{"id":352856,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:50","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/immigration-overview\/legal-issues-that-will-affect-your-visa-status.html"},"modified":"2023-09-05T09:38:33","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T14:38:33","slug":"legal-issues-that-will-affect-your-visa-status","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-overview\/legal-issues-that-will-affect-your-visa-status.html","title":{"rendered":"Visa Maintenance: Legal Issues That Will Affect Your Visa Status"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Visa Maintenance: Legal Issues That Will Affect Your Visa Status<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/meagan-neil-esq\/\">Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 05, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <div>\n<div id=\"cLLUaAK2SNtm3bBfbTuF1-content-0\">\n<p>Visa status can be affected by a range of legal issues, including criminal history, immigration violations, and unlawful presence. These problems can lead to visa denials, delays, loss of status, removal from the United States, or bars on reentry. Staying compliant with immigration rules and maintaining a clean legal record is essential for protecting your current visa and future immigration options.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Certain legal issues can affect your visa status in the U.S. This is the case even if a foreign national properly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas.html\">obtains a visa<\/a>. A foreign national is any foreigner who is not a naturalized citizen.<\/p>\n<p>Noncitizens must understand how legal issues can affect visa applications or maintenance. This is true for all visa categories, including student and employment-based visas, as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/how-to-keep-your-green-card.html\">green card holders<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>These legal issues can also:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Affect visa eligibility and maintenance<\/li>\n<li>Impact your ability to re-enter the U.S<\/li>\n<li>Lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/what-are-the-most-common-reasons-for-deportation.html\">deportation or removal<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Suspend immigration benefits<\/li>\n<li>Terminate resident status or an in-process <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/citizenship\/naturalization-process.html\">naturalization<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Any legal immigration process can be negatively affected by failure to maintain a positive legal or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/can-you-get-deported-for-a-misdemeanor.html\">criminal record<\/a>. In some cases, it could result in a denial of adjustment of status and deportation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Keep reading to learn about other legal issues that can affect your visa status.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Immigration laws can be difficult to understand and are subject to change. An experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">immigration attorney<\/a>\u00a0near you can provide up-to-date visa rules and regulations.<\/p>\n<h2>Lawful and Unlawful Entries<\/h2>\n<p>Foreign nationals can enter the United States <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/ewi-entry-without-inspection.html\">lawfully or unlawfully<\/a>. How a foreign national enters the country can affect their visa status.<\/p>\n<p><em>Most foreign nationals\u00a0<span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">must <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/visas-faqs.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">obtain<\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/visas-faqs.html\">\u00a0a visa<\/a> before crossing the border to enter the United States legally.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p>A lawful entry into the United States requires a foreign national to properly apply for a visa. They must do so through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.state.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of State<\/a> before entering the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/state-guide-corporations-offices.html\">Secretary of State<\/a> may issue a visa if a foreign national fulfills all the requirements. The visa allows the foreign national to enter the United States lawfully. Entering the country without acquiring a visa violates <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/border-entry-rules.html\">border entry rules<\/a> and is considered an unlawful entry.<\/p>\n<h2>Visa Extensions<\/h2>\n<p>Foreign nationals who want to\u00a0extend their stay\u00a0in the United States must\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/visit-the-united-states\/extend-your-stay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">file this request<\/a> with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They must do so before an authorized stay expires. Foreign nationals may be removed from the United States if they remain in the country longer than authorized. They may also be barred from returning for a set period.<\/p>\n<p>The applicant should file the request to extend a stay at least 45 days before the authorized stay expires. An application to extend a stay requires that a foreign national:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Was lawfully admitted into the United States with a nonimmigrant visa<\/li>\n<li>Has a nonimmigrant visa status that remains valid<\/li>\n<li>Has not <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/how-does-an-arrest-affect-immigration-status.html\">committed any crimes<\/a> that make the applicant ineligible for a visa<\/li>\n<li>Has not violated any conditions of admission<\/li>\n<li>Has a valid passport that will remain valid for the duration of the extended stay<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Bars to Admission Into the United States<\/h2>\n<p>Foreign nationals deemed inadmissible under the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/basic-immigration-laws.html\">Immigration and Nationality Act<\/a> (INA)\u00a0are ineligible to receive visas. They cannot be admitted into the United States. Foreign nationals who have been removed previously or who are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/laws-and-policy\/other-resources\/unlawful-presence-and-inadmissibility\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">unlawfully present<\/a>\u00a0in the country will be barred from reentry into the States for a set period.<\/p>\n<h3>Certain Foreign Nationals Previously Removed<\/h3>\n<p>Arriving foreign nationals are classified as inadmissible if they seek admission into the U.S. within five years of a removal due to a violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The person is classified as permanently barred if they are deported from the U.S. for a second or subsequent time or if they are convicted of an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/felony-convictions-and-immigration-status.html\">aggravated felony<\/a> at any time during the original removal.