Additional Immigration Legal Services

Comprehensive Immigration Services

Are you seeking personalized immigration services in southern Florida? Look no further than Caroly Pedersen, Esq - American Immigration Law Centers. With a hands-on approach to every case, we specialize in a range of immigration services. This includes:

• Visitor and tourist visas
• B1 and B2 visas
• Citizenship
• Naturalization
• Student visas
• Corporation visas
• Limited liability company visas

With over 35 years of experience, our local, family-owned, and woman-owned business is committed to providing compassionate immigration legal advice. We understand the complexities of immigration law and are in constant contact with our clients, ensuring they receive the most accurate and timely information. Contact our team today to get started!

Start Your Immigration Journey Today

Don't navigate the complexities of immigration law alone. Let Caroly Pedersen, Esq - American Immigration Law Centers guide you through the process. Our team is ready to provide you with a free case evaluation and the personalized service you deserve. We're here to help you every step of the way.

Get in touch with Caroly Pedersen, Esq - American Immigration Law Centers today. We offer free same-day emergency consultations for needs that just can't wait. If cost is a concern, be sure to ask about our options for payment plans. We want to help you on your immigration journey!

Get Your Tourist or Visitor Visas

If you want to visit the United States for a short period, you can apply for a tourist or visitor visa. There are two types of visitor visas available. Caroly Pedersen, Esq - American Immigration Law Centers can assess your case to find the best one for you.

Most foreign nationals who enter the U.S. for the first time are entering the country on a common nonimmigrant B visa. These are also known as business visas, tourist visas, and visitor visas. B visas are only issued by U.S. Consulates and Embassies outside the U.S. and cannot be obtained once someone is already inside the U.S.

There are two types of B visas. B-1 visas are for business visitors, and B-2 visas are for pleasure and tourism visitors. You should apply for a B visa in the U.S. Consulate in your home country. Keep reading to find out about each option.

B-1 Business Visitor Visa

B-1 business visas are available to businesspersons who can demonstrate that they are visiting the U.S. temporarily for business and have no intention of abandoning their residence abroad. Most business B-1 visitors receive a six-month stay upon entering the U.S. This can be extended in some circumstances for an additional six months.

An application for a B-1 business visitor visa should be accompanied by a detailed letter explaining the reasons for the trip and a copy of the itinerary for the trip. If the trip is on behalf of the applicant’s employer, a confirmation letter from the company that the employer is paying all of the expenses to be incurred during the trip and information on the B-1 visitor's employer should also be included.

The application should be accompanied by extensive supporting documentation. This includes:

• Documentation of activities that will take place during the trip
• Travel documentation, including a copy of a round-trip plane ticket
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the trip
• Copies of trip arrangements, including hotel reservations, car rentals, internal travel domestic flight tickets, and tourist packages
• Letter showing confirmed meetings with U.S. companies, if applicable

Business visitors have strict limitations on the type of activities that they are permitted to engage in while in the U.S. For instance, B-1 visa holders must not be engaged in employment in the U.S. either for a U.S. employer or on an independent basis. Any work done in the U.S. must be performed on behalf of a foreign employer and paid for by the foreign employer.

The work should also be related to international commerce or trade. Activities normally considered appropriate for the B-1 visa include:

• Employees of a U.S. company's foreign office coming to the U.S. to consult with the U.S. company
• An employee of a foreign company coming to the U.S. to handle sales transactions and purchases and to negotiate and service contracts
• An employee of a foreign company coming to the U.S. to conduct business or market research, attending business conferences, seminars, or conventions
• An investor coming to set up an investment in the U.S. or to open a U.S. office
• Professional athletes who are not paid a salary in the U.S. and are coming to participate in a tournament
• A member of a board of a U.S. company coming to a board meeting
• An individual coming to the U.S. to handle preliminary activities in creating a business (opening bank accounts, leasing space, incorporating, and so on)

To learn more about a B-1 visa and how Caroly Pedersen, Esq - American Immigration Law Centers can help, contact us now. While B-1 visas must be obtained in your home country, we can provide advice on your options or help you extend or change your visa once you are here.

B-2 Tourist Visa

B-2 Tourist Visas are available to individuals who can demonstrate that they are visiting the U.S. temporarily for pleasure and have no intention of abandoning their residence abroad. Most B-2 visitors receive a six-month stay but may receive a shorter stay depending upon the visitor's statements to the immigration officer regarding how long the visitor needs to complete his or her expected visit.

