Immigration: Some Facts

To work or live in the United States, citizens of other countries need to file for appropriate visas or work permits, thereby obtaining a legal status. Once approved, these petitions and applications grant a particular status to the applicant or sponsor.

Most visas have to be filed within the United States with the USCIS, the Immigration and Naturalization branch of the Department of Homeland Security. Once the application has been approved on an individual basis, if outside the United States, the applicant has to apply for a visa at the U.S. Consulate at their place of residence. A visa is always given by the Department of State, stamped in the individual's passport, for a definite duration. A visa is a required document (with certain exceptions) in order to obtain entry into the United States.

On submission of the visa at the entry point, admission into the United States depends on the particular status and duration for which the visa is granted. Considering the threats to internal security, immigration laws are constantly changing to keep with the need of the hour. Hence it is important that you are aware, or at least approach the process with attorneys who are in the know of immigration policies. This, along with realistic expectations, a lot of patience and your complete co-operation with the legal expert, is important in attaining the immigration goal.

Having said this, allow us to explain and describe the various types of visas granted by the United States Homeland Security. Of course this is merely an explanation to understand immigration intricacies, although you need to discuss the circumstances and specifications of each individual visa, for the attorney to determine the course of action.

There are various types of visas, depending upon the purpose for which they are granted: non-immigrant visas and immigrant visas.