The VAWA Petition for Victims of Domestic Violence

Non-citizen victims of domestic violence can receive permanent residency through the Violence Against Women Act, also known as VAWA. Originally established in 1994, VAWA has helped establish several new protections for victims of domestic violence, as well as create programs to provide housing and assistance to those in need. Despite the name, VAWA does not only apply to women - anyone can take advantage of the Read More

The O1A / O1B Visa for Creatives, Artists, and Those With Extraordinary Ability in Business, Science, Education, Athletics – Most Fields

For those with abilities that set them apart, the O1A Visa is available as a non-immigrant visa with residency in the United States for up to three years, and the ability to keep applying for extensions of stay. The main requirement of this visa is that you are somehow distinguished in your field and have enjoyed ‘sustained acclaim’, either by national recognition or a record of extraordinary achievement. For those Read More

You May Be Eligible for a T-1 Visa, Regardless of Your Current Immigration Status

For anyone who has faced coercion in their work, the T-1 visa for victims of human trafficking may be able to provide both protection from harmful employers and safe harbor in the United States. Because abuse in the workplace is a frequent issue for non-citizens, this visa was created to provide protection to those who face difficulties in their work due to their citizenship status.  The T-1 visa is available Read More

The E-2 Visa for Investors & Essential Workers

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, or their employees who would like to establish a business within the United States, the E-2 visa may be your solution. These visas are provided on the basis of commerce, with the intent of bringing new businesses to the American market. Both the business owner and their essential employees can apply for E visas, which allows for their entry to the United States to develop Read More

Family-Based Immigration to the United States

For citizens or permanent residents who have family living abroad, the family-based immigration system allows their family members a simplified process for immigrating to the United States. Family-Based immigration is currently the largest source of immigration to the U.S., comprising about 65% of immigration per year, or over 80% of immigration in the past decade. Because most other forms of visa applications have a Read More

Am I Eligible for a T-1 Visa?

The United States Congress passed into law the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in 2000, creating protections for immigrants who have become victims of coercive labor practices in the U.S.or trafficking into the U.S. (including having to pay for work visas from abroad). Regardless of your documentation status in the U.S., if you were subjected to abuse from an employer, you may be eligible to Read More

U.S. Visas for Entrepreneurs

Many immigrant entrepreneurs have come to the U.S. and started businesses that changed entire industries. Google co-founder Sergey Brin came from Russia, former YouTube chief technology officer Steve Chen was born in Taiwan, and Instagram co-founder Mike Krieger was Brazilian. If you want to come to the United States and make your own business dream a reality, you’re in good company. Immigrants who want to start or Read More

Overview of EB-5 Visas

If you are not a current resident of the United States, you may be looking into the available options. As an investor, there may be specific opportunities you could pursue in order to obtain permanent U.S. residency.  One of the most popular are EB-5 visas. If you are interested in obtaining your EB-5 visa, get an experienced immigration lawyer at RelisLaw on your side. You can get started by calling our office at Read More

Should You Apply for an E-2 Visa?

Many types of visas that allow foreign nationals to lawfully reside in the U.S. require applicants to contribute, in some way, to the nation’s economy. Employers sometimes need specialized foreign talent to fill gaps in their workforce. Other times, foreign nationals may use their own money to get a U.S. visa. One of the most popular types of work-based visas is the E-2 visa, or treaty investor visa. Our firm has Read More

What to Know About Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petitions

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a federal law providing an avenue for abused individuals (women or men) to seek U.S. legal status. Normally, a non-citizen close family member without legal status must rely on the citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) family member to obtain legal status. This arrangement becomes untenable when the citizen or LPR inflicts extreme physical, emotional, or psychological Read More