Nonimmigrant Visa Lawyer In Los Angeles, CA: Trusted Help For Temporary US Visas
Planning a short visit to the United States to visit family or seek urgent medical care? Coming for work or study? Our Los Angeles nonimmigrant visa attorneys at Spar & Bernstein are here to provide legal guidance.
With more than 60 years of immigration experience, we’ve helped thousands of people like you successfully obtain the nonimmigrant visas they need.
Need Help With A Nonimmigrant Visa?
Why Choose A Los Angeles Nonimmigrant Visa Attorney From Spar & Bernstein?
When you hire our Los Angeles nonimmigrant visa lawyers, you get both legal experience and a compassionate partner who understands how important your trip is for your career, health, or reuniting with family.
We’ll identify the type of visa you need, prepare and file your visa application, and help you prepare for your USCIS or consular interview, avoiding common mistakes that could delay your application.
Los Angeles Nonimmigrant Visa Trends
- 10.4 million nonimmigrant visas were issued by 230 U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide in fiscal year 2023.
- Each year, Los Angeles hosts hundreds of international events, from business conventions at the Los Angeles Convention Center to the Los Angeles Fashion Week and the Academy Awards. These events draw millions of visitors, many coming to the U.S. on nonimmigrant visas.
Who Needs A Nonimmigrant Visa?
A nonimmigrant visa is for people who come to stay in the U.S. temporarily. It doesn’t provide a direct path to a Green Card.
Depending on your reason for visiting, whether it’s attending a business meeting, reuniting with loved ones, or starting a college program, you might need a nonimmigrant visa.
You can also use a nonimmigrant visa for work if you’re coming as a seasonal worker or planning to work in a specialty occupation for a short term.
Deciding which type of nonimmigrant visa you need may be quite confusing. This is where our nonimmigrant visa lawyers in Los Angeles come, explaining your options and helping with the process.
Common Nonimmigrant Visa Categories We Handle
Every visa tells a story: pursuing a dream, investing in your career, or visiting a place you’ve wanted to see for a long time. Here are some of the nonimmigrant visa types we most often help with:
- B-1 Visa: Business visitors
- B-2 Visa: Tourists or those seeking medical treatment
- F-1 Visa: Academic students
- M-1 Visa: Vocational school students
- J-1 Visa: Cultural exchange participants
- H-1B Visa: Temporary workers in specialty occupations
- H-2A / H-2B Visas: Seasonal agricultural and non-agricultural workers
- O-1 Visa: Individuals with extraordinary ability in their field
- R-1 Visa: Religious workers
- E-1 / E-2 Visas: Treaty traders and investors
- C-1/D Visa: Crew members transiting through U.S. ports
Each visa type comes with specific requirements and calls for distinct supporting documents. Before you submit any paperwork, speak with a local immigration lawyer who understands the unique challenges of nonimmigrant visa applicants.
Your Step-By-Step Guide To Applying For A U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa
While each visa type is unique, most applicants follow a similar path.
- Choose your visa type based on the reason for your visit, whether it’s business, study, or tourism.
- Fill out Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
- Pay the application fee for your visa category.
- Schedule and attend your interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate (Read our guide on how to prepare for a visa interview). Bring along your passport, photos, DS-160 confirmation page, and supporting evidence.
What If I’m Eligible For The Visa Waiver Program?
If you’re from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you might not need a visa at all.
All you’ll need is a biometric passport and an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application to enter the U.S. for a short visit. You can stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days.
Not sure if you can travel the United States without a visa? Let our Los Angeles immigration team guide you through the process.
Experienced Support for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Los Angeles
Whether you’re flying to the U.S. for a cousin’s wedding, a new job, or medical care not available at home, our Los Angeles-based immigration team is here to guide you every step of the way.
We’ll take care of the entire process, from filling out your application to prepping you for your interview.
Los Angeles Nonimmigrant Visa Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Visa To Visit Los Angeles For Tourism?
Yes, if your country is not on the Visa Waiver Program list, you’ll need a B-2 tourist visa.
Can I Work In Los Angeles With A Nonimmigrant Visa?
