PHAM & CLOVES, PLLC

HOUSTON O-1 VISAS FOR SCIENTISTS & TEACHERS & U.S. O-1 VISA FOR ENTERTAINERS, ATHLETES, & RESEARCHERS

spham — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:20:46 +0000

Assisting Clients Obtaining O-1 Visas With USCIS or Through U.S. Consular Processing

General Information Regarding O-1 Visas

O-1 Visas are reserved for applicants who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or those that have achieved extraordinary awards and recognition in the motion picture and television industry. O-1 Visas are approved for an initial 3-year period and can be renewed once a year for a 1-year period. To qualify, the person must demonstrate that he or she has risen to the level of national or international recognition by providing evidence of some national or international award. In lieu of such award, the applicant must have at least 3 of the following:

Evidence of the applicant’s receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prize or award for excellence in his field;
Evidence of the applicant’s original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance;
Evidence of the applicant’s membership in one or more associations in the field of classification, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;
Evidence of the applicant’s participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in similar field of specialization of the classification;
Evidence that the applicant has been employed in a critical or essential capacity for organizations or entities that have distinguished reputation;
Evidence of published material in professional or major publication or major media about the individual, relating to the individual’s work in the field for which classification is sought. Such evidence must include the title, date, and author of the published material, and translation if necessary;
Evidence of the applicant’s authorship of scholarly articles, books, publications in the field of expertise, in professional journals, or other major media.

Although it is not necessary that the O-1 Visa Applicant has all of these credentials, it would be helpful to obtain as much as possible. However, as stated above, in lieu of international recognitions, such as in cases of outstanding athletes, entertainers, and performers, applicants must have at least 3 of the above credentials. In addition, the applicant must also obtain an advisory letter from a professional organization within his or her field, certifying that the Applicant’s level of knowledge and recognition is as someone with extraordinary abilities.

To review the full article and detailed information regarding this legal subject, please visit your website at http://www.immigrantionlawyerssinhouston.com / or contact our Houston law firm at 713-492-0337. This ar ticle should not be construed as legal counseling. Each legal issue must be reviewed and counseled by an experienced Houston attorney at PHAM & CLOVES, PLLC. Information regarding this particular subject can be found at this specific site ,http://www.immigrantionlawyerssinhouston.com/nonimmigrant-visa.html.Thank you for visiting out blog page.

HOUSTON U VISA ATTORNEYS & U.S. U VISA VICTIM OF CRIMES LAWYERS

spham — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:14:59 +0000

U Visas and Victims of Criminal Activity

The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 created U Visas category to protect those that are victims of violence but are afraid to come forward in assisting authorities because of the immigration status. The Act provides for 10,000 U Visas available each year. Further it offers not only protection and temporary benefits to alien victims but is intended to assist law enforcement officials to investigate and prosecute criminal activities.

To be eligible, INA Section 101(a)(15(U) requires that the applicant must show:

The Applicant is a “qualifying victim” who suffered substantial physical or mental abuse due to a “qualifying criminal activities;”
The Applicant has credible and reliable information to establish detailed knowledge of the criminal activities;
The Applicant has been helpful with local and/or federal authorities in the investigation and prosecution of such criminal activities.
The criminal activities are within the U.S. jurisdiction, including its territorial water and territories, or violated federal law by which the U.S. as extraterritorial jurisdiction.

The “qualifying criminal activity” could be any one of those that are delineated under the Act, including but is not exclusive to abductions, domestic violence, blackmailing, extortion, false imprisonment, felonious assault, genital mutilation, hostage taking, rape and sexual assaults, incest, involuntary servitude, kidnapping, manslaughter, murder, obstruction of justice, perjury, peonage, prostitution, abusive sexual contact, sexual exploitation, slavery, torture, and trafficking. In addition, the applicant must be a “qualifying victim,” which could be the person who suffered from the direct action of the criminal activity, as well as family members of the deceased victim. Finally, “substantial” physical or mental abuse refers to the harm that may impair the person’s emotion or physical persons. In qualifying the substantiality requirement, the Houston U Visa Lawyers and the U.S. U Visa Victim of Criminal Activities Lawyers will inquire into the nature of the physical or mental abuse, or both. For example, a person that has been locked up forcibly, and was threatened to report to ICE and INS could be construed as substantial mental abuse. The devil is in the details; and thus, our Houston Immigration Lawyers will assist you to narrow down your qualifications.

