Immigration Visa Lawyers in Austin
Don’t Be Overwhelmed by Paperwork; Let our Austin & San Antonio Lawyers Help You with Your Application
Navigating the U.S. visa process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Peek Law Group, our experienced Austin immigration attorneys provide strategic legal guidance to individuals and families seeking temporary or permanent visas. With two convenient locations in Austin, we proudly serve clients throughout Travis, Hays, and Williamson counties, helping them achieve their immigration goals with clarity and confidence.
Since 1996, our Top Texas Board-Certified Attorneys have successfully handled tens of thousands of cases, earning nearly 500 five-star client reviews. Whether you need a work visa, family visa, student visa, or permanent residency, our legal team ensures that your application is complete, accurate, and aligned with current immigration policies. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
Understanding which visa you need and how to apply is the first step toward entering or staying in the U.S. Let our bilingual, results-driven legal team provide the knowledge and support you need to navigate the complexities of immigration law.
Call (512) 474-4445 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our Austin visa attorneys and explore your best immigration options.
Call our San Antonio & Austin visa attorneys at (512)-474-4445 to learn more about your options.
What are the Different Types of U.S. Immigration Visas?
There are two main types of temporary visas, including employment and family visas.
The most common visas include the business visa (B-1), the pleasure or medical treatment visa (B-2), and the combination business and pleasure/medical treatment visa (B-1/B-2). However, some foreigners find that they do not fit within either of these categories.
A comprehensive list of visa types is listed below for your convenience:
Additional visas:
- P-2: Artists/entertainers in exchange programs
- E-1: Treaty trader
- E-2: Treaty investor
- EB-1: Priority workers
- EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees/exceptional ability
- EB-4: Special immigrants
- EB-5: Investors
- H-3: On-the-job trainees
- J-1 Waiver: Waiver of 2-year residency requirement for J-1 visa
- L-1: Intra-company transferees
- M-1: Vocational, non-academic student
- H-1C2: Registered Nurse visas
- O-1, O-2: Persons of extraordinary ability and support
- P-1: Athletes and entertainers and support
- P-3: Artists/entertainers in cultural programs
- Q-1: Cultural exchange
- R-1: Religious workers
- S-7 Spouse/Children of criminal informant
- S-1 Criminal informant
If you are planning a temporary stay in the U.S and you are interested in a temporary visa or you would like to know if you are eligible to obtain a temporary visa, or you are an employer seeking a temporary visa for your employee, please contact our office. We have experienced immigration attorneys who can help you with the visa application process.
What is the Visa Lottery?
Every year, 50,000 immigrants are awarded immigrant diversity visas through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entered into the visa lottery to obtain a diversity immigrant visa. At Peek Law Group, we can provide you with helpful advice and knowledge to optimize your chances of success in obtaining an immigrant diversity visa. Contact our office for more information.
What is the Visa Waiver Program?
Not all foreign nationals visiting the U.S. are required to obtain a visa. The U.S. participates in a Visa Waiver Program, which allows foreign nationals from participating countries to stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
The following countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands (The)
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Visa Bulletin
Current, Upcoming and Past Visa Bulletins
Visa FAQs:
What Are The Requirements To Qualify For A Visa?
To qualify for a visa, a foreign visitor must rebut a presumption that he or she is intending to immigrate.
To rebut this presumption, a visitor must demonstrate to the consulate or consular officer at the embassy that:
- The purpose of the foreign visitors stay in the U.S. is for business, pleasure, or medical treatment;
- The visitor plans to stay in the U.S. for a limited and specific period;
- The visitor has evidence of sufficient funds to cover the expense of his or her stay in the U.S.;
- The visitor has evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad; and
- The visitor has a place of residence outside the U.S. in addition to binding ties that ensure their return abroad at the end of the visit.
If you are interested in obtaining a visa and need additional help rebutting the presumption that you are intending to visit the U.S., please contact our office. We have experienced immigration attorneys who can help guide you through the visa application process.
What Is The Process For Obtaining a Visa?
