Start with the purpose of your trip
U.S. immigration law sorts every visa by purpose. Before comparing forms or fees, the key question is what you want to do in the United States, for how long, and whether you plan to stay permanently. A visa that fits your purpose is far more likely to be approved, and choosing the wrong one can make later applications harder.
Nonimmigrant visas: temporary stays
Most visas are nonimmigrant, meaning they're for a temporary stay with a specific purpose. Visitors use B-1/B-2 visas or, for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries such as Poland, ESTA. Students use F-1. Employees in specialty roles may use H-1B, which is subject to an annual cap and lottery. Investors from treaty countries may qualify for the E-2 visa, and people at the top of their field for the O-1 visa.
Immigrant visas and green cards: permanent residence
A green card makes you a lawful permanent resident. The most common route is through family. U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, children and parents, and green card holders can sponsor spouses and unmarried children. See family-based green cards for how that process works.
How we help
We start by understanding your goals, then recommend the route with the best realistic chance of success. We prepare the petition or application and the evidence behind it, file it, and prepare you for the interview at the consulate or with USCIS. As immigration is federal law, our California license allows us to represent clients wherever they live.
