Immigration Attorney Glendale

Top Immigration Lawyer in Glendale

An immigrant visa allows a foreign national to reside in a foreign country permanently. They are typically granted to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as a job offer, family member sponsorship, or lottery selection.

Obtaining an immigrant visa can be complex, involving multiple steps and a significant amount of documentation. This is why people may work with an immigration lawyer in Glendale or a U.S. immigration lawyer in Glendale to help them with the process.

For successful immigrants, an immigrant visa can provide the opportunity to live, work, and build a new life in a foreign country. Working with the best immigration lawyer in Glendale, CA, can make this process smoother.

Regarding immigration, the United States is counted as one of the top destinations. There are several reasons people may immigrate to the country. Here are some of them;

• Economic Opportunities: The United States has a strong economy and job market, which attracts individuals seeking better job prospects and financial stability. Many Glendale residents work in thriving industries like healthcare, technology, and entertainment, which contribute to the city’s economic growth.
• Family Reunification: Many individuals immigrate to the United States. to join family members already living there. Glendale is known for its diverse communities, including a large Armenian population, making it a hub for family reunification.
• Education: The U.S. has many top-ranked universities, making it a popular destination for international students seeking higher education opportunities. Glendale is home to reputable schools and is in close proximity to prestigious universities like UCLA and USC.
• Political Freedom and Safety: Some individuals flee their home country due to political oppression or unrest and seek asylum in the United States. Glendale, known for its welcoming and inclusive environment, offers a safe haven for many seeking political freedom.
• Adventure and Cultural Experience: For some, immigrating to the United States is an opportunity to experience a new culture and way of life. Glendale, with its vibrant cultural scene, including the Alex Theatre and Brand Library & Art Center, offers a rich cultural experience.

These are just a few reasons people choose to immigrate to the United States, and every individual’s story is unique. To fast-track the process, an immigration lawyer in Glendale can guide you. The best immigration lawyer in Glendale can provide expert advice and assistance.

The Different Types of U.S. Immigrant Visas

Similar to nonimmigrant visas, immigrant visas are divided into several categories. Below are the two major categories of this kind of visa;

Family-Sponsored Visas

Immediate relative visas and family immigrant visas allow individuals to permanently join their close family members who live in the United States.

This includes parents, spouses, children, unmarried and married sons and daughters, siblings, and fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens and spouses, children, and unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents. To be eligible for this category of visas, you must have a qualifying family relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This visa type is further divided into the following categories;

• Immediate Relative (IR) Visas: This category includes visas for the spouse or unmarried minor child of a U.S. citizen or parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old.
• Family Preference (FP) Visas: This category includes visas for family members united or permanent residents who are not considered immediate relatives, such as adult children.
• K visas:  This category includes visas for the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen and their dependents.
• Adoption visas: This category includes visas for children who are adopted as U.S. citizens and seek to immigrate to the United States.

Each type of family-sponsored visa has specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and required documentation, so it is important to carefully review the requirements before applying and to consider working with a U.S. immigration lawyer in Glendale to help you stay on the right track. The best immigration lawyer in Glendale, CA, can help you navigate these requirements effectively.

Employer-Sponsored Visas

A U.S. employer sponsors employer-sponsored visas for individuals who want to work in the United States. There are several different categories of employer-sponsored visas, including:

EB-1 Visas:

• This category is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, arts, education, business, or athletics
• No labor certification is required
• Priority workers who are at the top of the employment-based visa queue

EB-2 Visas:

• This category is for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in their field.
  Requires a labor certification and job offer from a U.S. employer, unless the individual is exempt through a national interest waiver.

EB-3 Visas:

• This category is for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree, skilled workers, or unskilled workers
• Requires a labor certification and job offer from a U.S. employer.

EB-4 visas are employment-based visas for certain special immigrant groups, such as:

• Religious workers
• Special Immigrant Juveniles
• Certain broadcasters
• Certain retired officers or employees of a G-4 international organization or NATO-6 civilian employees and their family members;
• Certain employees of the United government who are abroad and their family members;
• Members of the U.S. armed forces;
• Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone government employees;
• Certain physicians licensed and practicing medicine in a U.S. state as of Jan. 9, 1978, and Noncitizens who have supplied information concerning a criminal organization or enterprise or a terrorist organization, enterprise, or operation (S nonimmigrants).

