Leesburg, Virginia Immigration Lawyer

Attorney for Visas and Green Cards Through Employer or Family Sponsorship in Leesburg

Through the immigration laws of the United States, people from other countries have many opportunities to live and work in safe communities and reunite with loved ones. However, these laws are complicated, and understanding the options that are available, the requirements that must be met, and the restrictions that may apply can be difficult for those without legal training. For residents of Leesburg, Virginia, The Estevez Group, PC provides legal guidance to help ensure that they can navigate the immigration system and achieve their goals.

Employment-Based Immigration

Foreign workers can seek employment in the United States, and they may receive sponsorship for immigration from an employer. The options for employment-based immigration may allow for temporary periods of work in the U.S. or permanent residence. Various categories of temporary employment visas and immigrant visas that provide Green Cards for employees may be available. These include:

• H-1B Visas: Limited numbers of visas may be available for qualified professionals in fields that require advanced knowledge, such as IT, engineering, or healthcare.
• O-1 Visas: People in fields such as science, the arts, or athletics may qualify for visas if they can show that they have extraordinary abilities and high levels of achievement.
• L-1 Visas: Certain employees, including managers, executives, and those with specialized knowledge, may receive authorization to transfer to the U.S. after working at a foreign branch of the same company.
• EB-1 Visas: Priority workers, including people who can show that they have extraordinary abilities in their fields, generally receive first preference for immigrant visas.
• EB-2 Visas: Professionals who have obtained advanced degrees and high levels of achievement in their fields receive second preference.
• EB-3 Visas: Skilled workers, professional employees, and people who are considered unskilled laborers receive third preference.
• EB-4 Visas: Special immigrants, including religious workers and certain members of the U.S. Armed Forces, receive fourth preference.
• EB-5 Visas: Immigrant investors who are planning to start a new U.S. business and create jobs for American workers receive fifth preference.

Our firm works with employers and employees in Leesburg, Virginia to prepare and submit applications for employment-based visas. We assist with employer compliance as they provide sponsorship, and we help to resolve any concerns that may affect an employment-based application.

Family-Based Immigration

Some residents of the United States can sponsor relatives for family-based visas and Green Cards. This process helps families reunite and build their futures together. Sponsorship options include:

• U.S. Citizen Sponsorship: Citizens can sponsor spouses, children, and parents for Immediate Relative visas. They can provide sponsorship for some other family members through Family Preference visas. Immediate family members can benefit from faster processing, but other family members will be subject to visa quotas, and wait times will be required.
• Lawful Permanent Resident Sponsorship: Green Card holders can sponsor their spouses and unmarried children. These visas fall under Family Preference categories, and numerical limits on the availability of visas will often lead to significant wait times.
• Fiancé Visas (K-1): A U.S. citizen can bring a foreign fiancé to the United States to finalize the couple's marriage. The marriage must take place within 90 days of the fiancé's arrival, and the foreign spouse can then apply for a Green Card.

Our firm provides guidance for families as they file petitions, and we make sure all documentation is accurate and that applications are submitted on time so that family members will be able to receive visas and Green Cards as quickly as possible.

Citizenship Through Naturalization

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization offers many benefits. To qualify for citizenship, applicants must meet certain criteria, and they will need to follow specific steps during the application process:

1. Determine Eligibility: Naturalization will be available after a person has held a Green Card for three to five years. Other requirements must also be met, including residing in the United States for a minimum amount of time.
2. File Form N-400: Submitting an application for naturalization along with supporting documents will officially begin the process of becoming a citizen.
3. Naturalization Interview: An applicant will meet with a government official and answer questions about their application, background, and qualifications for citizenship.
4. Tests of U.S. Civics and English Proficiency: Tests will be administered to make sure an applicant has an understanding of how the United States government functions and key facts about U.S. history. They will also need to show that they can understand, speak, read, and write English at a basic level.
5. Oath Ceremony: After receiving approval, a new citizen will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

The Estevez Group, PC helps clients prepare for each step of the naturalization process, addressing any challenges that may arise.

Contact Our Leesburg, VA Immigration Lawyer

If you need help with immigration matters, The Estevez Group, PC will guide you through the procedures that you will be required to follow while helping you resolve concerns that could affect you or your family. To arrange a free consultation, contact us at 703-829-5179. We can provide compassionate legal help while working with you to achieve your immigration goals.