The process for obtaining the B-2 visa can be difficult depending on the national origin of the applicant, the age and marital status of the applicant, and the applicant's ties to the U.S. and his or her home country. To qualify for a tourist visa, an individual must convince the consular officer of several things. This includes that he or she:

• Is coming to the U.S. temporarily for a specific period
• Will not be working in the U.S.
• Will maintain a foreign residence that he or she has no intention of abandoning during the period of his or her stay in the U.S.
• Has the financial ability to pay for the trip and expenses or has made financial arrangements with someone else who will pay for the trip
• Has specific and detailed trip plans
• Has ties to his or her home country such as demonstrated by reasonably good employment, his or her own business or financial connections, close family ties, or social or cultural associations

All of this must convince the officer that he or she is likely to return home from the U.S. Additional information and evidence must be presented to obtain your B-2 visa. This includes:

• A detailed letter explaining the reasons for the trip
• Supporting documentation showing the activities that will take place during the trip
• Travel documentation, including a copy of a round-trip plane ticket and evidence of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the trip
• Copies of trip arrangements, including hotel reservations, car rentals, internal travel domestic flight tickets, and tourist packages
• A letter from friends or relatives in the U.S. who will be providing housing during the visitor’s stay in the U.S.

B-2 Visitor visas cover many types of activities in the U.S. including general tourism, visits to relatives or friends, visits for health reasons, medical treatment, participation in conferences, participation in incidental or short courses of study, and participation in amateur arts and entertainment events.

Extending and Changing Your B Visa

After entering the U.S., visitors may change from a B-1 or B-2 visa to another visa. Common changes include those to an F-1 student visa or H-1B work visa. However, applicants for a change of status request should reasonably wait at least 60 days after entering the U.S. before a change request is made. Otherwise, the USCIS could deny the request, believing that the B visitor had the intention to obtain the new visa status when he or she entered the U.S.

If you desire to change your visa or extend your stay, Caroly Pedersen, Esq - American Immigration Law Centers is here to help. We’ll manage the whole process and help you obtain USCIS approval. Let our legal advice help you out. Contact our team to learn more and get a free same-day consultation.

Citizenship and Naturalization Services

Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the happiest moments in the life of an immigrant and the memory of that special day can last a lifetime! At Caroly Pedersen, Esq - American Immigration Law Centers, we take care of the entire naturalization process from start to finish.

Let us provide legal advice regarding qualifications, case preparation, and test resources. With our guidance, you will be on your way to obtaining your U.S. citizenship.

Benefits of Becoming a United States Citizen

Aside from simply becoming an American, there are many advantages to becoming a U.S. citizen, including the right to vote and travel internationally with more ease and convenience. In addition, once a parent becomes a naturalized citizen, qualifying children under the age of 18 automatically become citizens as well.

Spouses and minor children under the age of 21 can obtain residency on an expedited basis without waiting for years for long visa lines. Plus, a naturalized citizen can sponsor their parents, adult married children, brothers, and sisters for U.S. residency.

Qualifications for Naturalization

To qualify for U.S. citizenship, an immigrant must have been a U. S. permanent resident for at least four years and nine months and also meet certain requirements dealing with the time physically spent in the country. During the four years and nine months immediately preceding the application, the person must have resided in the U.S. with half of that time physically spent in the U.S.

Special Benefits for Spouses of U.S. Citizens

Spouses of U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for early naturalization after only two years and nine months as long as the couple has been married for at least three years and the U.S. citizen spouse was a U.S. citizen for the entire three-year period. Additionally, the couple must continue to be living together in a valid marriage for the entire three years.

U.S. residents who are still married to but no longer residing with their U.S. citizen spouse are not qualified for early naturalization and must wait the full four years and nine months to be eligible.

Other Naturalization Requirements

In addition to the physical presence requirement, eligibility for naturalization depends upon meeting other criteria, including demonstrating good moral character. This can often be a challenge for immigrants with criminal records, IRS tax filings, and child support payment issues. You must be able to prove satisfaction of selective service registration requirements.

English, Civics, and History Interview Requirements

To be successful in obtaining U.S. citizenship, you must pass a naturalization interview. At the interview, an applicant must demonstrate an understanding of basic English. A basic understanding includes reading, writing, and speaking in English. Speaking is determined during the interview process through responses to the USCIS officer's ordinary questioning.

Reading and writing ability is determined by a list of sample sentences that the USCIS has determined to meet the basic English requirement. The sentences are presented to the applicant in the form of an oral statement. The applicant responds by writing the information on a form provided.

While the USCIS officer has discretion in this matter, usually every word must be spelled correctly in at least one sentence. There are exceptions to this requirement for elderly individuals. The applicant must further be able to demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and civics.

Start the Naturalization Process Today

Let Caroly Pedersen, Esq - American Immigration Law Centers fully review your qualifications for naturalization. If we think you’re a good fit, we’ll help you organize your case and support you moving forward. For more information about becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization, contact our office today. We can handle all aspects of your case. Ask for a free case evaluation today!

Obtain Your Student Visa

Obtaining a degree from a U.S. institution can be very beneficial, often leading to better job opportunities abroad and even lucrative employment in the U.S. following graduation. Student visas are available to foreign nationals who wish to study in the U.S. and can be applied for both in the U.S. and at U.S. Consulates abroad depending on your situation.

