Headman Law Group represents Temporary & Visitor Visas clients in Washington — for policy, research, and international-organization professionals. U.S. immigration law is federal, so we guide Washington-area clients through the same proven process we use nationwide — most steps handled by video and secure document exchange, with no need to visit an office.
What Are Temporary & Visitor Visas?
Temporary and visitor visas cover short-term, nonimmigrant entries to the United States — a business meeting, a family visit, a medical procedure, a conference, or qualifying professional work. They do not lead directly to a green card, and most require you to show that you intend to return home when your visit ends.
The right option depends on your nationality, the purpose of your trip, and how long you need to stay. A citizen of a Visa Waiver country may travel on ESTA for short visits, while others apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Canadian and Mexican professionals may qualify for TN status under the USMCA.
Getting the category and the documentation right matters: a visa refusal or an entry problem can affect future travel. We help you choose the correct route, prepare a clean application, and avoid common pitfalls at the consulate or the border.
How We Help
We advise visitors, businesses, and professionals on the fastest lawful way into the U.S. for a temporary stay.
- Choosing between a B-1/B-2 visa, ESTA, and TN status.
- Preparing visitor-visa applications and consular interview strategy.
- Documenting nonimmigrant intent and ties to your home country.
- Structuring TN job offers to fit a qualifying USMCA profession.
- Filing extensions and changes of status where permitted.
- Avoiding the entry problems that can jeopardize future travel.
Main Temporary Options
Each option fits a different traveler. The summaries below show who each one suits best.
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
The B-1 covers temporary business activity such as meetings and conferences; the B-2 covers tourism, visiting family, and medical treatment. Stays are typically up to six months and may be extended. See our dedicated B-1/B-2 page.
Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
Nationals of participating countries may visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa, after obtaining an ESTA authorization. No extensions or change of status are allowed. See our Visa Waiver page.
TN — USMCA Professionals
Canadian and Mexican citizens in qualifying professions can work in the U.S. for a U.S. employer under the USMCA, in renewable increments. See our dedicated TN visa page.
Nonimmigrant Intent
Most visitor categories require you to show you will return home when your authorized stay ends. Strong ties — employment, family, property — support that showing.
How a Temporary-Visa Case Moves
The exact steps depend on the category and your nationality, but the arc is similar.
Purpose & Eligibility
We confirm the purpose of your trip and your nationality, then identify whether B-1/B-2, ESTA, or TN is the right route.
Application & Documentation
We prepare the application — consular visa, ESTA registration, or TN package — with evidence supporting your purpose and ties.
Interview or Port of Entry
You attend a consular interview where required, or present your case at the border or port of entry for TN and Visa Waiver entries.
Maintain or Extend
We advise on maintaining status, requesting extensions where allowed, and planning any future change of status.
Common Supporting Documents
The exact set depends on the category, but temporary-visa cases generally draw on the following.
Traveler
- Valid passport
- Purpose-of-trip documentation (itinerary, invitation, conference)
- Evidence of ties to your home country
- Proof of funds for the visit
TN / Professional
- Employer support letter describing the role
- Proof the position is a qualifying USMCA profession
- Credentials, licenses, and degrees
Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary & Visitor Visas help in Washington?
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