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FAQ

U.S. Immigration

In which area of law are you able to assist me?

We specialize exclusively in U.S. Immigration and Nationality Law. We can help you with your immigration case in any U.S. state - but not for in-person matters. We are not able to help you with state specific legal questions, but we work with a network of attorneys to help refer your case to other qualified attorneys if we are not able to assist you in your legal matter.

Why do I need an immigration lawyer?

The U.S. government’s procedures and criteria regarding immigration legal matters are complex and constantly changing. An experienced immigration attorney can help you avoid any time-consuming mistakes and be aware of all the issues which may affect your case.

Why are your legal services so affordable?

Our model was legally allowed for the first time ever in 2020 under the Utah Supreme Court’s Sandbox Program. We have developed a network of efficient immigration paralegals who are backed by sophisticated case management tools. Our team is supervised by in-house immigration lawyers, and you will be provided with attorney representation throughout your case. Using technology and our paralegal team we can charge much less than traditional law firms.

How does this online legal service work?

Think of it as a hybrid between the old and the new, where technology helps our immigration paralegals check your application and supporting documents for potential errors to avoid denials and delays. As a second layer of safety, your assigned immigration attorney will review your case, give legal advice and answer any legal questions you have so you can file with confidence.

Can an immigration attorney make my immigration case process faster?
Nobody can speed up the U.S. government’s processing timeline, but our online tools can help you fill out immigration forms faster. Having an attorney review your case will help ensure your application is complete and will help you avoid mistakes in filing.
Will my assigned immigration lawyer go to court or represent me in USCIS interviews?

No. Because our law firm is based in Utah, we use a limited-scope client agreement that allows us to represent you throughout your case, but not for any in-person matters. You can connect with your immigration attorney via phone, email, or a video-conferencing platform. Our team will work to make sure you are prepared for any in-person interviews or interactions with the U.S. government.

Do I need an immigration lawyer near me?

No, because U.S. immigration law is a federal legal issue. Your assigned immigration attorney can help you with any immigration matter. It’s also one of the main reasons our law firm can function fully online and be the most cost-effective option for you.

I want to work in the US. Can I get a work visa?

We provide consulting and assistance for the B1 Business visa, which is used for attending conferences, settling estates, and negotiating contracts - but not for taking employment or for an employment-based Green Card.
If you want to accept employment or find work in the United States, our legal team is here to guide you, and get you started on the best possible immigration paths for you.

U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas

How long does it take to get a Visa?

Exactly how long it takes to get a U.S. visa depends on the type of visa you need, on where you are applying from, and on several personal factors.
Our consultants teach you how to get you through the visa process from start to finish as fast as possible - by avoiding common mistakes and helping you to collect all the right supporting documents.

Can I apply for a U.S. Visa in a country other than my own, and have my interview there?

That will depend on the policy of the local U.S. embassy regarding third-party nationals. If you are a resident in another country, you will usually be able to apply there. If not, it may still be possible - your immigration advisor can help you understand the conditions and how they apply to your situation.

I only have a connecting flight through the U.S. and will not leave the airport. Do I still need a visa?

Even if you only need to transit through the U.S. airport, you still need to apply for and obtain the C1 visa (or an ESTA, if you qualify for one).
Keep in mind you must have proof of intended departure from the U.S. within no more than 29 days.

I plan on going to study in the U.S. Can you help me obtain a student visa?

Absolutely. Our consultants have extensive experience with applying for student visas, for students from all over the world.
In order to apply, you need to have already been accepted into an accredited educational institution in the U.S., and have obtained your SEVIS ID.

Can I use the B1 Visa to work in the U.S. for a short time?

The B1 visa is a business tourist visa intended only for a temporary visit, so you are not allowed to work in the United States.

As an exception, you may work as a personal employee or domestic worker on a B1 visa. You will need to obtain an EAD (or work permit). Your employer needs to be either a U.S. citizen permanently residing abroad, or a legal alien with nonimmigrant status, such as B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M O, P, or Q.

If you wish to apply for a change of status, you will have to provide evidence that the opportunity for employment you have found was spontaneous, and that you did not intentionally travel to the US to seek employment.

Do not attempt to travel to the US under false pretenses - this could get you in serious trouble with immigration authorities.

If you are unsure about how your situation qualifies, speak to one of our visa consultants to find out what your options are.

