Under the current immigration laws, those who wish to apply for an A Visa must do so before they enter the United States. There are some exceptions, like changing to an A-Visa from your current visa. The position that you hold within your government and the official reason for your travel will determine which type of A-visa that you need. Immediate family members of those who currently hold one are typically eligible for A visas, as well. Under some circumstances, however, visas are issued to personal workers and/or attendants of diplomatic officials traveling to the United States. As you can see, obtaining A Visas can be a complex process. If you are in the midst of applying, renewing or switching into one, give our experienced attorneys at Florida Immigration Law Counsel a call for your initial consultation.
Though an A Visa is designed for foreign officials and diplomats, there are three separate categories of A Visas. The type of visa that you apply for will correlate with your position within your government and the reason for which you are traveling. Listed below are the three types of A Visas and a description of who is eligible for each.
It is important to remember that all types of A visas are meant for those representing their national governments on official business. If the trip is for pleasure, there are other types of visas to apply for.
You must complete many steps in order to successfully apply for an A visa of any type. The order of the steps to the application process may vary, depending on which consulate or embassy you got to, so it’s important to check the website of your local embassy or consulate first. For most other visas, the U.S. Embassy or consulate will require an in-person interview. However, this is typically not necessary for those applying for an A-1 or A-2 visa. If you are a personal employee or domestic worker of a government official applying for an A-3, you will be required to interview.
For those who are applying for an A-1 or A-2 visa, you must fill out and complete a DS-160 form. This can be completed online. You will be required to submit the printed confirmation page with your application as well as a photo taken within the last six months. Furthermore, you will be required to submit the following documents with your application:
The U.S. embassy or consulate that you apply at may require additional documentation in order to determine your qualifications for A visas. Additionally, those applying for A visas do not typically have to pay fees. This is usually the same for immediate family members.
If you are a holder of an A-1 or A-2 visa, you can apply for a visa renewal within the United States. Unfortunately, A-3 visa holders cannot renew their visas while within the United States. They will be required to apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of the nation. For specific cases, it is recommended that you contact the Diplomatic Liaison Division and/or the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. Renewal of A visas can be a nightmare without a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney.
People often change to an A visa because they have accepted a new opportunity within their government. They may also choose to switch out of an A visa if their employment has been terminated or they have voluntarily resigned. Both of the aforementioned scenarios can be complex and require you to follow several steps. Any misstep can cause a delay. Though it is possible to switch into or out of A visas, it is not guaranteed that your application will be approved. The Diplomatic Liaison Division Visa Office is available for additional questions on a limited basis.
Obtaining and/or renewing A visas can be a cumbersome process. The rules for A visas are unique, complex and specific. Additionally, submitting the wrong documentation and/or information can delay your application and have a negative impact on your ability to do your job. Many holders of A visas wish to become citizens of the U.S., get a green card, and/or change their type of visa. It is recommended that you connect with an immigration attorney for each of these instances.
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Caring and compassionate, Saman Movassaghi Gonzalez is a Florida immigration attorney dedicated to producing the results her clients need. She has over 17 years of experience helping both corporate and individual clients with an emphasis in employment/investment cases and family adjustment cases.
As the Managing Attorney at Florida Immigration Law Counsel, Saman Movassaghi Gonzalez and her team are capable of representing and helping individuals looking to attain a Family Visa, Work Visa, and Citizenship/Naturalization. Her experience successfully representing clients in front of the Department of Justice for cases involving Deportation/Removal Proceedings will lead to success in your case.
Her experience and expertise in immigration litigation has led to multiple Avvo awards and other accolades, including the Clients’ Choice for 2017 Immigration Attorney. Her clients also consistently post positive reviews on her Facebook page. Her experience has also allowed her to teach a new generation of lawyers as an adjunct professor of law at Nova Southeastern University, and she also regularly gives speeches on immigration matters.
Counselor Gonzalez is also experienced in helping corporate clients through the process of filing for Employment Visas, Labor Certifications, and Business and Investment Visas with the Department of Labor. She takes on the entire case from start to finish, simplifying the process for her clients and allowing them to focus on their business.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi – Saman Movassaghi Gonzalez is dedicated to making her clients feel comfortable and assured in making her their go-to immigration attorney in Florida. Her goal is to ensure that those who want to live the American dream have a professional fighting for them and making the process as painless as possible.
Saman’s passion for immigration law stems from her personal life as the daughter of immigrants. Her parents were recipients of the student F1 visa in 1971. Her father came into this country with the goal to improve his life and the life of his children. He earned a PhD in Civil Engineering and Business, instilling in his daughter a strong work ethic that she carries to this day. Saman saw firsthand what it means to be an immigrant and achieve the American Dream.
Saman Movassaghi Gonzalez can personally understand the struggle of immigrants and the children of immigrants navigating through the bureaucratic process of immigration law. Because of this, she dedicates herself fully and provides her personal attention to every case. She prides herself on developing a strong relationship with each and every client, and she is not afraid of pushing the envelope and looking for answers where other attorneys have failed.
Saman Movassaghi makes it her goal to provide you with only the best representation for immigration matters because she believes it’s time for you to live the American dream!
