For a person visiting the United States, immigration status is determined by the type of visa they were granted when he or she applied to enter the country. Compliance with the visa’s particular demands determines whether a person is “in status” or “out of status.” Nonimmigrant visa holders can apply to visit the United States only for time-specific purposes such as training, education, tourism and temporary work.

On the other hand, immigrant visa holders can come to the country and stay forever. There are explicit classifications for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Each visa classification has a unique requirement and purpose that the visa holder must follow in order to remain “in status” and live in the United States legally.

Do you have an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa? If so, you should educate yourself about updates to immigration law and understand how any change can affect your status. For that reason, it is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney in New York City for guidance concerning your rights.

If you have questions about your immigration status, we recommend consulting Attorney Alice Antonovsky, Immigration Specialist.