Student Visa Attorney

Visa immigration lawyer Bomkapr Kanu can help guide international students through visa applications, extensions, and work visa transitions.

Student Visa Attorney—Legal Support for Studying in the United States

Navigating the student visa application process can be tough, which is why it’s important to seek legal help when applying for a student visa. The Law Office of B. Kanu, LLC, can help you in this process–whether you’re applying for the first time, extending your stay, or transitioning to a work visa, we’re here to help. Bomkapr (”Bom”) Kanu is a student visa attorney who can help ensure your application is handled correctly.From completing the visa application form to preparing for your embassy or consulate interview, Bom can help you with each step along the way.

Why Work with a Student Visa Immigration Lawyer?

U.S. immigration law for student visas can be strict, and applicants must meet specific requirements to qualify. As a student visa immigration lawyer, Bom can:

Help you understand the requirements for studying at a college or university in the U.S.
Guide you through the student visa application process
Assist in preparing documents to prove financial stability, including living expenses proof
Support you in applying for a student visa extension or transition

The Student Visa Application Process

Applying for a student visa involves multiple steps, including:

Receiving an I-20 or DS-2019 form from your college or university.
Completing the visa application form (Form DS-160).
Paying the SEVIS and visa fees.
Scheduling an interview at the embassy or consulate in your home country.
Preparing supporting documents to prove your financial resources and study plans.
Attending the visa interview and receiving a decision.

The Law Office of B. Kanu, LLC, can help ensure your application is accurate, complete, and aligned with immigration law, reducing the risk of delays or denials.

J-1 Visas and J-1 Waivers

Understanding the J-1 Visa and J-1 Waivers

The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa designed for exchange visitors participating in U.S. programs that promote cultural and educational exchange. This visa category includes students, researchers, professors, physicians, trainees, and interns. Unlike other student visas, the J-1 visa is often tied to a specific sponsor program and may require participants to return to their home country after completing their program.

As a student visa immigration lawyer, Bom can help you navigate the J-1 visa process, ensuring compliance with program requirements and advising on potential long-term immigration options.

How Can You Obtain a J-1 Visa?

A J-1 waiver is a legal exemption from the two-year home residency requirement, allowing visa holders to remain in the U.S. or change their status without having to return home. There are five main grounds for obtaining a J-1 waiver:

No Objection Statement (NOS): Your home country’s government submits a formal letter stating they have no objection to waiving the residency requirement.
Interested Government Agency (IGA) Waiver: A U.S. government agency requests the waiver because your continued stay in the U.S. is in the national interest.
Persecution Waiver: If returning to your home country would subject you to persecution based on race, religion, or political opinion, you may apply for a waiver.
Exceptional Hardship Waiver: If your departure would cause extreme hardship to your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or child, you may be eligible for a waiver.
Conrad 30 Waiver (For Medical Professionals): Foreign physicians in J-1 medical training programs can apply for this waiver by committing to work in an underserved area in the U.S. for at least three years.

As a student visa immigration lawyer, Bom can help determine whether you qualify for a J-1 waiver, prepare the necessary documentation, and guide you through the application process.

Who Qualifies for a J-1 Visa?

J-1 visa holders typically participate in government-approved exchange programs such as:

Academic and research programs (visiting scholars, professors, and researchers)
Medical training programs (for foreign physicians)
Internship and trainee programs (for young professionals gaining experience in U.S. businesses)
Teaching and educational programs (for international educators and language instructors)
Summer Work and Travel programs (for students seeking temporary employment)
Au pair and cultural exchange programs

J-1 Visa Two-Year Home Residency Requirement

Many J-1 visa holders are subject to the two-year home residency requirement (INA Section 212(e)), which means they must return to their home country for at least two years before applying for certain U.S. visas, including:

H-1B (Specialty Occupation Visa)
L-1 (Intra-company Transfer Visa)
Green card (Permanent Residency)

However, some J-1 visa holders may qualify for a J-1 waiver, which allows them to bypass this requirement.

Transitioning from a Student Visa to a Work or Employment-Based Visa

Many students want to stay in the U.S. after graduation. Our immigration law firm helps international students explore employment-based visa options, including:

H-1B Visa: Work visa for specialized professionals.
EB-2 Visa: For individuals with advanced degrees, requiring sponsorship from an employer.
EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): Allows students to apply for a green card without an employer sponsor if they can demonstrate work benefiting the U.S.
EB-1A Visa: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields like science, business, or education.

As an EB-2 visa attorney and EB-1A visa attorney, Bom can help qualified students secure employment-based visas and permanent residency in the U.S.

Additional Services for International Students

The Law Office of B. Kanu, LLC, can provide legal assistance in:

Applying for educational programs that require visa sponsorship.
Changing or extending visa status.
Obtaining documentation for proving living expenses.

Get Started – Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you're applying for a student visa or need help with an immigration issue, student visa attorney Bom Kanu is here to guide you.

📞 Contact us today at (404-239-3016) to schedule a consultation and discuss your case. In-person meetings are available in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area, and virtually nationwide.

OUR ADDRESS: 1100 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309

EMAIL: info@bkanulaw.com

Tel (USA): 404-239-3016

Tel (WhatsApp/International): 1-404-429-3942

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can a student visa immigration lawyer help with my application?

We assist with visa applications, documentation, interview preparation, and maintaining legal status. We also help with visa denials and reconsiderations.

2. What should I do if my visa application form is denied?

A visa denial can happen for various reasons, including incomplete forms, insufficient documentation, or inadmissibility concerns. We can analyze your case, correct any issues, and help with reapplication.

3. What is the difference between an EB-2 visa and an EB-2 NIW?

The EB-2 visa requires employer sponsorship, while the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) allows individuals to self-petition if they can prove their work benefits the U.S.

4. How do I transition from a student visa to permanent residency?

Options include employer sponsorship (H-1B, EB-2), self-petitioning under EB-2 NIW, or applying for an EB-1A visa if you meet extraordinary ability criteria.

5. What are the requirements for proving living expenses when applying for a student visa?

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, housing, and personal expenses. We help gather and present necessary documentation.

6. Can you assist with visa applications for students studying at a college or university in Atlanta or other parts of the U.S.?

Yes! We can provide legal support for students in Atlanta, Georgia, and across the United States, helping to apply for visas, maintain status, and explore work visa options.

The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Use of this site or communication with us through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. No results are guaranteed.