To obtain a visa, a foreign visitor must apply for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or the consulate in the country or jurisdiction where the visitor is permanently residing. For example, a Mexican visitor with a permanent residence in Matamoros should visit the U.S. Embassy in Matamoros to obtain a visitor visa. A foreign visitor may apply for a visa outside his or her country, however, it is more difficult to qualify for a visa outside the visitor’s home country.
Anyone between the ages of 14 and 79 is required to participate in an interview process before obtaining a visa. Even though those over the age of 80 and under the age of 13 are generally not required to interview, the U.S. Embassy or consulate may request an interview with foreign visitors in those age groups. The first step for applying for a visitor visa is the interview process. The wait time for obtaining an interview can be long. Thus, it is important that a foreign visitor begin the visa application process promptly and take into account the visa application process wait time when scheduling his or her visit to the U.S.
Please contact our office if you have additional questions about the visa application process or are interested in beginning the process. We work with visa applicants daily and can help you with that, too.
What Do I Do If My Visa Application Is Denied?
Receiving a visa denial can be frustrating and disappointing, but it does not necessarily mean the end of your immigration journey. The next steps depend on the reason for the denial and whether you are eligible to reapply, appeal, or request a waiver. Here’s what you need to know if your visa application is denied.
Understand the Reason for Your Denial
When a U.S. visa application is denied, the consular officer will provide a written explanation citing the applicable section of the law.
Common reasons for visa denials include:
1. INA § 221(g)– Incomplete Application or Missing Documents
- Your visa application was missing the required information or supporting evidence.
- You may be allowed to submit additional documentation and have your case reconsidered.
2. INA § 214(b)– Failure to Prove Non-Immigrant Intent
- For temporary visas (B-1, B-2, F-1, J-1, etc.), applicants must prove strong ties to their home country (such as family, employment, or property ownership).
- If the officer believes you intend to stay in the U.S. permanently, they may deny your visa.
3. INA § 212(a)– Inadmissibility Issues
- A denial can result from certain criminal convictions, prior visa overstays, immigration violations, or security concerns.
- In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility (Form I-601 or I-212).
4. Fraud or Misrepresentation
- Providing false information or using fraudulent documents will result in an immediate denial.
- Some fraud-related denials may be permanent and require extensive legal work to resolve.
The first step after a visa denial is to carefully review the refusal notice and determine what actions can be taken.
Can I Appeal a Visa Denial?
In most cases, visa denials cannot be appealed.
However, there are a few exceptions:
- Certain employment-based immigrant visas (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3) and family-based visas may allow for an appeal or motion to reopen the case.
- If the consular officer made an error, a supervisory review may be requested.
For most temporary visa denials, the best option is often to reapply with more substantial evidence rather than pursuing an appeal.
Can I Reapply After a Visa Denial?
Yes, in many cases, you can reapply for a visa after a denial. However, simply submitting a new application without addressing the reason for your previous denial will likely result in another rejection.
Before reapplying:
- Identify the issue that led to your denial and correct any deficiencies.
- Gather more substantial supporting evidence, such as proof of ties to your home country, financial documentation, or additional employer verification.
- Consult an immigration attorney to strengthen your case and avoid common mistakes.
If your visa was denied under INA § 214(b) (non-immigrant intent), you should wait until your circumstances change significantly before reapplying.
Can I Apply for a Waiver of Inadmissibility?
If your visa was denied due to criminal history, prior immigration violations, or other inadmissibility factors, you may be eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility.
- Form I-601(Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility) – Used for applicants with criminal records, fraud issues, or other grounds of inadmissibility.
- Form I-212(Permission to Reapply for Admission After Deportation/Removal) – For individuals previously removed or barred from reentering the U.S.
A waiver is not automatically granted and requires strong evidence that denying your visa would cause extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative.
A visa denial does not have to end your immigration journey. Let our skilled attorneys guide you toward the best possible resolution.
The Role of an Immigration Attorney in the Visa Process
Navigating the U.S. visa process can be complex, time-sensitive, and overwhelming. Whether you’re applying for a temporary visa, employment-based visa, family visa, or immigrant visa, even small mistakes can lead to delays or denials. An experienced immigration attorney is critical in ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and well-supported. At Peek Law Group, our Austin immigration attorneys provide the legal guidance necessary to help you achieve a successful visa outcome.
