Special-Purpose Nonimmigrant Visas - Categories J, O and P
The immigration attorneys of Christiansen Law Firm work with both sponsoring organizations and individuals to resolve entry and waiver problems associated with nonimmigrant visas under categories J, O and P. To learn more about the scope of our practice on behalf of cultural exchange visitors, performers, athletes, visiting scholars and persons of extraordinary ability, contact us in Houston, San Antonio and Lufkin.
J Visas - Cultural Exchange, Visiting Scholars, Researchers and Trainees
Category J offers a flexible visa option for a broad range of overseas students, teachers and researchers who wish to enter the U.S. for a particular academic, professional or cultural program, with or without a foreign exchange component. Our attorneys can advise individuals or sponsors about initial eligibility, barriers to admissibility and alternative means of entry if the J visa won't work in a given case.
Upon completion of the U.S. program providing the basis of entry, the holder of a J visa must return to the home country for a 2-year period unless this requirement is waived. Our lawyers can advise J visa holders about the waiver process if they wish to avoid the 2-year foreign residency requirement before reentering the U.S.
O Visas - Persons of Extraordinary Ability
Those who fall within the small percentage who have risen to the very top of a chosen field are eligible for entry under an O-1 visa for persons of extraordinary ability. For people of particular celebrity in such high-profile fields as sports or the performing arts, documentation of this level of achievement will present little difficulty. On the other hand, proof of extraordinary ability will be the main challenge for petitioners whose achievements are little known or understood outside of fairly limited professional circles.
Just as with most other nonimmigrant visa categories, spouses and children are also eligible for entry, as well as essential associates and assistants. Our attorneys can advise both individuals and sponsoring organizations about ways to obtain entry through the O visa category.
P Visas - Performers, Artists, Educators and Athletes
People whose level of achievement in a given field falls short of eligibility for the O visa category will often qualify for entry under a P visa. A high level of accomplishment within the field must still be demonstrated, but it need not rise to the top of the profession.
Our attorneys can explain the detailed requirements of each nonimmigrant visa category and use the facts of your situation to select the right petition. We can also advise applicants and visa holders about consular processing, resolving barriers to admissibility, waivers of repatriation requirements and adjustment of status.
For comprehensive client service on J, O or P visa category issues, contact Christiansen Law Firm in Houston, San Antonio and Lufkin.
Free Consultation · Credit Cards Accepted · Payment Plans · Competitive Fees
We Speak Korean, Spanish and German · Handicapped Accessible Offices
