Boston Nonimmigrant Visa Lawyer

Boston Nonimmigrant Visa Lawyers With 60+ Years Of Experience 

Our Boston nonimmigrant visa lawyers at Spar & Bernstein have helped thousands of clients from around the world come to the U.S.

Whether you’re visiting relatives or friends, attending a conference, or coming for medical treatment, our team will help you choose the right visa.

Why Hire A Boston Nonimmigrant Visa Attorney From Spar & Bernstein?

Approaching each case with knowledge and compassion, we’ll guide you through the complex U.S. visa requirements. Our attorneys will:

• Identify the appropriate visa category based on your goals.
• Complete and file all needed forms and supporting documents.
• Help you prep for consular or USCIS interviews.
• Ensure you avoid common pitfalls that lead to delays or denials.
• Handle the legal legwork, so you can focus on planning your trip or managing your responsibilities with peace of mind.

Boston By The Numbers: Nonimmigrant Visa Trends

• In 2023, Massachusetts welcomed 52.3 million travelers who spent $23.6 billion and supported over 154,000 jobs.
• 2,001,080 nonimmigrant admissions were recorded through Boston-area ports of entry in fiscal year 2023.
• In 2019, Boston’s two major convention centers hosted 336 events with more than 830,000 attendees, including international participants.

When Do You Need A Nonimmigrant Visa?

A nonimmigrant visa allows you to enter the U.S. temporarily. It doesn’t grant you the right to live or stay permanently in the country.

You may need one if you’re:

• Traveling for tourism
• Participating in short-term business negotiations or activities
• Receiving medical treatment
• Studying full-time
• Taking part in a cultural exchange
• Working temporarily in a specialty occupation

Common Nonimmigrant Visa Categories For Boston Visitors

There are more than 20 types of nonimmigrant visas available for individuals who are planning to come to the U.S. some of which are:

• B-1 Visa: For short-term visits related to professional engagements, negotiations, or conference participation.
• B-2 Visa: For vacations, medical treatment, or visiting friends and family in the U.S.
• F-1 Visa: For full-time academic students enrolled in U.S. colleges or universities.
• M-1 Visa: For participants in vocational and technical training programs.
• J-1 Visa: For cultural and educational exchange participants, such as scholars, interns, or camp counselors.
• Q-1 Visa: For cultural exchange participants coming to the U.S. to share traditions and customs in U.S.-based programs.
• H-1B Visa: For individuals in specialty occupations with advanced education or training.
• H-2A Visa: For foreign nationals performing temporary or seasonal agricultural work.
• H-2B Visa: For temporary non-agricultural labor such as those employed in the hospitality or construction sector.
• H-3 Visa: For individuals coming to the U.S. for training not intended for employment.
• O-1 Visa: For individuals with demonstrated extraordinary ability or achievement in the sciences, education, business, or athletics.
• O-2 and O-3 Visas: For essential support personnel and dependents of O-1 visa holders.
• E-1 Visa: For treaty traders conducting significant international trade between the U.S. and their home country.
• E-2 Visa: For nationals of treaty countries making substantial investments in U.S. businesses.
• R-1 Visa: For religious workers entering the U.S. to work for a nonprofit religious organization.
• I Visa: For members of the media and foreign press traveling to the U.S. for professional assignments.
• C-1/D Visa: For crew members of international airlines or vessels transiting through the U.S.

With so many visa types available, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to start. Our Boston immigration lawyers will walk you through your options, help you narrow them down, and assist with your visa application process.

How To Apply For A U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa

While every visa type has unique requirements, the process for most applicants typically includes several common steps:

1. Determine the visa type you need based on your purpose of visit.
2. Complete Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
3. Upload a passport-style photo that meets U.S. specifications.
4. Pay the visa application fee for your category.
5. Schedule a visa interview with the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your home country.
6. Attend the interview. Make sure you have all required documents, including your passport, appointment confirmation, DS-160 confirmation page, and supporting evidence.

What Is The Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows nationals of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days.

To qualify for VWP, you must:

• Be a citizen of a participating country.
• Have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval.
• Have a valid e-passport.
• Meet certain entry requirements.

Not sure if you can enter the U.S. without a visa? Speak to a Boston nonimmigrant lawyer at our office to check your options.