Only if your visa category allows it, for example, if you hold an H-1B, L-1, or O-1 visa, which allows employment. If you have a B-1/B-2 or F-2 visa, you’re not permitted to work in the U.S.
How Do I Apply For A Nonimmigrant Visa?
To apply for a nonimmigrant visa, fill out Form DS-160 online, pay the visa fee, schedule a visa interview, and attend the interview. If you need legal support, our knowledgeable team at Spar & Bernstein can help with your application.
What Is The DS-160 Form?
Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is a document you must fill out to apply for a nonimmigrant visa. This typically happens before you’re scheduled for a visa interview.
Can I Change My Visa Type After Arriving In Los Angeles?
In some cases, you may have the right to switch to another visa category through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Consulting with a trusted lawyer will help you identify the best fit depending on your goals and eligibility.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Nonimmigrant Visa?
Processing a nonimmigrant visa can take anywhere between a few days and several months, depending on your visa type, country of application, and U.S. Embassy workload.
What Happens If My Visa Is Denied?
If your nonimmigrant visa application is denied, you’ll receive a written explanation with the reasons. You may reapply or appeal the decision.
Can I Visit Family In Los Angeles With A B-2 Visa?
Yes, you can travel on a B-2 visa to visit friends and family, receive medical treatment, or explore the country.
Can I Study In Los Angeles With A Tourist Visa?
No, if you want to study, you must apply for an F-1 or M-1 student visa. Enrolling in classes while on a B-2 visa is a violation of immigration law and can lead to serious consequences.
Can I Bring My Family To Los Angeles On A Nonimmigrant Visa?
Some visa categories allow dependents. As a principal applicant, your spouses can use visa types like H-4, L-2, and F-2 visas to join you in Los Angeles.
What Is A Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
The VWP allows citizens of certain countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. Note that the first step in the process is applying for ESTA.
What Is An ESTA?
ESTA is an online authorization for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program. You must have an ESTA approval before boarding your flight.
What If My Visa Expires While I’m In Los Angeles?
You must leave Los Angeles before your authorized stay expires, which is different from your visa validity. Overstaying your visa can lead to penalties or future visa denials.
Can I Extend My Nonimmigrant Visa?
Certain visas can be extended by filing Form I-539 before your authorized stay ends. Talk to our Los Angeles nonimmigrant visa lawyers to get the best advice for your situation.
Do I Need A Lawyer To Apply For A Nonimmigrant Visa?
While not mandatory, working with an experienced Boston nonimmigrant visa attorney increases your chances of success and minimizes costly delays due to incorrect completion and filing.
Can I Travel If I Have A Nonimmigrant Visa And Waiting For A Green Card?
It depends on your visa type and intent. Consult our team at Spar & Bernstein to determine if travel is safe in your situation.
Can I Work On An F-1 Student Visa?
You may be eligible for on-campus jobs, Optional Practical Training (OPT), or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) jobs, depending on what your school allows.
What’s The Difference Between A Visa And A Status?
A visa allows you to enter the U.S. Your status determines how long you can stay.
Can I Travel To Los Angeles Multiple Times On The Same Visa?
That’ll be possible if you have a multiple-entry visa. If your visa is single-entry, you’ll need a new one each time you leave and re-enter.
What Are The Risks Of Visa Fraud?
Giving false information or using fake documents can lead to permanent bans from entering the U.S.
Can I Travel To Los Angeles For Medical Treatment On A Nonimmigrant Visa?
Yes, you’ll need a B-2 visa for such a trip. You’ll also have to prove you need the treatment, it’s available in the U.S., and you’ll be able to cover all related costs.
Is There Premium Processing For Nonimmigrant Visas?
Some employment-based visas, like H-1B or O-1, allow premium processing for faster USCIS decisions. This option is not available for all categories.
What Is Administrative Processing?
Administrative processing involves additional review after you’ve attended your interview. This can take days to months, depending on security checks and document verification.
What’s The Best Way To Prepare For A Visa Interview?
Gather all necessary documents, dress professionally, and answer questions clearly and honestly. Our attorneys can help you prep by organizing a mock interview.
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.
View Brad's Bio