According to the Center for Immigration Studies, there were 59,011 ICE removals in 2019 from both border and interior removals. Although many of these individuals were seeking permanent residency, many temporary workers have also been removed. A vast majority of these deportees lacked legal representation in order to navigate the US immigration process.

Obtaining temporary visas can be a difficult and complicated component of the immigration process to the United States. Working with an immigration lawyer can make the process much easier and less stressful for people residing in or near Chicago.

Read on for a succinct explanation of temporary visas and how a immigration attorney Chicago might be of assistance.

What Are Temporary Visas?

Foreign nationals who want to visit the United States temporarily and for a specified reason are given temporary visas. Temporary visas come in a variety of forms, each with its own requirements and limitations.

Your recommended visa depends on a variety of eligibility factors. An immigration lawyer can help you navigate these options.

B-1/B-2 Visas

B-1 and B-2 Visas are the most common types of temporary visas. Non-immigrant visas are given out by the US for visitors who want to come to the country for either business (B-1) or tourism or medical treatment (B-2), although applicants must demonstrate significant ties to their home country and a firm intention to return home.

The B-1 visa is for people coming to the United States for work-related reasons, like attending conferences or contract negotiations. The B-2 visa, on the other hand, is intended for people visiting the United States for leisure, vacation, or medical care.

B-1 and B-2 visas are normally granted for up to six months and, in some circumstances, can be extended for an additional six months. It is significant to highlight that these visas are not intended for extended visits and do not permit travelers to work in the United States.

Some foreign nationals, including from many western European nations, are allowed entry into the U.S. as ESTA travelers, where no visa is required and entry in either B-1 or B-2 status is allowed for up to 90 days.

F-1 Visas

Foreign nationals may study full-time in the United States at a recognized academic institution with the help of an F1 visa, a non-immigrant student visa. Usually, the F1 visa is given for the length of the academic program and in many cases following graduation, an additional year is granted for optional practical training where the foreign student is eligible to be issued an Employment Authorization Document.

The applicant must first be accepted for admission by a US institution that is recognized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) in order to acquire an F1 visa. The applicant must next schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, pay the relevant fees, and show their financial capabilities to complete their studies.

H-1B Visas

Employers in the United States are able to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require specialized expertise and a bachelor’s degree or above thanks to the non-immigrant H-1B visa. Employing skilled individuals from other nations is a widespread practice for U.S. businesses in sectors like IT, engineering, research, and medicine.

There is an annual cap on the number of H-1B visas that can be given. Because of this, there is intense competition among businesses and foreign workers for H-1B visas and unfortunately, a majority of interested employers and prospective applicants are not able to actually obtain H-1B visas.

L-1 Visas

Multinational corporations may transfer staff from their international offices to their U.S. offices with the help of an L1 visa. The L1 visa is created to make it easier for managers, executives and workers with “specialized knowledge” to be transferred from overseas offices to their affiliate U.S. office.  This has helped American businesses in maintaining their competitiveness on the international market.

Among other requirements, the manager, executive or “specialized knowledge” employee must have worked overseas for the multinational corporation for at least one year in the three years preceding their application for the visa. The business must show that the overseas and U.S. offices come under a common ownership and control umbrella.

O Visas

These are visas for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. The candidate must exhibit outstanding ability in their field by continued national or international acclaim in order to qualify for an O visa.

Prospective O visa applicants will require an employment offer from an American business or agent, who will sponsor their visa application. These visas are granted for up to three years and can be extended in one year increments.

How Can an Immigration Attorney Help?

When trying to obtain temporary visas, working with an immigration lawyer in Chicago will be beneficial if not necessary. An expert lawyer can provide you advice on the various visas that are available and assist you in choosing the best one.

An immigration attorney can provide ongoing support throughout your stay in the United States. This can include the following:

  • assistance with renewing your visa
  • changing your visa status
  • obtaining permanent residency

They can help with the application procedure by making sure that all required paperwork is completed accurately and on time. An immigration lawyer can also assist in resolving any problems that could come up during the application process.

An attorney, for instance, can assist you in understanding the rationale behind a decision to deny or delay your application and provide guidance on what to do next. Lawyers can assist you in preparing for your visa interview so that you are prepared and confident when it comes time.

Find an Immigration Attorney Chicago

It might be difficult and complicated to obtain a temporary visa to enter the United States. However, engaging with a skilled immigration lawyer in Chicago can assist to streamline the procedure and maximize your chances to obtain a positive result.

Enlist an immigration attorney Chicago to assist you in achieving your objectives and making the most of your time in the United States. Use their expertise and experiences for your benefit when it comes to the application process and beyond.

Contact our team at USA Visa Counsel today to get started today with your temporary visa needs.