About US Visas

Does everyone need an immigration lawyer to go to the US? Of course not. While hiring an immigration attorney may help speed things along because of the lawyer’s familiarity with forms, processes, or procedures, it won’t necessarily affect your eligibility or the US government’s treatment of your situation. In fact, both USCIS and the State Department maintain many helpful web resources to guide you through the maze of immigration and visa processing. Below, is a sampling.

Visa Waiver Wizard—Find out if you can travel on the Visa Waiver Program

Countries Participating in the Visa Waiver Program--Currently there are 36 countries in the VWP, including the UK and ROI

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) - Ease your VWP entry into the US through advance authorization.

• Required from 12 January 2009
• From 8 September 2010: $14 fee for using ESTA
  
• Complete your ESTA application
  

Nonimmigrant Visas

Overview of the Process at the US embassy in London

Visa wait times
YouTube Video of Attending a nonimmigrant visa interview

• Visa-specific fee rates

USCIS Guide: How Do I Hire a Foreign National for Short-Term Employment in the United States?

Immigrant Visas

Overview of immigrant visa options from the US embassy in London

USCIS Guide: How Do I Help My Relative Become a U.S. Permanent Resident?

USCIS Guide: How Do I Help My Fiancé(e) Become a U.S. Permanent Resident?

USCIS Guide: How Do I Immigrate an Adopted or Prospective Adopted Child or Help My Adopted Child Become a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident?

What's 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines?

USCIS Guide: How Do I Sponsor an Employee for U.S. Permanent Resident Status?

Feeling Lucky? The Diversity Visa Lottery Program provides an opportunity to received one of 55,000 immigrant visas to individuals from select countries or regions (including Northern Ireland, but not the rest of the UK).  It's free to register, but you will have to wait until October.

Other information

How to obtain the ACPO--UK police certificate

USCIS Guides Homepage

Consular Visa Forms

USCIS London Office Homepage with links to forms and filing checklists, local procedures, and other helpful information.

USCIS Processing Dates

Current US Visa Bulletin

Of course, sometimes matters are not so straightforward and you may want to consult with a professional, or you might just rather have an experienced attorney handle matters for you.  If so, you know how to reach me:

Steven D. Heller
US Immigration Lawyer in the UK

info@us-visa.co.uk