There is a common fear that obtaining a U.S. visa is extremely complicated, and many people do not succeed. No one wants to go through the frustration of having a visa denied, shattering the dream of visiting the United States. However, once the visa is acquired, doors open! Whether for tourism, visiting family, or even for business.
According to lawyer Ingrid Domingues McConville, with over 27 years of experience, the American tourist visa is considered a privilege, not a right. In other words, you have the privilege of entering the United States, not a right just because you have a tourist visa. And why is this important? Because Americans trust the word of the tourist and grant the privilege of visiting the United States, believing that they will stick to their plans and return within the specified period. However, if the opposite happens, and the “tourist” does not return within the determined timeframe or is caught working, essentially caught in a lie, they will be pursued and deported. Moreover, they will lose the privilege of going to the United States for a long time (it can be a 5 to 10-year penalty).
Another noteworthy aspect is that people who manage to obtain a tourist visa at the U.S. embassy but have the real intention of working or staying in the country may be interrogated upon arrival at the airport. If the immigration officer becomes suspicious or notices anything, they will interrogate you, ask questions, and even check your cellphone messages. If they find a work-related conversation or evidence that you plan to stay in the country, deportation may happen right there.
For many Brazilians, the desire to go to the United States goes far beyond just a visit. Many nurture the dream of living on American soil and try in every possible way to achieve this goal. However, staying in the country illegally is a practice that should be avoided.
Ingrid Domingues McConville explains that with a tourist visa, you can enter the country for sightseeing, visiting family, conducting business, buying real estate, meeting clients, managing investments, studying the market, or even opening a company. However, you cannot work. Anyone can have a company in the United States. It is perfectly possible. What the business owner cannot do is work because, for that, they need a work permit. Even with an American company, if the “tourist” wants to live and make a life in the United States, they need to plan for immigration to avoid future complications.
There is a range of visas, such as work visas, business visas, investment visas, skill-based visas, family visas, etc., which, when well-planned, can be adapted to make residence in the country possible.
Therefore, the challenging life of staying “illegal” can be avoided in the United States. Visas are possible for those who want to open a business, work in a specific field, invest, possess exceptional skills, or have essential professions.
For more information, visit https://instagram.com/dmvisalaw?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Ingrid Domingues-McConville founded DM VISA LAW – Domingues McConville, P.A. in 1995. She has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1995 and a member of the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida. Ingrid earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and her law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland, Ohio. With over 27 years of experience in Immigration Law, Ingrid has represented clients throughout the United States and worldwide, handling both business and family immigration matters. She has helped companies and individuals obtain visas and permanent residence in the United States. Ingrid plays a significant leadership role in the Brazilian community in South Florida and throughout the United States, providing much-needed guidance and legal advice.