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PhilAm Visa delivers trusted U.S. immigration services with a focus on supporting Filipino clients worldwide. Led by an experienced U.S. immigration lawyer and team, we handle both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applications with professionalism and care.
U.S. Immigration Cases
Understanding U.S. Visas: Immigrant vs. Nonimmigrant
When applying to enter the United States, foreign nationals generally need a visa, which serves as official permission to request entry at a U.S. port of entry. U.S. visas are divided into two broad categories: Immigrant Visas and Nonimmigrant Visas. Each category serves a different purpose and comes with its own rules, requirements, and benefits.
Clarity starts here. Explore our immigration guides and find the case that’s right for you.
An immigrant visa is intended for individuals who plan to live permanently in the United States. Once granted, the immigrant visa allows the individual to enter the U.S. and receive a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), which provides the right to live and work in the country indefinitely.
Key Features:
- Grants lawful permanent residence (Green Card).
- Allows the holder to live, work, and study in the U.S. permanently.
- Provides a path to U.S. citizenship (through naturalization, after meeting residency requirements).
- Issued for individuals sponsored by family members, employers, or in some cases through investment or humanitarian programs.
FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRATION
Immediate Relative visas
(spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens)
Family Preference categories
(siblings, married children, relatives of green card holders)
A nonimmigrant visa is intended for individuals who plan to stay in the U.S. temporarily for a specific purpose, such as tourism, study, business, or temporary work. Unlike immigrant visas, nonimmigrant visas do not lead directly to permanent residence.
Key Features:
- Grants temporary stay for a defined purpose and period.
- Visa holders must generally prove ties to their home country (such as employment, property, or family) to show they intend to return after their visit.
- Extensions or changes of status may be possible in certain cases, but permanent residency requires a separate immigrant visa process.
STUDY/EXCHANGE
TEMPORARY WORK VISAS
K-1: Fiancé(e) Visa
(intended for marriage to a U.S. citizen; leads to immigrant status after marriage)
K-3: Spousal Visa
(for foreign spouses of U.S. citizens awaiting immigrant petition approval)