U.S. Immigrant Visas: Your Path to Permanent Residency in the U.S.
U.S. Immigrant visas offer a pathway to obtaining a green card or permanent residency in the United States. At the law office of Alena Shautsova, our experienced New York Immigration attorneys specialize in helping individuals secure Family, Employment, and Investment-based immigrant visas. An immigrant visa can only be issued outside the U.S. at a U.S. consulate abroad, whereas individuals already in the U.S. may apply for permanent residency through an adjustment of status process.
Adjustment of Status Process
If you are in the U.S. and seeking permanent residency through an employment, family, or investment petition, the adjustment of status process is applicable. In some cases, individuals may self-petition for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status, such as those applying through classifications like I-360 (Special Immigrant or VAWA self-petitioner), I-140 (Extraordinary Ability), or DV Lottery. Additionally, individuals applying for U, T, or S status may qualify for adjustment of status.
Our dedicated team of immigration attorneys in New York assists with consular processing and National Visa Center (NVC) processing, as well as adjustment of status applications. We help you navigate the U.S. Immigration process by identifying the most suitable visa category, gathering necessary evidence, filing forms, addressing requests for additional evidence, and handling appeals, motions to reopen, and reconsideration requests. Our New York Immigration lawyers will also accompany clients to USCIS interviews and offer comprehensive support throughout the entire immigration journey.
Overcoming Admissibility Issues
One of the most crucial aspects of applying for an immigrant visa is addressing any potential admissibility issues. Our attorneys will evaluate your eligibility and help you navigate any challenges by submitting waivers as needed. Whether it’s a question of health, criminal history, or other grounds for inadmissibility, our team is here to help you overcome these hurdles and achieve your immigration goals.
Employment-Based U.S. Immigrant Visas
EB-1 Visa (First Preference) – For individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational executives and managers.
EB-2 Visa (Second Preference) – For workers with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in fields like science, arts, or business, benefiting U.S. national interests.
EB-3 Visa (Third Preference) – For professionals, skilled workers, and unskilled workers, including those with at least two years of experience, or professionals with a baccalaureate degree.
EB-4 Visa (Fourth Preference) – For special workers, including those in religious occupations or vocations, who have been a member of a religious denomination with a U.S. non-profit organization.
EB-5 Visa (Fifth Preference) – For individuals seeking to engage in a new commercial enterprise, creating jobs and contributing to the U.S. economy.
In the case of oversubscription, where more qualified applicants exist than available visas, U.S. immigrant visas are issued in chronological order according to the priority date. Categories such as EB-3 may experience waiting periods, sometimes lasting several years.
Family-Based U.S. Immigrant Visas
A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can petition for their foreign national relatives to immigrate to the U.S. Family-based immigrant visas are categorized into two main groups:
Immediate Relatives – Parents, spouses, and unmarried children under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen. Immediate relatives are not subject to numerical limits for visa issuance.
Preference Categories – Other close family members of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, including adult children and siblings, who are subject to annual numerical quotas. The higher the preference category, the sooner the applicant may be eligible for a green card.
U.S. citizens can petition for the following family members:
Husband or wife
Unmarried children under 21 years
Unmarried children over 21 years
Married children of any age
Siblings (if the sponsor is at least 21 years old)
Parents (if the sponsor is at least 21 years old)
Lawful permanent residents can petition for:
Husband or wife
Unmarried children of any age
Proof of the family relationship is required in each case to proceed with the petition.
Call Our U.S. Immigration Attorneys Today
If you are looking to immigrate to the U.S. through family, employment, or investment-based visas, our skilled team of immigration attorneys in New York is here to help. Whether you're navigating consular processing or seeking an adjustment of status, we’ll guide you through the entire process, ensuring your best chance for success.
For a consultation, call our U.S. immigration lawyers today at 347-465-5566 or fill out our contact form to get started. Our New York immigration attorneys are dedicated to helping you achieve your U.S. immigration goals with personalized, professional service.
