Houston B-1 Business Visitor Visa Lawyers, Houston B-2 Visitor Visa Attorneys, U.S. B-1 B-2 Visitor Visa Law Firm

Houston B-1 & B-2 Visitor Visa Attorneys

B-1VISITOR VISA FOR BUSINESS & B-2 VISITOR FOR PLEASURE

B-1 visitor visas allow foreign employees and business visitors to come to the United States to engage in business activities or to research on business and investment opportunities for a specific duration. B-2 visitors allow foreign nationals to come to the U.S. to visit pleasure and vacationing. Usually, visas are granted for a period of one, three, five, or ten years period. However, at the port of entry, visitors are authorized to stay in the U.S. for up to 180 days. In many circumstances, B-1 and B-2 visitor visas may file and obtain an extension at the end of the initial 180 days period. The B-2 extension application must demonstrate that the applicant does not immigrant intent. Although it is not required under the Foreign Affair Manual (FAM), it is advisable that visitor visas should be applied for in the alien's home country. B-1 and B-2 visitor visas should be carefully prepared by an experienced U.S. B-1 visitor visa attorneys or an experienced U.S. B-2 visitor visa lawyer. Visitor visa applications are usually denied because the applicant failed to show ties to the home country; and thus, does not overcome the presumption that he or she has immigrant intent.

Requirements For Visitor Visas

Foreign nationals who apply for visitor visas must be able to demonstrate that they do not have the intent to remain in the United States at the end of the authorized period. The U.S. Consular Office, which falls under the U.S. Department of State, presumes that all nonimmigrant visa applicants have immigrant intents (the intent to immigrate to the United States on a permanent basis). This is a rebuttable presumption in which all applicants must overcome. The primary method of overcoming this presumption is to show that the applicant has economic and family ties in the home country. For the same reason, we advise applicants to file the B-1 and B-2 visas in their home country. However, our experienced Houston B-1 work visitor visa attorneys and our B-2 visitor visa lawyers have successfully obtained B-1 and B-2 visas from third countries, depending on the applicant’s situation.

B-1 and B-2 Visitor Visa Application Process

To apply for a visitor visa, the alien must file a Department of State Form 156 application in the country of residence. Depending on the alien’s gender and country of origin, the alien may also have to file security verification forms and background checks. Some aliens may also have to obtain security clearance in their home country as requested by the Consular Officers. Visitors who are currently in the U.S. may file an application to extend his or her status with the USCIS. USCIS must have received and issued receipt notices prior to the expiration of the authorized stayed, which is stamped on the visitors’ I-94 forms at the port of entry. However, extension applicants do not have to travel outside the U.S. after their extension application is filed and their authorized stay is expired. If approved, the USCIS will back-date the visa status prior to the date in which the authorized stay is expired. In any case, applicants must leave the U.S. if the extension application is denied prior to 180 days after the expiration date to avoid future bar from admission into the U.S.

B-1 and B-2 visitor visa applications, as well as extension applications, should be accompanied by a detailed cover letter by the alien’s attorney, explaining why he or she is qualified for a visitor visa. An attorney cover letter will break down each requirement, evidence supporting each requirement, and the reason for such application. The application would also have a copy of form G-28, indicating that a PHAM & CLOVES, PLLC immigration attorney represents the alien in filing the application. The form also advises the Consular Officer to contact the attorney should they have any questions or concerns. Furthermore, because immigration is U.S. federal law, an attorney from PHAM & CLOVES, PLLC can represent clients from any country and the alien need not ever see the attorney in person.

For more information about a B-1 Visitor Visa for Business or a B-2 Visitor Visa for Pleasure, or any other Immigration issue, please contact the Houston B-1 Visitor Visa For Business Attorneys and the Houston B-2 Visitor for Pleasure Lawyers at PHAM & CLOVES, PLLC at 713-492-0337 for a consultation. Alternatively, please contact us through our interactive online contact form.