Immigration Courts and at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is the largest number of pending asylum applications on record.
There has been over a seven-fold increase in asylum cases from fiscal year 2012. Back then, there were 100,000 cases pending. By the end of fiscal year 2022, the backlog grew to over 750,000.
Asylum seekers range from 219 different countries and speak 418 different languages. The overall average length an asylum seeker waits for a hearing is about 4.3 years.
However, in Omaha, Nebraska, the wait averages 5.9 years, with the longest delay.
Asylum seekers are monitored electronically
Through the Department of Homeland Security’s Alternative to Detention program,

Nearly 1.6 million asylum applications are pending in US immigration courts and at US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is the largest number of pending asylum cases on record, according to analysis of federal data by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University.

Nonimmigrant Visas — Visitor, Work, Student & Special-Purpose Visas

Nonimmigrant visas allow foreign nationals to enter the United States temporarily for tourism, study, work, business, cultural exchange, or humanitarian reasons. Whether you’re pursuing a short visit or a multi-year employment opportunity, our experienced immigration attorneys provide practical guidance to choose the right visa, compile persuasive evidence, and navigate consular or USCIS processes.

What Is a Nonimmigrant Visa?

A nonimmigrant visa is for temporary stays — unlike immigrant visas, which lead to permanent residence. Each visa category has distinct eligibility rules, permitted activities, and lengths of stay. Many nonimmigrant visas also allow dependents to travel with or join the principal applicant.

Common Nonimmigrant Visa Categories

B-1 / B-2 — Business & Tourist Visas

Short visits for business meetings, tourism, or medical treatment.

F-1 / M-1 — Student Visas

Academic (F-1) and vocational (M-1) study, with optional practical training opportunities.

H-1B — Specialty Occupations

Temporary work for professionals in specialty fields requiring a degree or equivalent.

L-1 — Intracompany Transferee

Transfers of managers, executives, or specialized-knowledge employees within multinational companies.

O-1 — Extraordinary Ability

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

TN — NAFTA/USMCA Professionals

Temporary admission for certain Canadian and Mexican professionals.

E-1 / E-2 — Treaty Trader & Investor

For nationals of treaty countries engaged in substantial trade or investment.

P, Q, R — Athletes, Cultural Workers & Religious Workers

Temporary admission for performers, cultural exchange participants, and religious employees.

H-2A / H-2B — Temporary Agricultural & Non-Agricultural Workers

Seasonal or temporary labor admitted under employer petitions.

U & T Visas — Victim Protections

Immigration relief for crime victims (U) and trafficking victims (T).

How We Help

Evaluate eligibility and recommend the best visa category.
Draft and review petitions, cover letters, and supporting evidence.
Prepare clients for consular interviews and requests for evidence (RFEs).
Represent employers in labor-condition filings and PERM-related matters.
Assist with extensions, changes of status, and derivative family petitions.

Key Documents You’ll Need

Valid passport and passport photos
Visa-specific forms (DS-160, I-129, I-129F, I-539, etc.)
Proof of ties to home country or intent to comply with nonimmigrant terms
Employment offer letters, contracts, or business plans
Financial records and academic credentials

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I work on a tourist visa?
A: No. Work requires an appropriate employment-based visa (H, L, O, etc.) or work authorization.

Q: Can nonimmigrant status lead to a green card?
A: Some categories can transition to immigrant status; this depends on the visa and individual circumstances.

Q: How long does processing take?
A: Processing varies by category, service center, and consulate — from days to several months.

Ready to Start?

If you’re considering a nonimmigrant visa, don’t navigate the process alone. Contact the Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner for a confidential consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and build a strategy to maximize your chance of success.

Phone: (562) 495-0554 | Schedule a Consultation