I don’t know anyone in the U.S., or haven’t found a place to stay yet - how can I apply for a visa?

If you don’t have a local contact, or don’t know where you’ll be staying, you can list the locations you plan to visit while in the United States and activities you wish to conduct.

If you’re applying for a tourist visa, and you know where to stay but haven’t made the booking yet, you can still refer to the location in your application.
For students, use the address of your US educational institution.
If you are applying for a crewmember visa, you may provide the name and address of the airport or port where you will make your transit.

Can you help me schedule an embassy interview?

We actively scan the Embassy and Consulate’s schedule, and can help you book the next available interview date as soon as it becomes available.

Please note that the MRV fee needs to be paid before being able to schedule the interview.

Can you help me get a faster appointment?
Expedited appointments may be granted in the following scenarios:
  • You need to travel due to an immediate relative’s death, a grave illness, or a life-threatening accident that occurred in the United States. You will be required to provide the name, relationship, place, description of the situation, and contact information for the attending physician or funeral home.
  • You or your minor child need urgent medical treatment.
  • You are an applicant for a student or exchange visitor (F/M/J) visa and your I-20 or DS-2019 has an earlier date than the first available visa appointment. Getting an expedited appointment would enable you to travel to the United States before your course starts.
  • You need to attend an urgent business meeting or conference that occurs within 10 days after the first available visa appointment.
  • You need to make an unexpected visit that is of significant cultural, political, journalistic, sporting, or economic importance within 10 days after the first available visa appointment.
  • You are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country and your ESTA has been denied.
Are interviews required for all applicants?

If you are younger than 14, or over 79 years of age, you won’t have to attend an interview.

Apart from that, under the Visa Interview Waiver Program certain other cases might not require a face-to-face interview at the Embassy or Consulate, particularly if you are renewing your visa.

Your personal consultant can help you better understand the requirements for your specific situation.

Where can I look for available interview slots?

In order to check when you can schedule an interview, you will have to log in to your embassy account.

I want to renew my visa - will I still need to go to an interview?

If your visa expired in the last 48 months, you may qualify for the Visa Interview Waiver Program and you probably will not have to attend the Embassy interview. Instead, you will have to send your documents to the U.S. Embassy via an authorized courier service. After the consular review, your passport will be sent back with the visa inside, using the same courier service.

Your personal immigration consultant helps you at every stage of your visa renewal application, which includes assistance with renewing your visa via an authorized courier.

General Questions

Are you affiliated with the U.S. Government?

GovAssist is not affiliated with any of the United States government agencies and does not represent any of the U.S. Embassies or Consulates. We are here to help you through the U.S. Visa and Immigration processes, so that you understand your options and avoid unnecessary delays from incomplete or unclear information.

Can I pay cash for your services?

The services we provide are online, and so is our payment method. You need a valid credit card enabled for international transactions. In case you don’t have a card, ask your bank if they can further assist you in this matter.

I have changed my mind. Can I ask for a refund?

We provide a refund policy which is effective PRIOR to the submission of your travel document application. By making a purchase of services on this website, you agree and accept to be bound by the terms of this policy, as well as the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and any other applicable policy or term posted on the website. Upon your review of the government forms for submission after your purchase, your approval of these documents will constitute a waiver of your right to a refund from that point onwards. Should a material error be made on your application, we will re-submit the application on your behalf at no additional cost to you, but a refund will NOT be issued.

I need a refund. How many days until I get my money back?

In the event you are eligible for a refund, please be advised that the refund process might take between 1 to 10 business days. Please note that this time frame depends on your financial institution’s policies and your statement’s billing cycle.
If more than 10 working days have already passed and the funds are still not reflected in your account, please ask for a new bank statement and double-check with your financial institution for further guidance.

I received the confirmation that the refund was already issued, but the reversed transaction is not showing on my bank statement.

If the payment you submitted has less than 72 hours since purchase, and you were informed that the canceled transaction was processed, this will not appear as refunded as we did not charge your account. Instead, it should show in your account as a void/canceled payment, and the processing time will depend solely on your financial institution.
However, if the payment was made more than 72 hours, and you were informed that the refunded transaction was processed, this will appear as refunded and will be processed as a credit to your account in the next 1 to 10 business days, depending on your bank statement cycle.

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