If approved, U Visa status holder may remain in the United States for up to four (4) years. Like T Visa applicants, eligible family members, such as spouse and unmarried children under 21 of the qualifying applicant who is over 21 years of age may also filed as dependents. If the qualifying applicant is under 21 years of age, spouses, children, unmarried siblings under 18, and parents may also be dependents. Individuals granted U nonimmigrant status would obtain legal status to remain in the U.S. and will also be provided referrals to nongovernmental organizations for assistance and additional resources, and automatic employment authorization.

Green Cards For Victim of Crimes Under U Visa

After the initial four (4) years, the U nonimmigrant alien may apply for adjustment of status to be a green card holder 90 days prior to the expiration of the U Visa status. Further, family members who are qualified as dependents may also file for adjustment of status. However, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that he or she (and the dependents) will face retaliation and would be in danger if they were to return to the home country.

HOUSTON TN-1 CANADIAN PROFESSIONAL WORKER VISA ATTORNEYS & U.S. TN-1 SPECIALTY WORKER VISA LAWYERS

spham — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:11:10 +0000

Assisting Clients Obtaining TN-1 Visas Through Border Entry Applications

TN-1 Canadian Professional Specialty Worker Visas

TN-1 Visas are Treaty NAFTA visas created specifically for Canadians who qualified as a “Specialty Occupation” professionals. Qualified applicants may obtain TN-1 status to work in the U.S. by simply filing the application with the U.S. Customs & Border Protection Officer at the Port of Entry (POE). The advantages of TN-1 visas are that there is no annual limit in the number of TN-1 visa. In addition, the process is less burdensome, less costly, and does not require months, or even years, such as H-1B and other categories. An employer who desires to hire a Canadian under TN-1 can realistically expect the potential employee to start within weeks, if not days. The Houston TN-1 Visa Attorneys at Pham & Cloves, PLLC. are experienced with Canadian immigration issues and in filing TN-1 NAFTA Visa applications for Canadian nationals. Please contact one of our Houston TN-1 Specialty Worker Visa Lawyers for a personal consultation.

Traditionally, TN-1 Visas were issued for 1 year periods. At the end of the visa status each year, TN-1 holders must return to the border or at a U.S. or at a POE to get a TN-1 Visa stamp on their passports. Recently, the USCIS has issued new regulations, permitting Canadians to obtain an initial 3-year TN-1 visa and a 3-year extension. The welcoming change will save employers and Canadians time and costs in filing applications. This change also positively affects employer’s ability to file for PERMs and I-140 immigrant petitions under employment-based for employees without having to worry about the 30-60 days issues (aliens that entered the U.S. within 30-60 days may not file for immigrant visa applications). Please contact our Houston Canadian Visa Attorneys and our Houston TN-1 NAFTA Lawyers for more information in filing for a new TN-1 Visa application or renewing your TN-1 Visa status without leaving the U.S.

