Our experienced immigration attorneys provide expert guidance for international students and visitors navigating F-1 student visas, B-1/B-2 visitor visas, and pathways to permanent residence. We offer tailored strategies for maintaining lawful status, changing visa categories, and planning long-term immigration goals.
International students and visitors require specific visa categories to maintain lawful status while studying or conducting business in the United States. F-1 student visas allow full-time enrollment at SEVP-approved educational institutions, while B-1/B-2 visas permit temporary stays for business meetings, tourism, and limited educational activities. SG Legal Group provides comprehensive guidance through the application process, maintenance of status requirements, and potential pathways to other visa categories or permanent residence through family or employment opportunities.
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We evaluate your current immigration situation, educational or business goals, and long-term plans to identify the optimal visa strategy and potential pathways to permanent residence.
Our team meticulously prepares all required forms, gathering supporting evidence tailored to your specific visa category and personal circumstances to build a compelling application.
We guide you through maintaining lawful status, advise on permissible activities, and develop strategic plans for status changes or adjustment to permanent residence when eligible.
Your legal concerns deserve expert attention. Connect with SG Legal Group for professional advice tailored to your needs.
If you are coming to the US for tourism, but would also like to take a short course of study that is less than 18 hours per week, you may be able to do so. However, if your course of study is more than 18 hours per week, you will need a student visa. Of the hundreds of thousands of students that come to the U.S. on a student visa annually, some run into immigration issues or have related questions. SG Legal Group is here to help!
Our office often handles applications for F1 visa, Changes of Status from B1/B2 to F-1, Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident based on Marriage of Employment.
For many students, the lengthiest part of the process is applying and being accepted into a U.S. academic institution. SG Legal Group’s help can be especially valuable after you have already accepted an enrollment offer.
Under certain circumstances, a change of status from B-1 or B-2 to F-1 is permissible. Before you apply for a change of your nonimmigrant status while remaining in the United States, you need to meet several basic requirements:
If you’re an F-1 student who recently married a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you can apply for a marriage-based green card to stay and live with your spouse in the United States. This process is officially known as “adjustment of status”.
Before applying, it’s important to be aware of your eligibility and any potential problems that may arise in the process. It’s also crucial to understand how timing can affect the success of your application.
If you’re married to a U.S. citizen, your spouse may start the process by submitting a form I-130 visa petition on your behalf. If you entered the US lawfully, you can also file for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) at the same time and get a green card without having to leave the US.
If you’re married to a green card holder, your spouse may start the process by submitting a form I-130 visa petition on your behalf. However, whether you may file for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) will depend on the Visa Bulletin and whether a visa number is available.
If you attain employment while studying, you can have your employer sponsor you. One option for students who are in the U.S. on F-1 visas and wish to become Green Card holders is to apply for an EB-1 visa, also known as first-preference employment-based visas. This visa is intended for foreign nationals with extraordinary abilities. If you cannot meet the stringent criteria for the first-preference EB-1 visa, you may be able to secure an EB-2 or EB-3 visa, which are the second- and third-preference employment-based immigration visa categories, respectively.
EB2 visas are reserved for people in the following three categories:
The EB3 or third-preference employment-based immigration visa is reserved for skilled workers, professionals, and certain other workers. Skilled workers must have a minimum of two years of work experience or training in their fields, a labor certification and an offer of employment for a permanent, full-time position for which there are no U.S. citizens available to fill it. Moreover, professionals must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and a job offer in their field. Unskilled workers must be able to perform unskilled labor work in the U.S. for which U.S. workers are not available and hold job offers.
Visitors who want to enter the U.S. temporarily for business (B-1 category) or tourism/ pleasure (B-2 category) or a combination of both purposes must obtain a B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa.
Some foreign nationals of certain countries may qualify for a limited 90-day entry with ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. All other foreign nationals will need to attend a visa interview abroad at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy before they can enter the U.S. as visitors. Canadians are visa exempt and do not need a visa to enter the U.S.
Generally, permissible B-1 business activities include work that is necessary and incidental to a B-1 visitor’s regular employment abroad. This covers a wide range of activities such as:
A business visitor may also come to the U.S. to secure funding for a new business. However, after securing the funding, the person cannot remain in the U.S. to start actual business operations or to manage the business or employees in the states.
Personal or Domestic Employees: Qualified personal or domestic employees may travel to the U.S. in B-1 status under certain circumstances when accompanying:
For long-term or frequent professional-level work, management, and other hands-on activities in the U.S., a foreign national must obtain formal work authorization through an appropriate visa category.
A B-2 visa is appropriate if the purpose of the planned travel is recreational in nature, such as tourism or visiting friends or relatives; is related to medical treatment; is related to activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature; or involves participation by amateurs who will receive no remuneration in musical, sports and similar events or contests.
Persons planning to travel to the U.S. for a different purpose including students, temporary workers, crew members, or journalists, must apply for a different category of visa.
The maximum period admission to the U.S. as a B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant is typically six months. However, the actual period of admission may be limited to the amount of time which is fair and reasonable for completion of the purpose of the visit.
It is important to note that individuals who develop a pattern of frequent travel as either B-1 or B-2 visitors may find that, over time, they are scrutinized more closely with each entry. B-1 and B-2 visitors should be prepared to show that they have strong ties abroad, such as employment, financial, and home ties.
Navigating specialized visa categories often raises important questions about eligibility and options. Here are answers to frequently asked questions, but please contact us for guidance specific to your unique situation.
Most students use the F-1 visa, which requires full-time enrollment in an approved U.S. school. You must show financial support and intend to return home after your studies.
Yes, but you must apply before your tourist status expires and cannot start school until it’s approved. USCIS also checks that you didn’t enter with the intent to study.
Yes, if the marriage is genuine and you entered the U.S. legally. You may apply for a green card through adjustment of status without leaving the country.
Yes, most travelers use a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visa unless they’re from a visa waiver country. Visits must be temporary, and you can’t work in the U.S.
We help you choose the right visa, gather strong documentation, and avoid common mistakes. Our guidance improves your chances of approval and a smooth entry process.
Informative articles written by Oleg Gherasimov, sharing expertise on immigration topics and news.
Your legal concerns deserve expert attention. Connect with SG Legal Group for professional advice tailored to your needs.