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The Orlando B1/B2 visa lawyers of Brown Immigration Law provide informed legal counsel in all areas of U.S. immigration law. Our mission is to foster growth and create lasting impacts for individuals and families in pursuit of brighter futures. We like to say that “bigger dreams begin with Brown.” If those dreams involve coming to America for a temporary stay, we are here to help.
What Is the Difference Between a B1 and B2 Visa?
B1 and B2 nonimmigrant visas, often called the “tourism” visas,” are for folks who do not plan to reside permanently in the U.S. They are issued for very specific reasons:
- B1 visa: This visa is reserved for individuals entering the U.S. temporarily for business activities. This may include attending business meetings or conferences, consulting with associates, negotiating contracts, or settling an estate. Individuals are not allowed to enter the U.S. to be employed or receive payment from a U.S. source.
- B2 visa: This visa is for tourist visitors – think vacation, visiting friends or relatives, participating in social events, attending musical or sporting events, or seeking medical treatment. Study, work, or paid performances are not allowed under a B2 visa.
Eligibility for B1 and B2 visas in Orlando
To be eligible for a B1 or B2 visa, you must prove the following:
- Your intended stay in the U.S. is temporary; you are not going to “overwarm” your welcome with an extended stay.
- You have enough funds to cover all expenses while staying in the U.S.
- You have strong, enduring social and economic ties to your foreign residence and have no intention of abandoning it. In other words, you plan on going back home.
How an Orlando B1/B2 Visa Attorney from Brown Immigration Law Can Help
The U.S. immigration process has a complex set of rules best reviewed with an Orlando immigration attorney. Brown Immigration Law’s knowledgeable lawyers work diligently to ensure that the requisite forms are completed correctly, all procedural and eligibility requirements are met on time, and that you have the information you need to understand the immigration process.
We understand that B1/B2 visas can be challenging, but this process can be streamlined and made less stressful with proper counsel. Taking a concierge approach, our experienced immigration attorneys in Orlando are dedicated to finding the best solutions to accomplish your goals.
Changing a B1 or B2 Visa to a Green Card
If you or a loved one is currently in Florida on a B1 or B2 visa and wishes to transition to a green card (lawful permanent resident status), the experienced, confident, and dependable Orlando B1/B2 visa lawyers can help you continue living the American Dream.
Floridians can apply for a green card without leaving the U.S., provided that specific eligibility criteria are met.
- You have entered the U.S. legally: You were inspected and admitted or paroled into the U.S.
- You have maintained lawful status: Your B1/B2 visa status is still valid, and you haven’t violated its terms.
- You have not engaged in criminal acts: You have committed no crimes that would make you ineligible for a green card.
- You have not misrepresented any information on a visa application or at a port-of-entry when seeking admission.
If your original reason for coming to the U.S. changes – if you came to supervise a project, for example, and are offered a permanent position in Florida – then you can apply for a change of status. This process can be difficult to do on your own; there’s quite a bit of paperwork, and your deadlines are strict. Furthermore, there are procedural rules in place that must be followed, or you could be denied the change.
Getting an Extension for Your Visit to Florida
Once on American soil, many of our clients wish to extend their stay. The B visa allows you to stay for up to six months, and clients may need longer than that. We can assist you with seeking an extension for your B1 or B2 visa.
As a word of caution, the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends that applications for extensions be filed at least 60 days before an authorized stay expires. This reduces the risk of you overstaying your visa, which can create additional problems later.
Assisting Nonimmigrants Here Under the Visa Waiver Program
In certain circumstances, a traveler from a participating country can enter the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit for stays of up to 90 days or less through the Visa Waiver Program. Of course, the legal team at Brown Immigration Law can help you determine eligibility and walk you through each step.
Representing Visa Holders Facing Legal Challenges to Their Stay
Not every visitor’s path to America is an easy one. Some visa applicants and holders may face additional scrutiny, or bars to travel. Our B visa attorneys in Orlando can help with concerns like:
- Failure to prove strong ties to your home country to demonstrate that you are likely to return home after your visit.
- Previous immigration violations, like overstaying a past visa or working illegally in the U.S.
- Vague or unconvincing travel purposes that do not convince consular officers of your genuine intention to enter the U.S.
- Insufficient evidence of funds to prove that you can afford your trip without working in the U.S.
- The presence of a criminal history that can make you inadmissible.
- A record of past visa denials that may be a cause for concern if there are no changes in circumstances.
Do You Have an Immigration Lawyer Near Me?
Brown Immigration Law has an office in Orlando, located at 11 N Summerlin Avenue, Suite 225B. We’re right on the corner of Summerlin and Central Ave. There is plenty of onsite parking, and the bus stop is right across the street. We maintain additional offices in Cleveland and Columbus, OH, Durham, NC, and Tampa, FL.
Contact Our B1/B2 Visa Attorneys in Orlando for Help
With offices throughout the country, Brown Immigration Law is well equipped to serve you. Call us at 888-861-4414 or contact us online to share the details of your case. We understand how important it is for you to achieve a timely resolution to your case and look forward to guiding you through the entire process.
Providing immigration solutions in Florida, Ohio, and North Carolina. Contact us today for a personalized consultation.
