Understanding the U.S. Visa System

The U.S. offers dozens of temporary and permanent visas based on your reason for coming—whether for family, work, education, or humanitarian relief. Knowing which one fits your needs is the first step.

Family-Based Visas

These visas allow family members of U.S. citizens or green card holders to immigrate legally.

• IR1/CR1: Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
  Conditional (CR1) or immediate (IR1) residency for spouses.

• F2A/F2B: Relatives of Permanent Residents
  For spouses and children (F2A) or unmarried adult children (F2B) of green card holders.

Employment-Based Visas

Oklahoma’s job market, including energy, agriculture, and tech, offers opportunities for qualified foreign workers.

• H-1B: Skilled Workers
  For employees in specialized occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.

• L-1: Intra-Company Transfers
  For employees of multinational companies moving to a U.S. office.

• O-1: Extraordinary Ability
  For individuals with top-level skills in science, arts, education, or athletics.

Humanitarian Visas

These are designed for individuals fleeing danger or assisting law enforcement.

• U Visa: Victims of Crimes
  For those who have suffered harm and are cooperating with police or prosecutors.

• T Visa: Victims of Trafficking
  For survivors of human trafficking involved in investigations or prosecutions.

• Asylum and Refugee Status
  For people fleeing persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group.

Student and Exchange Visitor Visas

Many students in Oklahoma attend institutions like OU, OSU, or UCO.

• F-1: Academic Study
  For full-time students at accredited institutions.

• J-1: Exchange Visitor
  For participants in cultural or educational exchange programs.

Choosing the Right Visa with Legal Help

With so many visa categories, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Pasquali Law Firm helps clients in Oklahoma choose the right path, avoid mistakes, and move forward confidently.