Atlanta Nonimmigrant Visa Lawyers Help You Travel To The United States
Coming to Atlanta for a semester at Georgia Tech, a business conference at the Georgia World Congress Center, or a visit to family members in Gwinnett?
Whether you plan to travel for school, work, or personal reasons, you’ll need a nonimmigrant visa.
Our Atlanta lawyers are here to guide you through the process, help you avoid common mistakes, and maximize your chances of approval.
Need Help With A Nonimmigrant Visa?
Why Work With An Atlanta Nonimmigrant Visa Attorney?
Nonimmigrant visas come in many forms, each with its own rules, forms, and supporting documentation.
When you choose our Atlanta nonimmigrant visa lawyers, you get:
- Clear guidance on which visa fits your situation
- Step-by-step support with applications and filings
- Careful preparation for consular or USCIS interviews
- Close monitoring of your case’s status so nothing slips through the cracks
- Compassionate representation in case of complications
Nonimmigrant Visa Trends & Atlanta’s Global Connections
- In fiscal year 2023, U.S. embassies and consulates around the globe issued more than 10.4 million nonimmigrant visas.
- In 2022, three states, including Georgia, accounted for 35% of all H-2A visas issued for temporary agricultural workers nationwide.
- In 2023, Georgia welcomed 1.2 million international visitors many of whom entered the state on temporary nonimmigrant visas.
- Georgia is a hub for seasonal workers, international students, and religious visitors, many of whom rely on nonimmigrant visas to legally enter and remain in the U.S.
- Atlanta regularly welcomes global visitors for international conventions, music festivals, and major sporting events.
Who Needs A Nonimmigrant Visa In Atlanta?
Coming to the United States for a week, month, or a year? You may need a nonimmigrant visa for:
- Studying at a U.S. college or vocational program
- Working in a specialty occupation or seasonal job
- Participating in a cultural exchange program
- Receiving medical care
- Attending a business conference, music festival, or family anniversary
We’ll break down your visa options and help you figure out which one best matches your reason for visiting Atlanta.
What About The Visa Waiver Program?
Some people can enter the U.S. without a visa if they are planning to stay for a short while and are coming from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Instead, they can apply online for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and visit the U.S. for up to 90 days.
Want to know if you qualify? Our Atlanta nonimmigrant visa attorneys will confirm your eligibility and guide you through the process.
Common Nonimmigrant Visas For Your Trip To Atlanta
At Spar & Bernstein, we handle different nonimmigrant visas for traveling to Atlanta.
Business professionals often apply for B-1 visas, while tourists and those traveling for medical treatment typically use B-2 visas.
Students pursuing degrees at Georgia Tech, Emory University, or other educational institutions rely on F-1 visas, while vocational learners may qualify for M-1 visas.
Cultural exchange participants often enter on J-1 visas, and skilled workers in specialized industries file under the H-1B category.
Seasonal agricultural and hospitality workers use H-2A and H-2B visas, and individuals with extraordinary talent in arts, sciences, or athletics apply for O-1 visas.
Atlanta also welcomes religious workers on R-1 visas, as well as treaty traders and investors under the E-1 and E-2 categories.
If you are reading this, you may already feel confused by this variety of visa types. Talk to our Atlanta nonimmigrant visa lawyers to understand which is the right fit for you.
How To Apply For A US Nonimmigrant Visa
Applying for a nonimmigrant visa to travel to Atlanta involves several important steps.
First, you’ll need to choose the right visa category. Then, you’ll complete Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application and pay the fee for your category.
Once that is done, you’ll schedule a consular interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. Before your appointment, collect all required documentation, including your passport, photos, the DS-160 confirmation page, and any supporting evidence.
During the interview, you’ll answer questions about your plans and present proof of your intent to return home after your stay.
Not sure how to tackle the paperwork or what questions you’ll face in the interview? We’ll take care of completion and filing and will organize mock interviews, so you feel confident and prepared.