Requirements and Application Procedures For TN-1 Visas

There must be a detailed job offer from the employer, stating the position, the job requirements, duties, and proposed salary.
The Houston Texas TN-1 Specialty Professional Visa Attorneys at Pham & Cloves, PLLC. will meet and consult with the applicant in our office to determine whether the applicant is qualified as a “professional” (i.e. having a degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor degree) and whether the proposed position is a “specialty occupation.”
The Houston TN-1 Canadian Visa Attorneys at Veritas will check with the Texas Workforce Commission and determine whether the proposed salary is sufficient under the prevailing wage.
If necessary, our Houston TN-1 Visa Application Attorney will assist the employer in reviewing and revising the job requirements to meet the specialty occupation as intended;
Prepare and gather documents and evidence and establish an exhibit to show our clients are qualified for TN-1 Visas.
Draft and review a detailed cover letter, stating each requirement and evidence in showing that our clients are qualified for the visa application.
Finalize and submit the application package for our clients to review prior to filing the application.

Remember, TN-1 Visas are only available to Canadian citizens, not Canadian permanent residents or Mexican nationals, even though Mexico is a party under NAFTA. The applicant must also be a “professional” and the job requirement is that of a “specialty worker.” Finally, the proposed salary must meet the prevailing wage set forth by the State’s Department of Labor’s agency. If you feel that you may be qualified for a TN-1 visa, please feel free to contact our Houston Texas TN-1 Visa Attorneys or our U.S. TN-1 Visa Lawyers at Pham & Cloves, PLLC..

HOUSTON T VISA ATTORNEYS FOR VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING & Assisting Immigrant Victims of Trafficking To Obtain Legal Status

spham — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:00:11 +0000

T Visas Victims of Trafficking

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 provides 5000 visas each year who have been trafficking victims to obtain nonimmigrant status and remain here in the U.S. The purpose of the T-1 visa is to protect victims of human trafficking, the sex trade or forced labor, who are physically present in the U.S. as the result of the trafficking process. In addition, immediate family members of the principal applicants may be admitted to the U.S. by showing that they would suffer extreme hardship if they were not allowed to join the applicant. If you think that you may, or someone you know, have been victims of trafficking, including being forced to work in a garment factory, prostitution ring, on a farm, or in a factory/manufacturing plant, please contact the Houston T Visa For Trafficking Victim Attorneys at Pham & Cloves, PLLC.. We can help!

T Visa Requirements

INA Section 101(a)(15)(T) enumerates requirements for T Visa Applicants. To qualify, the applicant must demonstrate that he/she is a victim of “severe trafficking” as defined under 22 U.S.C. Section 7102, including the use of force, fraud, coercion, for sex trafficking and involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery. Second, the victim must be presently in the U.S. or its territorial jurisdiction. Third, the person must be compliance with local law enforcement authorities in the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrator(s) (not mandatory if the victim is under the age of 18). Finally, the person must show that he or she would surfer “extreme hardship” involving unusual and severe harm if he or she were to be removed from the U.S.

If the victim is 18 but is less than 21 years of age, spouses, parents, children, and unmarried siblings that are under the age of 18 may also be filed as dependents (either in the U.S or with the U.S. Consular office in the home country once the T visa is approved). If the victims are 21 years of age or more, then only spouses and children may be filed as dependents. Children of trafficking victims qualify as “Age Out,” if the trafficking victim’s child turned 21 during the application process (i.e. the child still qualified as a dependent). Further, the annual limitations of 5,000 visas only apply to the principal applicant and do not apply to dependents.

Green Cards For Trafficking Victims

The T-Visa application may not be denied on the basis that the applicant is likely to be a “public charge,” and depends on government assistance. As such, the green card application (Application for Adjustment of Status) may not be denied based on this basis. If approved, the applicant will receive T Visa Status and remain in the U.S. for 4 years. 90 days prior to the expiration of the T-visa, trafficking victims may be able to file for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident and receive green cards. Please contact the Houston T Visa Trafficking Victim Attorneys and the Houston Trafficking Victim Lawyers at Pham & Cloves, PLLC..

