Immigration Guide

Learn the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law with clear, practical guidance on visa categories, green cards, citizenship, and the immigration process.

The Guerrero Banad Firm U.S. Immigration Guide

Starting your immigration journey can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of visa categories, multiple government agencies involved, complex forms, strict deadlines, and ever-changing policy guidance. Our Immigration Guide is here to help you find your footing — explaining the essentials in plain language so you can approach the process with confidence.
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Understanding U.S. Immigration Status

Non-Immigrant Status

Temporary permission to be in the United States for a specific purpose (work, study, tourism, medical treatment) and a defined period. Examples include B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F-1 student visas, H-1B work visas, and L-1 intracompany transferee visas.

Immigrant Status (Lawful Permanent Residence)

Commonly known as having a "green card," this status allows you to live and work in the United States permanently and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.

Key Visa Categories Explained

Family-Based Immigration
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for certain family members to immigrate to the United States. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens — spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents — are not subject to annual numerical limits and typically have shorter wait times. Other family relationships fall into preference categories with annual caps and can involve longer waits.
Employment-Based Immigration
Foreign nationals can obtain U.S. immigration benefits through employer sponsorship or, in some cases, self-petition. The employment-based preference system has five categories (EB-1 through EB-5), ranging from priority workers of extraordinary ability to immigrant investors. Each category has its own eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and, for many nationalities, significant backlogs.
Temporary Work Visas
For those not yet ready to pursue permanent residence, or whose situation calls for temporary work authorisation, the U.S. offers a range of non-immigrant work visas. The H-1B (specialty occupation), H-2A (agricultural), H-2B (non-agricultural seasonal), L-1 (intracompany transferee), O-1 (extraordinary ability), and TN (USMCA professionals) are among the most commonly used.
Investor and Entrepreneur Visas
Entrepreneurs and investors have multiple pathways available, including the E-2 Treaty Investor visa, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor programme, and the L-1 new office petition. The best choice depends on nationality, investment amount, business structure, and long-term residency goals.

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Our resources are intended as a starting point and not a substitute for personalised legal advice.

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