Despite the recession, to many the United States (U.S.) is still nonetheless a land of opportunity. Again for many, Immigration to the U.S. is the first to achieving the American Dream.


Immigration practice is federal, so wherever you are---inside the U.S. or outside, Marsie-Hazen & Associates can handle your US immigration case.


To better serve you, we are offer free, half-hour, initial consultations. To better serve your language needs, our international staff speak English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. Call to set up an appointment if you have specific language needs.


In order to guide you through the immigration process, we will do the following:

  • Analyze the facts of your case
  • Explain the various options for which you may be eligible
  • Recommend the best solution for you to obtain legal status
  • Complete and submit your immigration applications
  • Stay up-to-date on the new laws that may affect your case
  • Regularly monitor the status of your case with the USCIS
  • Discuss your case status with you
  • Provide you 24-hr. access to your case status through our Law Logix system
  • Will handle the following cases:
    • Investor, Employment-based & Family-based & Visitor Visas
    • Green Card Applications
    • Citizenship Applications
    • Adjustment of Status cases


Please browse the information on visas below to provide you with general information about various non-immigrant and immigrant visas. However, please bear in mind that while this is general information, the complexity of immigration law and each individual’s case make it important that you consult a legal professional to analyze and determine the requirements for your particular situation.


  • Visas Generally
    Whether you are a Family non-immigrant, Student, Worker, Investor or Visitor, Marsie-Hazen & Associates can help you with your visa needs. Remember that we offer free consultations on your case on an appointment basis, with after-hours appointments available.Permanent residency allows non-immigrants to live and work indefinitely in the U.S. This is done by obtaining Lawful Permanent Resident Status and a "Green Card" There are two (2) main ways of obtaining Legal Permanent Resident status: Family-based Visas or Employment-based Visas.
  • Family-based Immigrant Visas
    There are several Family-based Immigrant visa categories, however, there are preference categories for these visas which will affect how soon your immigration case will be handled by the USCIS (the government agency handling immigration applications).
    • Immediate Relative of a U.S. Citizen, such as a parent, spouse or child.
    • Adult child, married or unmarried of a U.S. Citizen.
    • Spouse or unmarried child of a Lawful Permanent Resident.
    • Brother or sister of a U.S. Citizen You are the brother of sister of a U.S. citizen.
    • Being adopted by a U.S. Citizen
  • Employment-based Immigration & Visa Categories
    Foreign workers can obtain Permanent Resident Status (Green Card) several ways including:
    • Investors in companies employing at least 10 U.S. citizens or authorized immigrant workers (EB-5).
    • Managers and Executives of Multi-National Businesses
    • Professional workers or skilled and unskilled workers
    • Priority workers, meaning persons of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and EB-1.
    • Professionals with Advanced Degrees and performing work in the national interest
    • Persons of Exceptional Ability in business, the arts or sciences
    • Religious workers and ministers whose services are required by their non-profit religious organization

    Other methods of obtaining Legal Permanent Resident Status include:
    • PERM (Labor Certification)
    • Diversity Lottery Visa Program

    However, the PERM and Diversity Lottery Visa Program require specific eligibility requirements to qualify for these immigration benefits.
  • Temporary Working Visa Categories
    For Temporary Workers, the list of Temporary Working Visa categories includes:
    • Professionals (H-1B)
    • Seasonal Workers (H-2B)
    • Fashion Models and Athletes (P)
    • People entering the U.S. for Training (Q)
    • Religious Workers (R)
    • Nurses and Other Health Professionals (H-1C)
    • Investors (E)
    • Representatives of Foreign Media Companies (I)
    • Canadian and Mexican Citizens performing professional work (TN)
    • Employees of International Organizations (Q)
  • Student Visas

    Due to the diversity and quality of U.S. learning institutions, many foreign nationals come to the U.S. to attend our academic and vocational institutions. Several types of Student Visas can be used to allow students to enter the U.S. for such training.
    • Academic Student (F-1) Visa - Full-time students enrolled at an accredited college or university.
    • Vocational (M-1 Visa) - non-academic programs (e.g. health care technician etc.) in an established institution
    • Exchange Student (J-1) Visa - students pursuing graduate/post-graduate studies, visiting scholars, etc.

  • Visitor Visas

    Non-immigrants apply to visit the U.S. on a temporary basis either on a B-1 Visa for business (e.g. to attend conferences, business meetings, etc.) or on a B-2 Visa for pleasure and leisure (e.g. as tourists or to visit friends or relatives). However, these visas requires that the visa applicant has permanent residence in their home country, has no intention to abandon this residence, and that the person enters the U.S. for a temporary period and engages only in business or pleasure and no work activities during their stay in the U.S.

  • Citizenship & Naturalization

    U.S. Citizenship is obtained through birth or naturalization. (Naturalization is the process by which a foreign-born immigrant applies for and acquires citizenship by fulfilling the U.S. government requirements). There are many advantages to adjusting status from Legal Permanent Resident status to U.S. citizenship such as the right to vote, federal job benefits and greater freedom of travel to other countries.

    There are several routes to citizenship, via adjustment of status from Legal Permanent Residency, derivative citizenship from U.S. parents, special provisions for foreign-born members of the U.S. Armed Forces (e.g. Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, Coast Guard, certain Reserve Components of the National Guard, Selected Reserve of the Military Reserve).

  • Naturalization Requirements

    The following are the administrative requirements for naturalization:
    • Period of continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S. within the 3 to 5 year qualifying period
    • At least 3 months residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing
    • The ability to read, write and speak English
    • Show knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government
    • Have good moral character
    • Attachment to the principles within the U.S. Constitution
    • Positive disposition towards the U.S.


    Some of the naturalization requirements may be modified or waived for certain applicants, for example, spouses of U.S. Citizens.

  • Citizenship through Military Provisions

    Foreign-born members of the Armed Forces (as listed above) who are interested in becoming U.S. Citizens may be eligible to apply for citizenship under special provisions. Changes in the law facilitate the naturalization process for qualified military personnel interested in becoming U.S. Citizens.


    While there are general requirements that must be met for naturalization, military members may be exempt from the required residency and physical presence naturalization requirements that other applicants must satisfy. It is important to consult with a qualified legal professional to fully analyze the circumstance of your and determine your eligibility.

  • Derivative Citizenship
    Children born of U.S. Citizens derive citizenship from their parents. However, there are formulas to determine more complex cases where only one parent is a U.S. Citizen and the other is an alien or lawful permanent resident. Other circumstances further complicate the formula for derivative citizenship such as: whether or not the child was born out of wedlock, the child’s birth year, when and whether the U.S. citizen was naturalized. Retention and other residency conditions must also be satisfied.