Visas
U.S. Non-immigrant Visas
Are you considering visiting, working or studying in the U.S. and not sure what visas or visa you need to obtain? Under the U.S. immigration system there are two main categories of visas namely, the non-immigrant visas and immigrant visas (commonly known as green cards). If you are a non-U.S. citizen or legal permanent residence (green card), you will need a Visa to enter the U.S. unless you are a national from one of the visa waiver countries.
U.S. Visa Application
A visa is a document that allows a person to travel to the United States and stay for a specific amount of time. A U.S. visa may allow the person to leave and re-enter the United States as many times as necessary during the visa’s validity period.
There are different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. For example, you may require a student visa if you are studying in the U.S., a tourist visa if you are visiting for pleasure or business, or a work visa if you’re employed by a U.S. company. Each type of visa has different requirements and restrictions, so it is important to research your options before applying for a visa.
What are the requirements of a U.S. Visa?
The U.S. government regulates the visa application process, and each individual must meet certain requirements before being issued a visa. Common requirements include providing proof of financial resources and submitting to a security background check by law enforcement agencies. You may also need to provide evidence of your relationship with family members already living in the United States or proof of education and/or work experience.
After the application is approved and a visa is issued, it must be presented to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official at the port of entry when you enter the country. The CBP official will determine if your visit is authorized for a specific amount of time based on the type of visa that has been issued.
As a general rule, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations associated with obtaining a U.S. visa and maintaining legal status in the country. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in deportation or other consequences, so it is important to be familiar with all applicable laws before making your travel plans. In addition to the visa application requirements, it is important to be aware of any fees that may be associated with applying for or maintaining a visa. The U.S. government has specific rules regarding when and how much you must pay for visas and other immigration services, so make sure you understand these requirements before proceeding with an application. A U.S. visa is an important document that allows you to visit the United States for any purpose. Understanding the application and eligibility requirements, as well as any associated fees, can help you make sure that your travel plans and stay in the United States are legal and compliant with all applicable laws.
Obtaining a visa is generally a first step you need to take when you plan your trip to the U.S. For those who are already in the U.S. with a valid visa, gaining a different visa within the non-immigrant visas categories is possible if you like to change your status from one visa category to another such as from a F-1 student visa to a work based visa.
Family Visas | Work Visas | Investment Visas | Other Visas |
Fiancée Visa | H1B Visa | E1 Visa | F1 Student Visa |
Visitor Visa | L1 Visa | E2 Visa | B1/B2 Tourist Visa |
O Visa |
Experienced Chicago Immigration Attorneys

If you are considering visiting or studying in the United States and need assistance with your visa application, Cipolla Law Group is the perfect choice for your needs. Our team of experienced Chicago immigration attorneys provide comprehensive legal services that help navigate you through the complex U.S. visa application process. From understanding the different types of visas available and eligibility requirements, to providing advice on fees and any other immigration services, we can help you obtain the visa you need for your travels.
Contact us today or call 773-687-0549 today to learn more about how we can assist with your U.S. visa application and make sure that all of your travel plans are compliant with the law. We look forward to hearing from you!