HOUSTON R-1 VISA ATTORNEYS & U.S. R-1 RELIGIOUS WORKER VISA LAWYERS - HOUSTON IMMIGRATION & NATURALIZATION ATTORNEYS

spham — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:53:34 +0000

Assisting Religious Organizations Sponsoring Qualified Religious Workers

R-1 Religious Worker Visas

Section 101(a)(15)(R) of the Immigration and Nationality Act establishes the requirements for classification as a non-immigrant religious worker. INA Section 101(a)(15(R) is an R-1 nonimmigrant visa in which the foreign national is allowed to enter the U.S. for a maximum of 5 years. This is different from an employment-based immigrant visa under 4th preference in which the foreign national applies for an immigrant visa to permanently reside in the U.S. The Houston R-1 Religious Worker Visa Attorneys and the Houston Texas and U.S. R-1 Nonimmigrant Visa Lawyers have assisted various religious organizations to sponsor foreign priests, monks, and other religious workers to obtain R-1 Visa status. Please contact the Houston R-1 Visa Attorneys at Pham & Cloves, PLLC. for more information.

Under the Act, to qualify as an R-1 religious worker, the sponsoring organization must be a non-profit organization designated by the State and the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, the foreign national must come to the U.S. and work under a “religious vocation” or “occupation.” A religious vocation or occupation denotes that the person is devoting his or her life to the services of that denomination. Although a lay person can be sponsored under R-1 Religious Worker Visas, the person will have to demonstrate that such work would relate to the spiritual aspect of the religion. In addition, the person must have been a member of the denomination for at least 2 years prior to filing applications. R-1 workers can come to the U.S. on an initial 3-year period and can renew once for another 2 year period, totaling 5 years. After the initial 5 years period, the person must either reside in the U.S. permanently under an EB-4 immigrant petition or remain outside the U.S. for at least 1 year prior to reentry.

Finally, spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may also accompany the qualifying R-1 religious worker as an R-2. R-2 dependants are not allowed to obtain employment authorizations.

Who May Qualify As a Religious Worker?

A Minister, which can be defined as a decon, monk, priest, or a nun is qualified under an R-1 religious worker visa.
A person that is working under a professional capacity in a religious vocation or occupation. Professional capacity is defined under INA Section 101(a)(32) or has a bachelor degree or a foreign equivalent. A religious occupation is one that is related to the traditional religious functions, such as a cantor, translators, and religious broadcasters.

Previously, premium processing was available. Currently, premium processing has been suspended because of a number of fraudulent applications. It is the usual practice of USCIS to require all documents to show that the sponsoring organization is a non-profit organization. IN addition, it is a common practice in which investigating officer regularly visit the organization’s office, church, synagogue, temple, or mosque during the application process, as well as after the R-1 application has been approved. If the R-1 employee change employer, a new R-1 application must be filed by such employer. Lastly, the R-1 Application may be filed with the USCIS if the person is presently here in the U.S. An application to the U.S. Consular Office abroad is all that is required to file the R-1 Visa application for employee abroad. No application is necessary to file with the USCIS if the applicant is abroad.

The experienced Houston R-1 Religious Worker Visa Attorneys and the Sugar Land R-1 Immigration Lawyers at Pham & Cloves, PLLC. have previously assisted a number of religious groups in sponsoring religious workers. Please contact our Houston R-1 Immigration Attorneys for more information.

Assisting Clients Obtaining O-1 Visas With USCIS or Through U.S. Consular Processing & Application Procedures For O-1 Visas - HOUSTON IMMIGRATION & NATURALIZATION ATTORNEYS

spham — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:49:42 +0000

Because of the extensive requirements stated above, the Houston O-1 Visa Attorneys for Researchers, Athletes, Professors, Entertainers, and Performers must have sufficient time to prepare your application. The following application guideline is to assist you to work with one of our Houston O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa Attorneys and develop a strategy for your individual application.

