How to legitimize your Stay in the United States

A lot of people come to the US with different intentions: tourism, visit, business; and the list goes on. They end up staying back and not wanting to leave for their home countries. At times, the move is precipitated by the quest for a better life, prosperity, employment,

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family reunification and freedom to live freely. Afterwards, they are at sixes and sevens, not knowing how to legalize their stay or where to even start.

Here's the good news...

There are several avenues to remain in the US while considering other options...Absolutely lawful! As a licensed attorney from a foreign country and a paralegal in the United States, I put a damper on illicit acts, always.

One option is the extension of your stay for 6 months, and the reason for extension must be tenable for approval. This buys time and leaves room for exploring other options.

Another viable avenue is to apply for either an F1 or M1 visa and these categories allow your dependents to move to the US. F1 is for students attending a full-time degree or academic program at a school, college, or university approved by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) whereas M1 is for students enrolled in non-academic or “vocational study”. Mechanical studies, technical studies, cooking classes, language programs, flight school or cosmetology program are a few that come under “vocational study”. The M1 visa is valid for only one year. Students may apply for extensions for up to three years.

Furthermore, H1B visa is another practicable alternative and one of the most popular nonimmigrant visas available to aliens. It is designed to allow U.S. employers to recruit and employ foreign professionals in “specialty” occupations for a finite duration of time. In total, H-1B visa holders are allowed to legally work and live in the U.S. for up to six consecutive years.

If you get lucky, meet your soul mate and he is a US citizen, walking down the aisle could be your path to residency and citizenship. Do not worry when your "happily-ever-after" hits rock bottom. If the dissolution stems from abuse, either physical or psychological, you can still get certain immigration benefits depending on what stage you are at, with your application.

Finally, victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of such criminal activity are entitled to a certain type of visa. The perpetrator does not have to be a US citizen.

In conclusion, immigrants are a plus for the US economy; hence the various channels available for legalizing one's stay. Bear in mind also that improperly filed petitions are usually rejected. Therefore, it is imperative to retain the services of an accredited representative or an experienced immigration attorney to file immigration based petitons. This guarantees a successful outcome and approval of the case.

Disclaimer: This is not intended to constitute legal advice. We are not attorneys and do not give legal advice.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nnenna Jones is the founder of Mijae Document Preparation Services and 8 to 8 Notary and More. She is a foreign licensed attorney, accredited to practice US immigration law and a paralegal. Asides working part-time in the areas of immigration and family law, she loves writing to educate the immigrant community on the latest news on US immigration and tips to assist them. She is an avid lover of Jesus Christ and loves making memories with her toddler son.

Connect with Nnenna on linkedin.