B-1 Visa Attorney in Chicago, IL
Providing Legal Guidance to Foreign Workers, Business Associates, and Tourists in Immigration Law
Whenever a non-citizen wishes to enter the United States, certain documents must be filed. The required documents change depending on the nature of the visit and have differing conditions and requirements that must be fulfilled. One of these documents is known as a visa, and there are different categories of visas. The one you apply for depends upon the reason for your trip to the United States. Two of the most common forms of visas are the B1 and B2, or business travel visa and tourist visa, respectively. It’s important that you apply for the right visa in order to ensure that you will be able to enter the country as planned.The immigration process is not easy. In fact, it is very tedious and arbitrary. Remember that the United States has the right to turn away visitors without the correct documentation at their discretion, so it’s wisest to take your time and complete the process properly. The burden lies on the applicants. If denied a visa, you may be eligible for a pardon if you qualify. A non-immigrant visa attorney from our Chicago law firm would be proud to assist applicants and their employers throughout the immigration process. Foreign nationals coming to the United States for business activities on a temporary basis are strongly encouraged to contact our law office for a free case evaluation.
What is a Non-Immigrant Visa?
While immigrant visas provide foreign nationals a pathway to becoming green card holders or, eventually, United States citizens, nonimmigrant visas are issued on a temporary basis with the understanding that the person applying for the visa will return to their country of origin once their visa has expired. Depending on the temporary visa category you apply for, your nonimmigrant visa will allow you to enter the United States for tourism, medical treatment, business opportunities, temporary work, or educational study.
If you wish to one day obtain a green card and become a legal permanent resident or later a United States citizen, then a temporary, nonimmigrant visa is likely not your favored legal option. Immigration laws are complicated, and it is essential that you understand your immigration status in the country.
Speak with experienced visa lawyers for legal assistance and better understand the differences between immigrants and non-immigrants.
What is the Application Process for Business Visitors and Tourists?
When applying for a B1 (business) or B2 (tourism) visa, remember that the burden is on you to show that you qualify to receive one. A tourist visa is good for ten years. This might be a bit confusing, so it’s important to keep in mind that the blanket presumption applying to visitors to the United States is that they are doing so with the intention to immigrate to the country. With this in mind, it is up to you to prove that this is not your intention.
In order to prove that you are not attempting to stay in the United States as an immigrant and that your visit really is just a visit, you must be able to demonstrate certain things. The following three are some of the main issues you will need to address in order to prove that you are qualified to receive a B1 or B2 visa.
You must demonstrate that the trip has a specific purpose, and that purpose is one of the following:
- Business
- Pleasure
- Medical Treatment
In addition, you must be able to show that you have strong family, economic, and financial ties to their home country – ties that will ensure they return to their home countries. The trip has a definite and clearly defined length – one that is temporary and short. The traveler also has to have an established residence that is located outside of the United States.
Should you feel confident you will be able to prove the above, then the next step is to travel to the Consulate or American Embassy with jurisdiction where the intended traveler lives permanently. It should be noted that while it is possible to apply for a visa at any United States Consular office abroad, doing so might be more difficult than simply applying in the individual’s country of residence. There is an application fee that must be paid, and that fee is nonrefundable. Additionally, if there is any reciprocity fee applicable, then the applicant shall be responsible for that as well.
There are a number of documents that must be submitted in order to apply for a B1 or B2 visa. These include the following:
- Form DS-160 (a Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form) that has been completed and signed
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity past the applicant's intended duration of stay in the United States
- A photograph, two square inches, demonstrating the applicant's full face in front of a light background (no head covering)
What Are Other Types of Non-Immigrant Visas for Foreign Workers?
The B-1 visa authorizes foreign nationals to travel to the US to conduct business temporarily. In most cases, the legal stay within the country lasts one to six months, with the potential option to extend to a full year in unique circumstances. Business activities that may qualify for a B-1 visa include negotiating contracts, short-term training opportunities, attending consultations, selling estates, and attending meetings.
E visas are for foreign nationals of home countries with unique friendship, commerce, or navigation treaties with the United States. An E-1 visa is usually granted to a traveler who is carrying out substantial trade with the United States and the treaty country. The E-2 visa may be provided to foreign nationals who are directing operations for a foreign company operating in the United States.
The L-1 visa is for intracompany transferees. The H-1B visa is for specialty occupations and those with extraordinary abilities in those occupations. The H-2A visa is for agricultural workers. The H-2B visa is for temporary non-agricultural workers.
What is the Application Process for Business Visitors and Tourists?
The visa application process can be confusing. Gilliam Law can help you complete your application and get the ball rolling! You don’t want to be turned away for a simple mistake, and we can help ensure that doesn’t happen.
Provided that you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to receive a temporary visa allowing you to reside and work in the United States temporarily. Our law firm has extensive experience assisting clients in the acquisition of nonimmigrant visas, and we would be proud to represent your interests in these matters.
To learn more about our legal services and how we may assist you throughout the immigration process, please contact our Chicago law firm to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation today. You can reach us at 866-511-3422.
JOURNEY TODAY –
GET A CASE evaluation
latest Articles
Your Guide to Fighting Your Deportation Case
Immigration courts seem to be handling more deportation cases every
What Are the Requirements for a Business Visa?
When people speak of getting visas to America, the conversation
Can a Friend Sponsor Me for My American Visa?
Visiting and immigrating to the United States can be a
1904 W. 47TH St. 
866-511-3422