UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION: VISAS & GREEN CARDS IN TEXAS
Your Trusted Partner for U.S. Visas, Green Cards, and Permanent Residency
At Davis & Associates, we help individuals, families, and businesses in Dallas and Houston navigate the complex U.S. immigration system, including immigration visa applications. Whether you're applying for a family-based visa, a business immigration visa, or seeking permanent residency, our experienced immigration attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way. We offer clear guidance for every immigration visa option available to individuals, families, and employers.
IMMIGRATION & VISA LAW PRACTICE
Immigration law can be confusing—especially as policies change frequently. That’s why it’s important to work with a legal team focused entirely on immigration. Our firm is led by Garry Davis, a Board-Certified Immigration Attorney, and backed by a team with decades of experience helping clients from all backgrounds and situations.
Visa Attorneys Here To Help
Davis & Associates is your immigration lawyer of choice for US immigration and visas in Houston & Dallas Metroplex.
B-1:B-2 Visas For Temporary Visitors
When you want to visit the U.S. for work or as a tourist, you’ll most likely need a temporary visa. A temporary visa – depending on whether you get a B-1 visa or a B-2 visa, or a combination for both purposes – allows you to enter the country and stay as long as your visa is valid.
F-1 Visa: Guide To A Student Visa
There are two primary types of student visas: F-1 and M-1. The F-1 visa is the most common type that students use, with many people choosing to work with a Dallas or Houston student visa attorney to work through the application process.
F-1 Visa To Green Card
In some cases, you can gain lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. and get a green card when you enter on an F-1 student visa. When you enter the United States on an F-1 student visa, you may be able to adjust your status in one of several ways.
J-1 Visas
The J-1 Visa is part of the United States’ Exchange Visitor Program, which promotes understanding between U.S. citizens and people of other countries. The entire basis of the program is to use educational and cultural exchanges.
Immigration Law Services Focused on Your Needs
At Davis & Associates, immigration visa law isn’t just one of the things we do—it’s the only thing we do. Our team is fully dedicated to U.S. immigration law, and we stay up to date on every policy change, regulation, and court ruling that may affect your case.
Whether you’re facing deportation or applying for an immigration visa, we’re here to help you understand your options and protect your future.
Deportation & Removal Defense
We represent individuals in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Common forms of relief we pursue include:
- Cancellation of Removal
- Adjustment of Status
- Withholding of Removal
- Voluntary Departure
- Waivers for specific grounds of inadmissibility
- Defense against false charges
We also handle appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals when a prior decision regarding your immigration visa needs to be challenged.
Family & Employment-Based Immigration
Our attorneys help clients apply for many types of immigration visas, including:
- Family-Based Visas (Spouses, Parents, Children, Siblings)
- Employment-Based Visas (Extraordinary Ability, Researchers, Managers)
- Nonimmigrant Visas (Visitors, Students, Workers, Religious Workers)
- Adjustment of Status for individuals already in the U.S.
- Consular Processing for immigrant visa interviews abroad
Business Immigration & Employer Services
Our business clients—from startups to large corporations—trust us to manage:
- Labor Certification (PERM)
- H-1B Visa Applications
- L-1 Intra-Company Transfers
- E-1 Trader & E-2 Investor Visas
- R-1 Religious Worker Visas
Waivers, Appeals & Humanitarian Relief
We support clients with:
- Waivers for Fraud, Criminal History, Prior Deportation, Medical Inadmissibility, or other immigration visa barriers
- Writs of Mandamus and Habeas Corpus
- Asylum Claims
- VAWA Petitions (for survivors of domestic violence)
- T & U Visas (for survivors of trafficking or crimes)
- Expert guidance on the immigration consequences of criminal activity
Need help from an immigration visa attorney in Dallas or Houston? Contact Davis & Associates today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, prepare your application, and move forward with confidence.
Family-Based Immigration Visas
If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident living in Dallas or Houston, you may be able to help certain family members apply for an immigration visa, also known as a green card. These visas allow your relatives to live and work legally in the United States as permanent residents.