When applying for a student visa inside the U.S., you must be in legal status with an unexpired I-94. Then, you must request a change from tourist status to that of either an F-1 or M-1 (student) status.

With years of experience in helping clients obtain student visas, Caroly Pedersen, Esq - American Immigration Law Centers will provide comprehensive support and sound legal advice for your case. We’ll talk about student visas, employment opportunities, and post-degree strategies. For the support you need to get USCIS approval, our team is here for you.

Common Types of Student Visas

F-1 Student Visas are available for international students pursuing a full-time academic course of study, such as an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctor of philosophy degree. M-1 student visas are for students who are pursuing a full-time course of study at an established vocational school or other nonacademic school.

Required Study

F-1 students must pursue full-time study, which is generally defined as at least 12 semester hours of instruction per academic term, except in cases where the student requires fewer hours to complete the course of study. For M-1 students in vocational and nonacademic programs, a full course of study usually consists of at least 18 hours of study per week if classroom instruction is the dominant part of the course or 22 hours of study per week if the dominant part of the course is in the laboratory or workshop.

Duration of Student Visas

Both F-1 and M-1 students are admitted to the U.S. for a duration of status, which is designated as D/S. This ensures that the student’s status is stable for the duration of their studies. Students are also given a 30-day grace period in which to depart following completion of the course.

Dependents of Students

Spouses and children of international students who are under age 21 are issued dependent student visas, designated as F-2 or M-2. Spouses and children may accompany the F-1 or M-1 student to the U.S. to live while the student completes his or her course of study. Generally, these dependents may not be employed in the U.S. but may attend school either as part-time or full-time students.

Extensions of Student Visas

Once a student has completed a course of study, it is possible to pursue higher studies or change fields by obtaining an extension of the student visa.

Work Authorization

Generally, international students are not allowed to work without USCIS authorization. F-1 students are only allowed to work under specific circumstances. On-campus employment is permitted up to 20 hours per week, while off-campus employment is limited to internship or other work-study programs that may be required for a specific degree.

F-1 students are also eligible to work under optional practical training (called OPT) regulations. These regulations allow students to work off-campus in their field of study for one full year either during their studies or after graduation. Students in certain STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields are also eligible to apply for an additional 17 months of OPT (for a total of 29 months) as long as their employer qualifies by having registered under the new e-Verify system.

M-1 students are not authorized to accept on or off-campus employment. They are, however, allowed to participate in OPT following the completion of their course of study. The period of practical training is determined by authorizing one month of training for each four-month period of study. However, the practical training is not to exceed six months.

For both F-1 and M-1 work authorization, a request for practical training must be submitted no more than 60 days before the completion of studies and no later than 30 days after completion.

Post-Graduation Work: The H-1B Work Visa and Residency Process

Generally, after graduation with at least a bachelor’s degree and during an F-1 student’s OPT employment, his or her employer can apply for the student to work in the U.S. for up to six years on an H-1B work visa. To obtain residency, the employer can further sponsor the foreign national for an immigrant visa through a process called labor certification (PERM).

Applying for Your Student Visa

After obtaining the I-20 from your school, Caroly Pedersen, Esq - American Immigration Law Centers will register you with the U.S. Government’s Sevis website and file your F-1 student visa application with the USCIS. It typically takes between 30 to 60 days for the USCIS to approve the change of status to F-1 student visa status, so it is best to begin the process immediately after the first 60 days. Individuals changing from tourist B-1 or B-2 visas to F-1 status may not begin their studies until a change of status has been approved by USCIS.

For more information about student visas and other visas, contact our office to schedule a free consultation. Our attorney will fully review your circumstances and give you the best, most honest advice concerning what steps you can take to obtain your desired immigration status. 

Visas for New Corporations or LLCs

Whether you want to start your own U.S. corporation or limited liability company (LLC), Caroly Pedersen, Esq - American Immigration Law Centers can register your company in 24 and 48 hours and obtain your company's new federal employer identification number (FEIN) the same day from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Your new company can open its bank account and be operating within just a few days!

Once your new company is formed, we provide you with:

• Articles of incorporation or formation
• Certificate of status
• Federal employer identification number (FEIN) form with your number designated by the IRS
• All other documentation required to begin doing business

You can then proceed to open your new company's banking accounts and obtain business and other licensing required to operate your company and begin doing business.

Let Us Help With Your Business Dreams

Caroly Pedersen, Esq - American Immigration Law Centers can help you with your business plans. Our services help you with your:

• Business name
• Business structure
• Directors and members
• Preferences for corporate books and seals

If you have questions, just ask! We can answer questions and address concerns about issues relating to operating a business in the United States and special considerations for foreign nationals. Let’s talk about your case with a free evaluation. Contact our law firm today!