The Houston Texas O-1 Visa Attorneys at Pham & Cloves, PLLC. will meet and consult with the applicant in our office to determine whether the intended employee qualified under an O-1 Visa for Outstanding Researchers, Athletes, and Entertainers.
A Partner and one or more of our Houston Immigration Lawyers at Pham & Cloves, PLLC. will visit the employer, HR executives, and hiring managers onsite to answer any questions or concerns, as well as to assist the employer in obtaining required documents for such application. At Veritas, we believe that effective representation requires the attorneys to understand our client’s products, services, and line-of-business. As such, it is essential for our attorneys to have the ability to meet the hiring managers and executives, as well as human resource personnel and develop a strategy that benefits both the employer and the applicant.
If necessary, our Houston O-1 Visa Application Attorney will prepare a letter to the employer, analyzing the applicant’s qualifications so that employers can make informed decisions.
Prepare and gather documents and evidence and establish an exhibit to show our clients are qualified for O-1 Visas.
Draft and review a detailed cover letter, stating each requirement and evidence in showing that our clients are qualified for the visa application.
Finalize and submit the application package for our clients to review prior to filing the application.

If you feel that you may be qualified for an O-1 Visa, you are invited to contact our office for more information. Our Houston Immigration Attorneys will be more than happy to assist you on the phone and schedule an appointment for a personal consultation.

HOUSTON BLANKET L VISA ATTORNEYS - HOUSTON IMMIGRATION & NATURALIZATION ATTORNEYS

spham — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:40:15 +0000

Assisting Major Employers Transfering Employees Abroad & Moving The World.

Blanket L Visas

Major employers who have subsidiaries or affiliated companies abroad that regularly transfer executives and specialized knowledge skilled workers into the U.S. should take advantage of Blanket L visas instead of filing individual L-1 Intra-company Transferee applications. Under 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(l)(4), Blanket L visas are reserved for U.S. companies who (1) have annual gross income exceeding $25,000,000 per year in revenue, (2) employ 1,000 employees or more, or (3) who received at least 10 L-1 Intra-company Transferee within the past year. In addition, the employer must also qualify as stated below:

Have been an existing U.S. company for at least 1 year.

The company must engage in commercial trading, sales, or services.

The employer must have at least 3 combined affiliates or subsidiaries, either in the U.S. or abroad.

Additionally, because Blanket L is a specialized subcategory of the L-1 Visa for Intracompany Transferees, the foreign employee must meet all other requirements under L-1 visas. Finally, because the language of the blanket L regulations refers to specialized knowledge “professionals,” specialized knowledge workers are required to possess bachelor’s degrees to qualify under Blanket L applications.

Blanket L Application Process

The best way to utilize the employment-based options under the U.S. immigration laws is to develop an international strategy well in advance. The Houston Immigration Attorneys are experienced in helping international companies plan for their long-term foreign national recruiting needs, whether they involve the L-1 visa process or any other visa category.

The Houston Texas Blanket L Visas Attorneys at Pham & Cloves, PLLC. will meet and consult with employers, HR executives, and hiring managers in our office to determine whether the employers qualified for either an L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa or qualified for Blanket L Visas.
A Partner and one or more of our Houston Immigration Lawyers at Pham & Cloves, PLLC. will visit our clients onsite. At Veritas, we believe that effective representation requires the attorneys to understand our client’s products, services, and line-of-business. As such, it is essential for our attorneys to have the ability to see our clients’ worksite, working culture, and the environment.
Prepare and gather documents and evidence and establish an exhibit to show our clients are qualified for L-1 Visas, H-1B Specialty Worker Visas, and/or Blanket L Visas.
Draft and review a detailed cover letter, stating each requirement and evidence in showing that our clients are qualified for the visa application.
Finalize and submit the application package for our clients to review prior to filing the application.

Once the Blanket-L application is approved by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services in the U.S., our Houston Blanket L Visa Attorneys will draft detailed L-1 Visa applications in which the employee will submit to the U.S. Consular abroad for processing. As such, Blanket L visas take away the requirement to individually file with the USCIS, saving employers precious time and cost, and effectively allow employers to conduct business globally.

