U.S. Visa Services

Many international applicants are denied despite careful preparation. The cause is often not a lack of documentation, but a lack of understanding regarding the adjudication standards of the Consulate and US immigration legal regulations. First Consulting Group (FCG) – A law firm with over 23 years of experience providing reputable US visa services – will analyze in detail the various categories, along with specific situations that require a sound legal strategy right from the initial stages.

Non-Immigrant US Visa Services – Details from First Consulting Group

Many cases are denied not because of missing documents, but because they fail to meet the “non-immigrant intent” standard. The key factor that the consular officer evaluates is the level of ties to the applicant’s home country in terms of: family, economic/financial standing, career, and social connections. This is also why many people seek reputable US visa services to be guided on how to build their case and orient their interview answers directly to the point.

F-1 (Student) and J-1 (Exchange) Visas

The F-1 US visa service applies to a non-immigrant visa designed for international students who wish to pursue full-time academic studies at educational institutions recognized by the US government (SEVP). This is the most common visa for international students.

Scope of application:

• High School (from 9th grade upwards)
• College, University
• Master’s, PhD
• Academies/Vocational Schools
• Language Programs (ESL) – if studying more than 18 hours/week

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals participating in cultural and educational exchange programs approved by the US Department of State. The primary purpose is to promote cultural and intellectual exchange between the US and other nations.

Scope of application:

• Students – Academic: Exchange students, research scholars, visiting professors, specialists, short-term scholars.
• Internship – Vocational Training: College/university student interns, graduated vocational trainees, summer work travel students.
• Teachers – Culture: Secondary school teachers, camp counselors, au pairs living with an American host family.
• Medical – Healthcare: Medical residents, alien physicians practicing temporarily.
• Special Programs: Government visitors, international visitors in leadership programs, high school exchange students.

B1/B2 US Tourist Visa

The B1/B2 US tourist visa service is for a US non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the country for a short period for specific purposes:

• B1: For short-term business trips such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, visiting factories, or participating in unpaid business activities.
• B2: For the purpose of tourism, vacation, visiting relatives, medical treatment, or participating in social/charitable activities.

In practice, these two categories are often combined into a B1/B2 visa, allowing the visa holder the flexibility to fulfill both purposes in a single trip.

The Burden of Proof Lies with the Applicant

Temporary visas such as B1/B2 (tourist, business, visiting relatives), F-1 (student), J-1 (cultural exchange), and L-1 (intracompany transferee) are often underestimated in terms of complexity. In reality, this group has the highest denial rate at US Consulates globally, especially for first-time applicants.

Internationally, interviews usually focus on personal history, career, and the likelihood of returning to the home country. If not properly prepared with the right focus, the application is easily deemed high-risk. Choosing a reputable US visa service helps applicants clearly identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop a presentation style that aligns with the Consulate’s adjudication criteria.

Immigrant US Visa Services at First Consulting Group (FCG)

Unlike temporary visas (which are primarily adjudicated by the US Department of State), immigrant visa applications must go through three agencies:

1. USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services): Adjudicates the petition.
2. NVC (National Visa Center): Collects civil documents prior to the interview.
3. US Consulate: Conducts the interview and issues the visa after completing administrative processing.

Below are the immigrant US visa services provided at our law firm:

1. Family-Sponsored Visas

This includes two main groups:

• Immediate Relatives: Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of US citizens (not subject to annual visa quotas).
• Family Preference: Siblings, unmarried children over 21, and married children of US citizens; spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents (subject to numerical limits according to the monthly Visa Bulletin).

2. Employment-Based / Investment Visas

• EB-5: This category is for foreign investors who invest a minimum of $800,000 to $1,050,000 in a job-creating project in the US. It requires the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Investors are granted a 2-year conditional green card, which is later converted to a permanent green card.
• EB-1C: A green card category for multinational executives and managers. It requires the applicant to have worked for at least 1 year within the past 3 years at a qualifying foreign affiliated company. No permanent labor certification (PERM) is required.

Other US Visa Services

With our US visa services, every stage is prepared with the correct documentation and necessary obligations to ensure your residency rights and future benefits.

10-Year Green Card and the Obligation to Maintain Residency Status

After being issued a visa and entering the US, the green card holder must:

• Comply with the duration of stay.
• Adhere to the correct purpose of residency: Maintain the US as the primary residence.
• Fulfill all tax filing obligations as required by the IRS.
• Renew the green card: File Form I-90 before the card expires.
• Remove conditions (if holding a 2-year conditional green card): File Form I-751 within 90 days before the card expires.