Who Can You Sponsor?
U.S. citizens may petition for a spouse, parents, children (regardless of age or marital status), and siblings. Permanent residents can petition for a spouse and unmarried children of any age.
Immediate Relatives vs. Preference Categories
Family-based immigration visas fall into two categories:
- Immediate Relatives (spouse, parents, unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens): Visas are immediately available.
- Preference Categories (other qualifying relatives): These immigration visas are limited each year and often have longer wait times, especially for applicants from countries like Mexico, India, China, and the Philippines.
Timeline and Visa Bulletin
Processing times vary based on the petitioner’s status, the family relationship, and the applicant’s country of origin. Each approved family-based petition receives a priority date, which determines when the applicant can move forward with their green card. The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin, updated monthly, shows when visas are available based on that date and category.
Once the priority date is current, the applicant may file for permanent residency—either through adjustment of status in the U.S. or consular processing abroad. Immigration or criminal history may affect eligibility or where the application is filed.
Want to learn more about how to bring your family to the U.S. through an immigration visa?
Visit our Family Immigration page or contact our Dallas or Houston office to get started.
Visas for Victims of Human Trafficking and Certain Crimes
If you or someone you know has been a victim of human trafficking or a serious crime, U.S. immigration law offers specific protections through the T visa and U visa programs. These visas are designed to support victims while encouraging cooperation with law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity.
T Visas: For Victims of Human Trafficking
The T visa is available to individuals who have been trafficked into the U.S. for labor or sexual exploitation. To qualify, applicants must show that they:
- Were a victim of severe trafficking
- Are currently in the U.S. or at a port of entry as a result of trafficking
- Cooperated with law enforcement efforts to investigate or prosecute trafficking (unless under age 18 or unable to cooperate due to trauma)
- Would suffer extreme hardship if removed from the U.S.
- Are admissible or qualify for a waiver
An application for a T visa is submitted to USCIS using Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status, and should include:
- A personal statement that describes the trafficking the individual experienced
- Evidence that the individual cooperated with law enforcement in their investigation or prosecution of human traffickers (or were exempted from having to do so)
- As proof of their cooperation, an applicant can submit Form I-914, Supplement B, Declaration of Law Enforcement Officer for Victim of Trafficking in Persons, along with documentation of their correspondence with law enforcement, a police report, or trial transcripts and court documents.
- Proof that they’re admissible to the U.S. (or a request to waive relevant grounds of inadmissibility)
T visa holders are granted an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or work permit, at the time that their Form I-914 is approved. They also qualify for certain benefits provided by the federal government, including supplemental nutrition programs, victim compensation and assistance, help with substance abuse and mental health, and assistance with career training and development.
U Visas: For Victims of Certain Crimes
The U visa is available to victims of specific crimes, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or kidnapping, who have suffered substantial physical or emotional harm and are willing to assist law enforcement. To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a victim of a qualifying crime that violated U.S. law
- Have information about the crime
- Be helpful, or likely to be helpful, in an investigation or prosecution
- Be admissible to the U.S or apply for a waiver
In order to apply for U nonimmigrant status, an individual must file Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS. They must also submit a supplemental form, which must be certified by law enforcement, confirming that they are helpful, have been helpful, or are likely to be helpful in assisting law enforcement with their investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
The applicant will also need to include a personal statement that describes the criminal activity perpetrated against them, as well as evidence that shows they meet each requirement for U visa eligibility.
Visas for Victims of Domestic Violence: VAWA Petitions
Victims of abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident may be able to apply for a green card without the abuser’s involvement through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This protection is available to certain spouses, parents, and children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse and meet specific eligibility requirements.
At Davis & Associates, we understand how difficult it can be to seek help in these situations. Our experienced immigration attorneys in Dallas and Houston offer compassionate and confidential support to those pursuing VAWA relief.
If you believe you may qualify for protection under VAWA, visit our VAWA Petitions page to learn more about eligibility, required documentation, and how our team can help you move forward.