Trusted Guidance For Nonimmigrant Visas In Atlanta
Our skilled nonimmigrant visa attorneys in Atlanta provide end-to-end support for your Atlanta trip, from helping you choose the right visa category and preparing the needed documentation to assisting you with your consular interview.
With our team by your side, the process becomes clearer and less overwhelming.
Atlanta Nonimmigrant Visa Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can I Stay In The US On A Nonimmigrant Visa?
It depends on the visa type. Tourist visas generally allow stays of up to six months, while work or student visas may allow longer stays. Our attorneys will give more details about your visa.
Can I Change From One Nonimmigrant Visa To Another While In Atlanta?
Yes, in certain cases. For example, you may be able to switch from a student visa to an H-1B worker visa if you receive a qualifying job offer. To switch categories, you must file the appropriate petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before your current status expires. Our team of attorneys can help do that.
What Happens If I Overstay My Nonimmigrant Visa In Atlanta?
Overstaying a visa can lead to serious consequences, including bars on reentry and difficulty obtaining future visas. Contact a nonimmigrant visa lawyer in Atlanta before that happens for advice on your next steps. They’ll assist with filing for an extension, adjusting status, or applying for a waiver.
Can I Work On A Nonimmigrant Visa In Atlanta?
Some nonimmigrant visas like H-1B, H-2B, and O-1 visas permit work, while others don’t give you this right. Talk to our team at Spar & Bernstein to understand if and what employment opportunities you can pursue.
How Do Atlanta Employers Sponsor Foreign Workers On Nonimmigrant Visas?
The process for employers who want to bring foreign workers typically starts with a PERM certification from the Department of Labor. Then they must file a petition with USCIS, and present supporting documents to prove the eligibility for the respective visa type. Need help? We’ll ensure you stay compliant as we take care of filing and case tracking to ensure workers arrive legally and on time.
Can My Family Join Me On A Nonimmigrant Visa To Atlanta?
In some cases that will be possible. Our Atlanta nonimmigrant visa lawyers will look into the specifics of your visa type. If your loved ones are eligible, they will handle dependent applications to ensure your family can travel and stay with you legally.
How Can I Extend My Nonimmigrant Visa While Staying In Atlanta?
To extend your stay, file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, before your current visa expires. Attach an explanation about why you need more time, such as ongoing studies, medical treatment, or employment.
Why Can My Nonimmigrant Visas Be Denied?
Nonimmigrant visas can be denied due to incomplete applications, lack of sufficient evidence, failure to prove intent to return home, suspicion of birth tourism, or prior immigration violations. Consular officers may also deny visas if they believe your trip purpose does not match your visa category.
Can A Nonimmigrant Visa Lead To A Green Card In Atlanta?
Some nonimmigrant visas provide a pathway to a Green Card. Schedule a consultation with our attorneys to understand if you can switch from temporary status to permanent residency.
Why Is It Good To Work With An Atlanta Nonimmigrant Visa Lawyer?
You’re allowed to apply on your own, but even small oversights can lead to denials. We’ll help you avoid those costly slip-ups by reviewing your case, meeting deadlines, and providing professional support if complications arise. With professional support, you’ll not only feel more confident but will have more chances of approval.
Can I Enter The US Through Atlanta On A Nonimmigrant Visa?
Yes, regardless of which U.S. embassy or consulate abroad issued your visa, you can enter the United States through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Are There Quotas For Nonimmigrant Visas In Atlanta?
Some visa types, like the H-1B and H-2B, are subject to U.S. annual caps, while others, such as B-1 or B-2 visitor visas, don’t have caps. Our Atlanta nonimmigrant visa attorneys will explain what’s applicable to your visa type and track deadlines and caps.
How Early Should I Apply For A Nonimmigrant Visa If I Plan To Travel To Atlanta?
It’s best to apply several months in advance before your intended travel date because embassy wait times for interviews can vary depending on your home country. This is especially important if you’re applying for a student or work visa that requires additional documentation.
Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
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