<\/p>\n<h3>Foreign Nationals Unlawfully Present<\/h3>\n<p>Generally, any foreign national unlawfully present in the United States will be barred from obtaining a visa for a set time. The length of the prohibition depends on how long the person was unlawfully present in the country.<\/p>\n<p>If an individual was unlawfully present in the U.S. for more than 180 days but less than one year, they are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/laws-and-policy\/other-resources\/unlawful-presence-and-inadmissibility\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">considered inadmissible<\/a>. They may not seek admission into the country for three years after the removal. If the person is unlawfully present in the United States for one year or more, they are inadmissible and cannot seek admission into the U.S. within 10 years of removal.<\/p>\n<p>Exceptions to these rules exist for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Minors<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/asylum-refugee.html\">Asylees<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Family unity<\/li>\n<li>Battered women and children<\/li>\n<li>Victims of a severe form of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/t-visas.html\">trafficking in persons<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Waivers of Unlawful Presence<\/h2>\n<p>The attorney general has sole discretion to waive the unlawful presence of a foreign national if the person is the spouse or child of a United States citizen or a lawfully admitted permanent resident. The individual must show that refusing admission would result in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/extreme-hardship-601-waiver.html\">extreme hardship<\/a>\u00a0to the citizen or the lawfully resident spouse or parent.<\/p>\n<h2>Immigrant Intent Issues When Extending a Visa<\/h2>\n<p>A successful visa extension approval depends on the foreign national&#8217;s reasons for needing to remain in the U.S. and their ability to demonstrate continued &#8220;nonimmigrant intent.&#8221; A nonimmigrant intent means that the foreign national still plans to leave the U.S. and will not try to live in the country permanently. If the foreign national intends to live in the U.S. permanently, they have an &#8220;immigrant intent,&#8221; and their visa <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/visa-information-resources\/visa-denials.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">will not be extended<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>U Visas for Victims of Domestic Violence<\/h2>\n<p>You could qualify for a U visa if you&#8217;ve faced legal issues arising from experiencing domestic violence. Under such a visa type, you can secure legal status in the United States by becoming a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/the-domestic-violence-green-card-immigrant-visa-petitions-for-vi.html\">VAWA self-petitioner<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>VAWA refers to the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. Under VAWA and relevant immigration laws, abused children, spouses, and parents can file <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-360\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form I-360<\/a>. This form is also titled the &#8220;Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigration.&#8221; The family members of victims may also apply.<\/p>\n<p>You do not need to pay a fee to file this form, but you must submit proof of your eligibility. Proof includes demonstrating that you are the victim of domestic violence, which can include medical records testifying to your victimhood. It can also include affidavits that attest to your victimhood. Victims of human trafficking are included within the group of people who can apply for this visa type.<\/p>\n<p>With the U visa program, the United States allows noncitizens who are also victims of abuse to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/green-card.html\">LPRs are green card holders<\/a>, which means they can legally work in the United States.<\/p>\n<h2>Protect Your Visa Status: Get Legal Help<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div id=\"2LzriidWf28YHtATbgH7K-content-0\">\n<p>If a legal issue is putting your visa status at risk, you are not alone. Legal help is available. An immigration attorney can explain your options and help you minimize the consequences of <span style=\"font-size: revert;color: initial\">criminal charges, immigration violations, or other issues that could jeopardize your ability to stay in or return to the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>A qualified lawyer can offer up-to-date legal advice tailored to your situation. Don&#8217;t put off safeguarding your future in the United States.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">FindLaw\u2019s\u00a0<a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">directory of immigration attorneys<\/a> can get you started. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show important details about prospective lawyers, including ratings, languages spoken, and whether they offer free consultations.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g 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<fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n               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  class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some people can get a green card or complete immigration forms without hiring legal help\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex immigration cases (such as having a criminal history or past immigration violations) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help spot legal issues early that could affect your visa status or future applications\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>The immigration process can be stressful and slow. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\">\u00a0<a title=\"Immigration Law Attorney Directory\" href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n       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Attorney\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal.html\">\n                        Deportation and Removal\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigration Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a 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Learn about lawful and unlawful entry, visa extensions, criminal offenses, and more at FindLaw.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":352849,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2733],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-352856","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-immigration"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=352856"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352856\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":395342,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352856\/revisions\/395342"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=352856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=352856"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=352856"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=352856"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=352856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}