b | Scott Legal, P.C.

I want to come to the U.S. to set up an E-2 business. Should I enter on a B-1 or B-2 visa? Can I change status in the U.S. if I entered on a B-2 visa?

If you want to come to the U.S. and explore E-2 investment opportunities, you should enter as a B-1 business visitor (either on a B-1 visaor as anESTA business visitor). Exploring investment opportunities is an activity that is specifically allowed…

Jenny ZhanDecember 1, 2020

Questions & Answers

Can I study in the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa?

B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa for temporary visitors who want to visit the United States for pleasure. Please note that if you qualify for ESTA, you can come to the U.S. as a Visa Waiver Visitor and you do not have to…

Jenny ZhanAugust 17, 2020

Approvals

B-2 Extension approval for a Cohabitating Parent of a Temporary Worker

We just had an B-2 extension approval with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration services for a cohabitating parent of a temporary worker. Certain family members who are not eligible for dependent visas may be granted B-2 visas and subsequent B-2 extensions…

Jenny ZhanAugust 3, 2020

Questions & Answers

Does my passport have to be valid for 6 months beyond my initial period of stay in the U.S.?

If you are coming to the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa (e.g. a B-1 visa or B-2 visa), the general rule is that your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the date you will exit the U.S. For…

Jenny ZhanJuly 15, 2020

Immigration

What is a 221(g) visa refusal? What is a 214(b) refusal? Can I reapply for a visa if it was denied under 214(b)?

When you are applying for a visa at a Consulate, your visa may be approved, but the Consular Officer may also deny your visa application under section 214(b) or 221(g). What is a 214(b) visa denial? If your visa is…

Jenny ZhanJune 29, 2020

Immigration News

What are the Approval Rates for Visas? How Many Visas Are Approved?

The U.S. Government publishes data on the number of people who apply for visas at U.S. Consulates along with the number of visas that are issued and denied. This blog post summarizes some of the more comment visas and their…

Jenny ZhanJune 23, 2020

Immigration News

What are the U.S. visa fees? What is a visa reciprocity fee? Is the reciprocity fee already included in the visa fee?

If you want to come to the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa, you will have to apply for a U.S. visa at a Consulate abroad (unless you are visa exempt – for example Canadian are exempt for certain visa categories).…

Jenny ZhanJune 23, 2020