Before a foreign national can enter the United States on either a temporary or permanent basis, he or she must obtain the appropriate visa. There are many types of visas that can be acquired, and the type of visa an international traveler needs will be based on his or her reason for wanting to enter the United States.  According to the U.S. Department of State, a visa allows an individual to travel to a port of entry, such as an airport, and request permission from the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection to enter the United States for the specific purpose stated on the visa.

The U.S. Department of State reports that millions of foreign visitors enter the United States each year for a multitude of reasons, and these various reasons include: 

• Travel/tourism
• Employment (permanent and temporary)
• Medical care
• Business
• Student/education 

There are two basic types of visas issued by the U.S. Department of State, and these two types of visas include immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas are generally issued to athletes, business visitors, international/cultural exchange students, visitors to the United States for medical treatment, journalists, entertainers, religious workers, academic or vocational students, tourists, temporary workers. Non-immigrant visas are issued to those individuals visiting the United States for a specific reason for a specified period of time. 

Immigrant visas are issued to individuals desiring to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. In order to obtain an immigrant visa, individuals must have a sponsor in United States apply for an immigrant visa on their behalf. Sponsors can include: United States citizens, lawful permanent residents, or prospective employers. Immigrant visas are typically granted to foreign-born individuals based on the following circumstances: 

• Foreign national is the spouse or fiance (fiancee) of a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident
• United States employer wishes to hire foreign national (i.e. priority workers, person of exceptional ability)
• Foreign nationals that are considered special immigrants (i.e. former United States government employees) 

While there are many reasons for which a foreign-born individual may apply for a visa, actually obtaining the required visa can sometimes be a complicated and time-consuming process. For these reasons, individuals seeking either a temporary visa or a permanent visa should contact Attorney James J. Munnis. Foreign-born individuals living in or desiring to travel to or live in Chester County, Pennsylvania, can count on the skilled and knowledgeable services of Attorney James J. Munnis.

Attorney James J. Munnis has the knowledge and experience of the visa processes and procedures and can offer professional legal advice to those beginning the process of obtaining a visa. Because a foreign-born individual’s ability to travel, work, or live in the United States depends on that individual’s ability to acquire the necessary visa, it is essential that the individual retain the services of an experienced attorney.  Attorney James J. Munnis and his staff will be an invaluable asset to those seeking to obtain either an immigrant or non-immigrant visa.