Business Immigration Visas for Employers and Professionals
Whether you're a company looking to bring talent to the U.S. or a professional seeking a work-based immigration opportunity, Davis & Associates offers comprehensive support for a wide range of business and employment visas.
Business Visa Services We Offer
We help employers and employees navigate all aspects of business immigration, including:
- H-1B Visas: For professionals in specialty occupations with a job offer from a U.S. employer
- L-1A and L-1B Visas: For intra-company transfers of executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge
- E-1 and E-2 Visas: For investors and international traders from treaty countries
- TN Visas: For Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA)
- R-1 Visas: For religious workers and clergy
- EB-5 Investor Visas: For individuals investing in U.S. businesses that create jobs
- Labor Certification (PERM): For employers sponsoring permanent residency for foreign workers
From Temporary Visas to Green Cards
Many business visa holders eventually pursue permanent residency through employment-based green cards. We assist with:
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
- Employment-Based Green Cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3)
- Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors, or Multinational Executives
- Labor Certification and I-140 Petitions
Our immigration attorneys in Dallas and Houston work with businesses of all sizes to secure the right immigration visa for executives, skilled professionals, investors, and religious workers. We also assist individuals pursuing permanent residency based on employment or extraordinary abilities.
To explore your options in more detail, visit our Business Immigration page for additional information on eligibility, documentation, and next steps.
Other Ways to Qualify for a Green Card and Permanent Residency
While most green cards are granted through family, employment, or humanitarian programs like VAWA or U visas, there are several less common paths to permanent residency. These options are often more complex and may involve unique circumstances or long-standing ties to the United States.
Asylees and Refugees
Individuals granted asylum inside the U.S. or refugee status outside the U.S. can apply for permanent residency one year after their protection is granted. Eligibility requires proof of a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Diversity Visa Lottery Winners
Each year, the U.S. government offers 50,000 immigration visas through a lottery system for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. Winners are randomly selected by the Department of State and must still meet standard eligibility and admissibility requirements.
Legalization Programs, SAW, and NACARA
Although many legalization programs from the 1980s and 1990s are now closed, some individuals may still qualify through class action settlements or special provisions under:
- The Special Agricultural Worker (SAW) program
- The Legalization/Amnesty program from 1986
- The Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA)
These programs provide benefits to eligible individuals from countries such as Nicaragua, El Salvador, Cuba, and Guatemala, as well as certain Eastern European nations. Eligibility is limited and often depends on past filings or litigation outcomes.
Registry
Registry is a unique option for individuals who have continuously lived in the U.S. since before January 1, 1972. If eligible, they may apply for a green card based on long-term residency. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and meet all other admissibility requirements.
Private Bills from Congress
In rare humanitarian cases, permanent residency can be granted through a private immigration bill introduced and passed by the U.S. Congress. These are extremely limited in scope and typically reserved for individuals with no other legal immigration options and compelling personal circumstances.
Immigration Court Relief (Cancellation of Removal)
Certain individuals in removal proceedings may apply for a green card through cancellation of removal if they:
- Have lived in the U.S. for 10 years or more
- Have good moral character
- Have not been convicted of disqualifying crimes
- Can prove that their removal would cause exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child
This form of relief is highly discretionary and often requires strong documentation and legal support.
Let Us Help You Take the Next Step Toward Permanent Residency
Applicants must demonstrate good moral character for immigration visa approval, and many of these options require detailed documentation and a thorough legal strategy. If you think one of these immigration visa pathways may apply to your situation, don’t try to navigate it alone.
At Davis & Associates, our immigration attorneys in Dallas and Houston are ready to help you understand your eligibility, build a strong case, and guide you through every step of the process. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward securing your future in the United States.
Visa Questions
If your F-1 visa is revoked or your student status is terminated, you should act promptly to understand the reason and explore available options. This may include requesting reinstatement of status, filing an appeal if eligible, or seeking alternative visa classifications that allow you to remain in the United States. Consulting an immigration attorney can help you evaluate your situation, determine the best course of action, and ensure that deadlines and procedural requirements are met.