US Citizenship (Naturalization)

After holding a green card for the required period, the holder can apply for US citizenship provided they meet the following conditions:

• Hold a green card for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a US citizen).
• Be physically present in the US for at least 30 months out of the 5 years (or 18 months out of the 3 years for spouses of US citizens).
• Have not committed serious legal violations and possess good moral character.
• Meet the English language and US history/government knowledge requirements.

Obtaining citizenship eliminates the fear of losing your green card, grants the right to vote, and allows for faster family sponsorship. For a better understanding of reputable US visa services, please consult our law firm with over 23 years of experience.

Complex Legal Situations Requiring Support from a US Immigration Attorney

I-601 Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility

When to file an I-601:

According to immigration law, a person may be deemed “inadmissible” due to:

• Prior immigration violations (overstaying for more than 180 days, unlawful presence).
• Health-related grounds (communicable diseases, lack of vaccinations).
• Criminal records (crimes involving moral turpitude, drug violations).
• Immigration fraud (misrepresentation, deceit).
• Other reasons: Likelihood of becoming a public charge, security concerns.

The Most Important Standard:

To have an I-601 approved, the applicant must prove that their qualifying US citizen or lawful permanent resident relative (which may include a spouse, parent, or child depending on the case) would suffer “extreme hardship” if the applicant is not allowed to immigrate to the US.

“Extreme hardship” is evaluated on a case-by-case basis relying on:

• Health of the relative (severe illness requiring continuous treatment).
• Financial situation (job loss, inability to sell a home).
• Education (disruption of children’s education).
• Living conditions abroad (security situation, economic opportunities).
• Family ties and the impact of separation.
• Other special factors (a culmination of multiple hardships).

Special Humanitarian Cases

First Consulting Group assists with special humanitarian cases such as political asylum and other specific scenarios defined by immigration law.

These cases require: strong legal evidence (police reports, medical records, court decisions, expert opinions), persuasive legal arguments, and a deep understanding of legal precedents. Due to the high complexity and risk involved, applicants should consult with an experienced immigration attorney for a proper evaluation and to build an appropriate legal strategy.

Visa Adjustment and Change of Status

Adjustment of Status based on Marriage

Designed for individuals currently in the US on another visa (F-1, B1/B2, L-1, etc.) who then marry a US citizen or permanent resident and wish to apply for a green card.

Other Common Change of Status Cases

• B1/B2 to F-1: Requires demonstrating a reasonable change in plans; it is advisable to execute this after being in the US for 90 days to avoid suspicion of abusing the tourist visa.
• F-1 to H-1B: The ideal time is after graduation, during the OPT period.
• L-1 to EB-1C: Suitable for multinational executives who wish to settle permanently.
• O-1 to EB-1A: Transitioning from a temporary visa to permanent residency for individuals with extraordinary ability.

Each change of status case has its own appropriate timing and specific legal risks that must be carefully evaluated.

Previously Denied Applications and the Ability to Reapply

Applicants who have been previously denied a visa often face difficulties when reapplying if the root causes are not properly addressed. Common cases include 214(b) refusal letters, a history of inconsistent declarations, or weak establishing ties. Reapplying is only effective when there is an actual change in circumstances and a clear legal argument, rather than submitting the exact same application as the previous time.

Reputable US Visa Services by First Consulting Group (FCG) – Professional US Immigration Legal Office

• The Team: Over 100 professionals, including licensed immigration attorneys and experienced immigration specialists, fluent in multiple languages including English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
• Achievements: Over 23 years of operation, 40,000+ successful cases, and assisted 100,000+ international clients in immigrating to the US.
• The Model: Each case is handled by at least 4 specialists with multi-layered quality control, operating across 7 offices internationally and in the US.
• Commitment to Transparency: Free direct consultations with attorneys, detailed quotes, regular progress updates, and full case support from the beginning until the client receives their green card.

If you need more information about US visa services, an evaluation of your immigration legal status, or an immigration roadmap, please contact First Consulting Group for a free consultation. We are committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information in compliance with current legal regulations.

FOR A FREE CONSULTATION, PLEASE CALL:

– Hotline: (877) 348-7869

– Garden Grove Office: (714) 638-3111

– San Jose Office: (408) 998-5555

– Houston Office: (832) 353-3535

– Vietnam Office: (028) 3516-2118

Disclaimer: All information provided in this document is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. Statistical data and processing timelines reflect the public records available at the time of publication. For precise legal assessments, please schedule a direct consultation with First Consulting Group.