About Your Visa Application

Miller | Conway has years of experience helping clients obtain visas to live, work, and study in the U.S. Do not risk denial by trying to navigate this complicated process alone. Call us today to book a free initial consultation and get help applying for a visa in Goose Creek.