It’s always wonderful to write about one of my favorite topics: Immigration. With over 20 years of experience as an Immigration Lawyer in the United States, I have represented thousands of Brazilian citizens in their immigration processes. Sometimes, a simple consultation is enough to explain that they don’t need to do anything more than apply for a tourist visa for business and leisure. Other times, it’s about analyzing a suitable path to the coveted ‘green card’ or American citizenship for an entire family. The only thing certain is that our office located in Miami, FL is always available to assist.
As this is the first edition of Skyline Magazine, I would like to provide an introduction to Immigration to the United States. In the upcoming issues, we will delve into the most common types of visas for Brazilians.
Firstly, if you have never visited the United States, it usually starts with a tourist visa (B1/B2). You would schedule an appointment at the United States Embassy in Brasília or at the nearest U.S. Consulate to you. The Officer who interviews you will want to see that you have strong ties to Brazil to ensure that you will return to Brazil after the visit. You prove these ties through business, education, property, and family connections in Brazil.
Secondly, after visiting the U.S., you may decide that you are interested in learning more. You might want to buy property in Miami, FL. You might want your child to study at Harvard. You might want to open a business in Texas. There are different visa options depending on your short-term and long-term goals. For example, when considering short-term goals, there are temporary visas for students, athletes, professionals, family-based visas, religious visas, journalist visas, diplomat visas, and more. When considering long-term goals, there are Permanent Residencies based on Employment for Multinational Managers or Executives, Extraordinary Abilities, Advanced Degrees, Exceptional Abilities, Labor Certification, Special Religious Workers, and Investors.
Thirdly, after determining your goals in the U.S., you should consult an Immigration Lawyer for a deeper understanding of your possibilities and probabilities. Together, you should be able to devise an action plan to start your path to your visa, permanent residency, or citizenship. Immigration is a constantly changing area of law that evolves depending on the political and economic situation in the United States. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with an experienced Immigration Lawyer before deciding to move to the United States.
In summary, there are different types of temporary and non-immigrant visas to visit the U.S. for periods ranging from six months to five years. There are employment-based permanent residencies (immigrant visas) and family-based permanent residencies (immigrant visas). There is no one-size-fits-all magic visa that is best for everyone. Each person visiting or moving to the U.S. has different priorities and needs that will guide their immigration path, and our firm is here to help guide you on your journey.
By Carmen Arce for SKYLINE MAGAZINE
Carmen Arce is a board-certified immigration attorney at Arce Immigration Law, P.A. in Miami.
* Carmen Arce is a renowned and highly respected immigration lawyer in the United States, with over 20 years of experience in her field. Her expertise and tireless dedication have made her a reference in the field of immigration law, helping countless people achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams of legally living in the U.S. Carmen leads Arce Immigration Law, which has a regular column in Skyline Magazine.
