Vermont Immigration Lawyers
Christina A. Jensen
Our immigration practice has long been varied, including representation of employers and employees, students, families, and individuals. Some seek temporary visas, others permanent resident status, and ultimately, United States citizenship. The immigration process is complex and particular, and its successful navigation critical not only to one’s employment but to one’s future prospects for visits or residence in the United States.
In the employment context, a variety of non-immigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent) visas may be available to offer employers the opportunity to hire foreign workers, depending on the duties of the job offered and the qualifications of the worker the employer seeks to hire. Most employment-based visas require an offer of employment and a determination that no United States workers are available to fill the position, but some do not. Careful analysis of the circumstances and, potentially, advance planning, can maximize the likelihood of visa qualification and issuance. Planning can begin even during an alien’s education, as certain employment categories are viewed more favorably under the Immigration and Nationality Act than others.
In the family context, the relationship between the individual seeking a visa with a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien will be of utmost importance in qualifying for a visa. Certain family relationships are very favored under United States immigration law, and will support issuance of green cards to aliens who are not disqualified for other reasons (such as certain criminal convictions). These relationships include spouses and unmarried minor children of United States citizens. Other relationships, including spouses and minor children of permanent residents, and siblings of United States citizens, are accorded different levels of priority in the visa allocation system. These relationships will support issuance of a visa, if any of the visas allocated to that particular category remain available. Careful analysis of the relationships at issue can, in some cases, make a difference in the availability of visas in these cases.
As a longstanding member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Chris has the resources to remain current on the constant changes in immigration law and policy affecting visa availability and approvals. If you have any questions regarding them, please contact her at 802-864-5756, or using by accessing her information here.
The materials provided on this website are designed for general informational purposes only, and should not be relied or acted upon without first consulting a lawyer. The information provided on this website is not necessarily updated on a regular basis, and may not reflect recent changes in the law.
Viewing these materials does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Lisman & Leckerling, P.C. did not produce and is not responsible for the contents of off-site legal resources. The materials on this site may be considered advertising under various state ethics rules.