Visa Processing

Experienced Visa Attorney

For persons who are abroad and want to immigrate to the United States or who want to come to the United States as visitors or to work here temporarily, obtaining approval of an employment or family based petition in the United States is only the first step in the process. After a petition has been approved by the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), the foreign national must apply for a visa through the Department of State at a US Embassy abroad.

Even those already in the United States in a nonimmigrant category may have to leave the US and visa process abroad. For example, a student who entered the US on an F-1 visa and later changed status to H-1B cannot reenter the US after a trip abroad unless the F-1 visa is replaced. Similarly, a person whose visa is in the correct category but has expired must apply at a US Embassy abroad to renew the visa. Inability to obtain a visa in a new category or renew an expired visa can prevent travel outside the United States.

Visa processing abroad is often extremely challenging and if not done properly can result in delays or, in extreme cases, inability to return to the United States. US Consulates review applications already approved by USCIS and where problems are found, can send the application back to the USCIS for revocation. Greatly improved government databases and expanded interagency information sharing can lead to uncovering old criminal or immigration violations, which can result in visa denials or the necessity of complex waiver applications. High-tech or biomedical professionals who work in areas of "dual use technology" (technology that has both civilian and military applications) can find visa issuance delayed until appropriate clearances are issued. For these and many other reasons, it is generally advisable for foreign nationals processing for a visa abroad to discuss the issues thoroughly with an experienced immigration attorney before leaving the US.

Michael W Meltzer has nearly 20 years of experience in immigration law including with visa processing in US Embassies all over the world including India, all over Europe, Ciduad Juarez in Mexico and other locations in Central and South America, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, Manila, Philippines and many other consulates. Mr. Meltzer is a graduate of the Yale Law School and is AV-Rated under Martindale-Hubbell's Peer Review Rating System®.

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Law Firm of Michael W. Meltzer, P.C.
4225 SW Huber Street
Suite 410
Portland OR 97219

Ph:  503.892.6615
Fax: 503.892.8851