Visas & green cards

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At The Kuba Law firm, our New York City immigration lawyers have extensive experience with visas and green cards. We are committed to helping people and families find the best possible solution for their situation. Our team of immigration lawyers invests time, resources, and personalized attention into each and every case. We are proactive. If you have questions about visas or green cards, please do not hesitate to contact our New York City immigration attorney today for a free case review.

An Overview of Immigration Visas

Broadly explained, a visa is an official endorsement (authorization) that is placed in a passport that permits a foreign national to enter, remain in, or transit through a country for a specified purpose and period. Under United States law, immigration visas are classified into two categories:

• Immigrant Visa: An immigrant visa allows a foreign national to enter the United States with the intention of obtaining lawful permanent residency (green card). Upon admission, the visa holder becomes a lawful permanent resident of the country. Immigrant visa categories are governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and they include family-sponsored visas. Notably, immigrant visas require approval from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Non-Immigrant Visas: A non-immigrant visa permits temporary entry into the U.S. for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, study, or temporary work. These visas do not confer lawful permanent residency. Common types include the B-1/B-2 visa for business or tourism, F-1 visa for academic study, H-1B visa for specialty occupation workers, L-1 visa for intra-company transferees, and O-1 visa for people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, or athletics. Non-immigrant visa holders must demonstrate an intent to return to their home country. Each type has its own specific eligibility criteria.

Understanding How Green Cards Work

A green card—or as it is more formally referred to a Lawful Permanent Resident Card—is a government-issued document that grants a foreign national lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the United States. It is a status that lets you live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. While it does not directly confer citizenship, it opens up the path to citizenship in the future if all requirements are met. Some of the most common ways to get a green card in New York City include:

• Family Sponsorship: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents) are prioritized. Preference categories exist for other relatives as well. Though, they are subject to certain statutory caps.
• Employment-Based Immigration: While not available for all types of employment-based visas, there are a few employment related immigration options that can potentially provide a path to a green card.
• Diversity Visa Lottery Program: A limited number of visas are granted annually to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States.
• Asylum Status: It may be possible to get a green card if you qualify for asylum in the United States. Indeed, after one year in asylee or refugee status, a person may apply for permanent residency.
• Special Categories: Some vulnerable people may also be eligible to get a green card. These categories include victims of abuse or trafficking under programs such as VAWA.

Why Trust The Kuba Law Firm, P.C. for Help With Your Visa or Green Card

Immigration is complicated. Whether you are applying for a visa or a green card, it is normal to have a lot of questions about your rights and your options. At The Kuba Law Firm, P.C., your fight is our battle. We have a proven record of winning results across a broad range of immigration law matters. We are proactive and driven by excellence. When you contact us at our New York City law office, you will have a chance to consult with an immigration attorney who is ready to:

• Conduct a free, confidential review and evaluation of your case;
• Assist you with a visa and/or green card application;
• Gather and prepare all supporting documents and records; and
• Take whatever action is needed to help you overcome any obstacles that might arise.

Visa and Green Cards: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly is the difference between a visa and a Green Card?
A visa is a temporary or permanent authorization to enter the United States. It is usually stamped in a passport and it is often issued by a U.S. consulate abroad. In contrast, a green card grants a person lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. That means that they can live and work in the United States indefinitely. Unlike a visa, a green card provides a direct path to American citizenship.

Can I work in the U.S. with a non-immigrant visa?
It depends. Only certain non-immigrant visas authorize employment in the United States. Some of the most common examples include the H-1B visa for specialty occupations, the L-1 visa for intra-company transferees, and the O-1 visa for those with extraordinary abilities. However, tourists (B-2 visa holders) and students on F-1 visas generally cannot work without separate authorization.

How long does it take to get a Green Card?
The processing times can vary. Indeed, there can be big differences based on the category of visa, your country of origin, the availability of the visa, and the complexity of your application. With that being said, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may receive a Green Card within a year, while certain employment or family preference categories can take several years or even more. Our New York City visa and green card lawyer can help you expedite the process to the maximum extent possible.

Contact Our Top Rated Immigration Attorney Today

At The Kuba Law firm, our New York City immigration lawyers handle all types of visa cases and green card cases. If you have any specific questions or concerns about your rights or your options, we can help. Get your free consultation now! With offices in New York City, Rockland, and Hauppauge, we serve communities throughout the region.