HOUSTON F-1 & M-1 STUDENT VISAS Attorneys

spham — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:26:57 +0000

F-1 Student Visas & M-1 Vocational Training Visas

Over the last 20 years, we have seen a large increase in the amount of foreign students, coming to the U.S. to fulfill their dreams of obtaining a U.S. education. For years, Houston Texas has been welcoming foreign nationals who bring talents, education, and experience to the city and state. Over the past few years however, several local Universities and Colleges made it possible for a number of foreign national students to be admitted into programs in accordance to U.S. immigration law and regulations. Here in Houston Texas, there is a large international student community that are currently enrolled in the Houston Community College Systems, the University of Houston Clear Lake, and San Jacinto College. Particularly, the Houston University Clear Lake has a large Indian and Vietnamese international student presence. The Houston F-1 Student Visa Lawyers at Veritas are proud to participate with the Vietnamese Student Association at UH - Clear Lake. The Houston F-1 Student Visa Attorneys at Pham & Cloves, PLLC. assist clients in preparation and in applying to colleges and university, as well as preparing and filing the F-1 Student Visa application through the U.S. Consular Offices abroad. Please contact the Houston Student Visa Lawyers and the Clear Lake F-2 Student Visa Attorneys at Pham & Cloves, PLLC..

Generally, there are two types of students visas available for foreign nationals who wish to come to the U.S. to study at the undergraduate and graduate levels (Note: J-1 and J-2 visas are occupational training visas and are not considered student visas). F-1 Student Visas are designated for foreign nationals who seek to obtain an academic degree and M-1 Student Visas are designated for foreign national students who seek vocational degrees. The Houston F-1 Student Visa Attorneys and the M-1 Vocational Visa Lawyers at Pham & Cloves, PLLC. will assist and guide you through the process of filing for an F-1 Visa or an M-1 Visa. Specifically, our services include:

Providing you with an initial consultation regarding your background and qualifications for either an F-1 Student Visa or an M-1 Vocational Training Visa,
Assisting you in identifying a possible school, locally in Houston Texas, or other schools in the U.S. that are approved by USCIS, contact the International Student Office, apply for enrollment and obtain an I-20 through the SEVIS system,
Prepare and organize applications and other evidence to document your qualifications under each respective categories,
Draft and organize the cover letter, detailing your qualifications for each requirement, and prepare the exhibits for submission,
Assist you in filing the application with the U.S. Consular abroad. If you are currently here in the U.S. under a different non-immigrant category, such as a B-2 visitor visa, our Houston Immigration Attorneys will assist you in changing your status to an F-1 or M-1 visa status.
Assist you in overcoming the presumption of immigrant intent and show that you do not have the intent to reside in the U.S. upon completion of your study. Overcoming this presumption is the majority reason why USCIS and the U.S. Consular Offices abroad have regularly denied student visa applications.
Counsel you on Consulate Interview and the filing process in your respective country (Note, each consular office has its own requirements in filing applications. Please consult our attorneys for more information),
Lastly, our Houston Texas F-1 Student Visa Attorneys will work with the U.S. Consular Officers abroad should any issue or concern arise.

Previously, foreign nationals must demonstrate that they are proficient in the English Language by passing the TOEFL or the IFELTS. However, more recently, international students do not have to demonstrate English proficiency through the SEVIS system, so long as their study program requires English as Second Language (ESL) courses. Because International student may have to pay three times the rate of in-state students in public colleges and universities, many foreign national find it appealing to attend community colleges, such as the Houston Community College System, or local universities, such as the University of Houston Clear Lake. Over the past 10 years, these schools have developed programs tailored to accommodate international students, especially those that are from Vietnam, China, Thailand, Korea, Nigeria, Kenya, India, and Pakistan. Please contact our Houston F-1 International Student Visa Attorneys for more information.

