Nonimmigrant Visas in Charleston

Serving Myrtle Beach and Beyond

Nonimmigrant visas can be issued to individuals who are seeking entrance into the U.S. on a temporary basis for tourism, business, medical services, and other kinds of temporary work. Nonimmigrant visitor visas include the B-1 and B-2 visa. B-1 visas are used for those who are traveling to the U.S. for purposes like settling an estate, negotiating a business contract, and conducting other business meetings.

B-2 visas, on the other hand, are typically used for those traveling to the United States for purposes of pleasure, tourism, or medical services. There are no determined quotas for B-1 or B-2 visas, and the maximum period of stay is usually six months.

Non-Immigrant Visas

Some other common categories for nonimmigrant visas include:

B1/B2 visas – Allow the holder to travel to the United States for either business or tourism purposes, whether it’s conducting business, attending a work-related conference, visiting loved ones, taking a vacation, and attending/participating in a recreational event. To be eligible, the applicant must prove that the travel is only temporary, and they can fund the entire trip on their own.

Student visas – Allow the holder to study in the United States. If an international student plans to attend a college or university, high school, private elementary school, conservatory, seminary, or any other academic institution in the U.S., he/she must apply for an F visa. When it comes to a short recreational course of study that doesn’t count as credit toward a degree or academic certificate, then the student must apply for a visitor (B) visa.

M visas – These are a type of student visas reserved for international students attending vocational schools and technical schools. A student cannot enter the U.S. as an M1 to study a “general” course. The program must have a goal and students must be involved in a “full course of study,” which means studying in a junior or community college for at least 12 quarter or semester hours.

J visas – These are issued to research scholars, professors and exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, especially to obtain medical or business training. The State Department designates private and public entities to act as exchange sponsors. J-1 immigrants my work under the terms of the exchange program.

A visas – A-1 visas are issued to ambassadors, diplomats, diplomats, and their immediate families, which allow travel to the United States for official, government purposes. A-2 visas are given to certain government officials (including some military personnel), their support staff, and their immediate families. Lastly, an A-3 visa allows attendants, servants, and employees of A-1 and A-2 visas holders to enter the U.S.

A nonimmigrant visa lawyer in North Charleston, like Ameneh Maghzi, can help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the process.

How Our Passion for Immigration Law Can Help Your Case

When it comes to nonimmigrant visas, there are a multitude of reasons a person might need to file and there are more than 20 major categories that cover a variety of situations. You will be required to choose the specific purpose of your trip and apply for a visa that authorizes the specific activity.

After submitting the necessary form, you will need to consult with the nearest embassy or consulate to schedule an interview, which we can help you with as well. Some nonimmigrant visas may require you to pay an additional fee called the principle of reciprocity. We will help you understand whether this is the case for you and assist you with finalizing the process.

Our lawyer, Ameneh Maghzi, has a wide range of legal experience. As an immigrant herself, she has the ability to help individuals seeking entry to the U.S. through what can be a complex process. Attorney Maghzi is familiar with all of the categories for nonimmigrant visas and can help with your specific situation.

For help in seeking a nonimmigrant visa, or for assistance with other immigration law needs, call us today at (843) 800-2750 or contact us online.