Visas & Green Cards

Whether you are visiting the United States temporarily or seeking permanent residence, the visa and green card process can be overwhelming. The forms are complex, the requirements are detailed, and a single mistake can result in delays, denials, or worse. At Maples, Connick & Brendel, we help individuals navigate the full spectrum of visa and green card applications with precision and care.

Nonimmigrant Visas (Temporary Status)

Nonimmigrant visas allow you to enter and remain in the United States for a specific purpose and period of time. Common categories include tourist visas (B-1/B-2) for business or pleasure travel, student visas (F-1 and M-1) for academic or vocational study, work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, and others) for employment, exchange visitor visas (J-1) for educational and cultural programs, fiancé visas (K-1) for the fiancé of a U.S. citizen, and investor visas (E-2) for individuals investing in a U.S. business.

Each visa category has specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and conditions that must be maintained while in the United States.

Immigrant Visas and Green Cards

A green card grants lawful permanent residence in the United States, allowing you to live and work permanently and eventually apply for citizenship. Green cards can be obtained through family sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, employment sponsorship by a U.S. employer, the diversity visa lottery, asylum or refugee status, and certain special programs including VAWA, U visas for crime victims, and T visas for trafficking victims.

Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing

If you are already in the United States and eligible, you may be able to adjust your status to permanent residence without leaving the country by filing Form I-485. If you are outside the United States, you will go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

Each pathway has advantages and considerations that depend on your specific circumstances, current immigration status, and travel needs.

Maintaining Your Status

Once you have a visa or green card, maintaining your status requires ongoing compliance with immigration rules. This includes not overstaying your authorized period, maintaining the conditions of your visa (such as employment or enrollment requirements), notifying USCIS of address changes, and for green card holders, not abandoning your residence through extended absences.

Violations can result in loss of status, bars to future immigration benefits, or removal proceedings.

How We Help

We assist individuals and families at every stage of the visa and green card process. We assess your eligibility and recommend the best pathway, prepare and file applications with complete documentation, respond to Requests for Evidence, prepare you for interviews, advise on maintaining status and avoiding common pitfalls, and help you plan the transition from temporary to permanent status when applicable.

Whether you are applying for your first visa or taking the final steps toward permanent residence, contact us for a consultation.