Houston & U.S. E-3 AUSTRALIAN SPECIALTY WORKER VISA ATTORNEYS -HOUSTON IMMIGRATION & NATURALIZATION ATTORNEYS

spham — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:20:25 +0000

General Information Regarding E-3 Specialty Worker Visas

E-3 Specialty Worker Visa were created to meet the demand of shortages of professional worker that is limited to 65,000 annual limitation by H-1B’s. However, EB3 Specialty worker visa is only reserved for Australian professionals and have clear advantages over the traditional H-1B visa. EB-3 visas are limited to 10,500 per year. This number is NOT within the 65,000 numerical limits of H-1B visas. Although similar to the H-1B visas, the E-3 visa has several key elements that are similar to the E category; and thus, the E-3 visas are more flexible for Australian nationals.

Australian professionals who are qualified under “specialty occupations”, as defined by the DOL, can come to the U.S. on E-3 Visas. “Specialty Occupation,” as defined under INA Section 214(i)(1). “Specialty Occupation” requires that the job embodies a specialized area of knowledge and a bachelor degree or an equivalent (2 years degree and 2 years experience or four years of experienced in a designated field). Also, similar to H-1B the employer must file a Labor Condition Application with the U.S. Department of labor prior to filing for the E-3 abroad.

Advantages of E-3 Specialty Worker Visas

Unlike H-1B, but similar to other E categories such as an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, spouses of E-3 visa holders may work for any employer in the U.S. In addition, the E-3 applications may be filed directly abroad at the U.S. Consular Office. If you are currently in the U.S., the Houston E3 Visa Attorneys at Pham & Cloves, PLLC. will assist you in filing a change-of-status application with the USCIS and apply for the E-3 Visa Status here in the U.S. Lastly, another advantage of the E-3 Visa is that it is issued on a 2-year basis but can be renewed indefinitely. So long as the foreign national can demonstrate that he or she does not have the intent to permanently reside and work in the U.S., the E-3 visa can be renewed. Though, this requirement is not usually scrutinized under the E categories.

How Do I File An E-3 Specialty Worker Visa

Because E-3 Specialty Worker visas are under the E category, it can be filed directly with the U.S. consular office in Australia. Speciaty Workers under H-1B, as well as Intracomapny transferees under L-1 must go through the duplicate process of filing with the USCIS and subsequently transferred or refile the applications with the Consular officer abroad. As such, E-3 visa applicants will save time and resources in filing directly in Asutralia. To assist in the preparation and filing of E-3 visas, the Houston U.S. Consular Processing Lawyers and the Houston E-3 Australian Specialty Worker Visa Attorneys at Pham & Cloves, PLLC. will provide you with the initial phone consultation and answering all your questions and concerns. In addition, our attorneys will prepare and organize a croevr letter (brief) documenting evidence and prepare the exhibits. Finally, our experienced U.S. Immigration Attorneys and our U.S. Consular Processing Lawyers will assist you through the consular processing interview. Our West Houston Nonimmigrant Application Lawyers have assisted many clients to obtain approved non-immigrant visas, even after an initial denial. Please contact the Houston Texas E-3 Australian Specialty Occupation Visa Lawyers at Pham & Cloves, PLLC. for a personal consultation.

B-1 and B-2 Visitor Visa Application Process - Houston B-1 & B-2 Visitor Visa Attorneys

spham — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:14:09 +0000

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 theHouston 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.

To review the full article and detailed information regarding this legal subject, please visit your website at http://www.immigrantionlawyerssinhouston.com / or contact our Houston law firm at 713-492-0337. This ar ticle should not be construed as legal counseling. Each legal issue must be reviewed and counseled by an experienced Houston attorney at PHAM & CLOVES, PLLC. Information regarding this particular subject can be found at this specific site ,http://www.immigrantionlawyerssinhouston.com/b1-b2-visitor-visa.html.Thank you for visiting out blog page.