EB-5 visas are employment-based visas for individuals who invest in a new commercial enterprise in the United States:

• Require a minimum investment of $1.8 million (or $900,000 in a targeted employment area)
• Must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
• Investment must be in a commercial enterprise that is a for-profit business
• Individuals must be actively involved in the management of the enterprise

Process of Applying for an Immigrant Visa

Applying for an immigrant visa can be full of complexities and involve many legal intricacies. An immigration attorney Glendale can help you successfully navigate through the process. The process typically involves several steps:

1. Determine Eligibility:  The first step is determining if you are eligible for an immigrant visa based on your family relationship, employment, or other grounds for immigration.
2. File a Petition:  If you are eligible for an immigrant visa, the next step is filing a petition on your behalf. For family-sponsored visas, this is typically done by a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. For employment-based visas, this is done by a U.S. employer.
3. Obtain NVC Case Number: If the petition is approved, the petitioner will receive a unique NVC case number. This only happens after the petition is approved.
4. File a Visa Application: Once a visa number is available, you can file a visa application with the U.S. Department of State. This typically involves completing forms, providing supporting documentation, and paying fees.
5. Attend an Interview:  Depending on the visa category, you may be required to attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The interview allows a consular officer to review your application and ask questions to determine your eligibility for an immigrant visa.
6. Receive the Visa: If your visa application is approved, you will receive your visa and can travel to the United States to begin your life as a permanent resident.

Glendale Immigration Lawyer Dedicated To Delivering The Best Visa Solutions

It is important to note that applying for an immigrant visa can be complex and time-consuming. You may consider working with an immigration lawyer in Glendale to ensure your application is completed correctly and avoid potential delays or problems. The best immigration lawyer in Glendale can provide expert guidance.

Edith Nazarian has 10 years of experience and is a Loyola Law School, Glendale graduate. She became a licensed attorney in 2012 and is admitted in all Glendale superior courts before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Glendale and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. She began practicing at Berke Law Offices, Inc., in 2014 and began her law practice.

Edith Nazarian, an experienced immigration lawyer in Glendale, CA, is here to help you with all such requirements. Call (818) 748-8808 now to book your consultation, or schedule a visit to our office to discuss how to best proceed with your case, depending on your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions;

1. What is the process for obtaining a green card?
   • The process involves determining eligibility, having a family member or employer file a petition (Form I-130 or Form I-140), obtaining a case number from the National Visa Center (NVC), filing a visa application (Form I-485 for adjustment of status or through consular processing), attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and receiving the visa upon approval. Working with an immigration lawyer Glendale can simplify this process.
2. How long does the immigration process take?
   • The timeline varies depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances. Generally, adjustment of status in thU.S.S. can take over a year, while consular processing can take from a few months to over a year, depending on the case’s specifics and the visa backlog. A US immigration lawyer Glendale can provide more accurate timelines based on your situation.
3. What documents are needed for a visa application?
   • Typically required documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), police certificates, medical examination results, and financial documents. An immigration lawyer in Glendale, California, can help you gather and prepare all necessary documents.
4. Can I apply for a green card if I am already in the U.S.?
   • If you are eligible, you can apply for a green card by adjusting the status process without returning to your home country. Consulting with the best immigration lawyer in Glendale can help you understand your options.
5. What is a Fiancé(e) Visa, and who is eligible?
   • A Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1) allows a U.S. citizen to enter the United States and marry within 90 days. Eligibility requires proof of the relationship and the intent to marry. An immigration lawyer in Glendale, CA, can assist you in applying for this visa.
6. What is the difference between an immigrant and a non-imnonimmigrant
   • Immigrant visas are for individuals who intend to live permanently in the U.S., while non-immigrant visas are for temporary stays, such as tourism, business, or education. The top immigration lawyer Glendale can explain the differences and help you choose the right visa.
7. How can I apply for asylum in the United States?
   • You must apply for asylum within one year of arriving in the U.S. by filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, and attending an interview with an asylum officer. An immigration lawyer in Glendale, CA, can guide you through the asylum process.
8. What is the EB-5 Investor Visa Program?
   • The EB-5 program requires a minimum investment of $1.8 million (or $900,000 in targeted employment areas) in a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. An immigration attorney Glendale can help you navigate the complexities of the EB-5 program.
9. How can I check the status of my immigration application?
   • You can check the status of your application online through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website using your receipt number. Additionally, consulting with immigration attorneys in Glendale can provide additional support and updates.
10. What should I expect during my visa interview?
    • During the interview, a consular officer will review your application and supporting documents, ask questions about your background and the purpose of your immigration, and determine your eligibility for the visa. A good immigration lawyer in Glendale can help you prepare for this interview.

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