Important Tips to Remember
The following article will give you important information which you need to know before beginning the immigration process.
Please remember that United States immigration authorities will consider current as well as past actions when processing your application – remember this when you read the tips below.
Tip #1: Do not try to trick the system!
Always tell the truth! U.S. authorities do not forgive people who violate immigration laws. Making false statements, violating the terms of your visa, using the wrong type of visa for entry and overstaying your visa will all get you deported and maybe even barred from entering the United States in the future, sometimes for the rest of your life! Any such actions will be part of your permanent record and will likely influence any applications you may wish to submit in the future.
Tip #2: Applying for an Immigrant Visa can stop you from visiting the United States on a Nonimmigrant Visa!
When you apply for an Immigrant Visa, you are expressing your intent to permanently move to the United States. This also shows that your connections with your own country are not strong. Since your chances of having your application approved are not known at the time you apply, and because the process can take many years to complete, this may cause U.S. authorities to think of you as a potential immigration risk if you attempt to visit the U.S. for a short period of time on a Nonimmigrant Visa.
While applying for an Immigrant Visa does not guarantee that you will not be able to visit the U.S. during the time your application is being considered, there is a strong possibility that you will not be allowed to visit the U.S. on a short trip unless you can show strong ties to your country. You should always consider this fact before you apply for an Immigrant Visa, especially if you have plans to visit the U.S. in the near future.
(Note: For the vast majority of employment-based immigration cases, however, the applicant is already working in the U.S. on a valid Nonimmigrant Visa when the Immigrant Visa is filed and need not worry about the above warning.)
Tip #3: Do not take this guide with you when visiting the United States!
Do not carry this guide with you if you plan on visiting the U.S. on a Nonimmigrant Visa. If your luggage is searched and this guide is found, it could show intent to stay indefinitely in the United States. As a result, you might not be allowed to enter.
Tip #4: Know when to hire a lawyer!
In nearly all business visa cases you should seek the assistance of a qualified immigration lawyer. These cases are complicated and often require their expertise. An immigration lawyer is also a necessity if you belong to any of the categories of people discussed in the previous chapter.
Tip #5: Take advantage of your Immigrant Visa while you can!
If you apply for and receive an Immigrant Visa after working in the U.S. for a few years on a Nonimmigrant Visa, please remember that it will expire after 6 months if you do not enter the United States with it! You need to enter the U.S. within these 6 months or else your visa will expire and you will have to start the process from the beginning again.