Determining the Right Visa for Your Situation
The U.S. offers many different visa types, and selecting the right one is essential.
Our Austin immigration visa attorneys can:
- Assess your specific goals and eligibility.
- Identify the best visa category for your situation.
- Explain whether you qualify for a dual intent visa, allowing future adjustment to a green card.
- Determine if any legal barriers may affect your application.
Choosing the correct visa helps avoid unnecessary delays and ensures your application aligns with your long-term immigration plans.
Preparing a Strong Visa Application
A visa application must be detailed, accurate, and supported with the proper documents.
Common reasons for visa denials include:
- Missing or incomplete paperwork.
- Lack of supporting evidence.
- Errors in forms leading to rejection.
Our Austin immigration visa attorneys ensure that:
- All required forms and supporting documents are properly prepared.
- Your application meets all USCIS or consular processing requirements.
- Additional evidence is submitted to strengthen your case.
A well-prepared application reduces the risk of denial and helps streamline the process.
Addressing Potential Inadmissibility Issues
Some applicants face barriers to visa approval, such as:
- Past visa overstays.
- Prior immigration violations.
- Criminal history or security concerns.
Our immigration attorneys in Austin can:
- Determine whether you are inadmissible under U.S. immigration law.
- Help you apply for a waiver of inadmissibility (Form I-601or I-212), if necessary.
- Ensure you comply with all legal requirements to avoid future immigration issues.
If any concerns could jeopardize your visa approval, an attorney can develop a strategy to address them before filing your application.
Guiding You Through the Visa Interview Process
Many applicants must attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy. These interviews can be stressful, and a poorly handled interview can result in a denial.
Our immigration attorneys in Austin can:
- Prepare you for the interview by conducting a mock visa interview.
- Explain common questions consular officers ask.
- Advise on how to answer truthfully and effectively.
- Address any red flags in your application that may arise during the interview.
You can increase your chances of a successful visa approval with proper preparation.
Handling Visa Delays, Denials, or Requests for Evidence (RFE)
If your visa application is delayed or denied, our Austin immigration attorneys can:
- Identify the reason for the denial and determine if a reapplication, appeal, or waiver is possible.
- Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) to prevent your case from being denied due to missing documents.
- Help correct errors in your initial application before reapplying.
- Request administrative processing updates if your visa is delayed.
A visa denial does not have to end your immigration journey. With the right legal strategy, you may still be able to secure a visa.
Ensuring Compliance with Immigration Laws
After obtaining a visa, it is crucial to maintain compliance with immigration laws.
Our Austin immigration lawyers can:
- Explain the rights and responsibilities of visa holders.
- Assist with extensions, status changes, and adjustments to a green card.
- Ensure you avoid visa overstays that could lead to future immigration problems.
Following the law protects your immigration status and keeps future visa applications smooth.
Why Choose Peek Law Group for Your Visa Needs?
At Peek Law Group, we understand how important your immigration goals are to your future.
Our experienced Austin immigration attorneys provide the following:
- Personalized legal strategies for your specific visa needs.
- Step-by-step guidance through the visa application and interview process.
- Strong advocacy in case of visa denials, delays, or appeals.
- Bilingual legal support to ensure clear communication.
We are here to assist if you are applying for a visa, facing challenges, or need help understanding your legal options.
At Peek Law Group, We Also Representing The Following Practice Areas:
Contact Our Trusted U.S. Immigration Visa Attorneys in Austin, Texas
Navigating the U.S. visa process can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re seeking a visa for work, family, study, or travel, having an experienced Austin immigration attorney by your side can make all the difference. At Peek Law Group, we provide strategic legal guidance to help you avoid delays, overcome challenges, and achieve your immigration goals.
Call (512) 474-4445 today or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation with our Austin visa lawyers. Let us help you move forward with confidence and success.
We can answer any other questions you may have. Fill out our online contact form today to speak to our San Antonio & Austin visa lawyers.
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