Chantilly, VA Immigration Attorney

Johnson and Masumi • August 2, 2021

Chantilly, VA Immigration Attorney

Johnson & Masumi P.C. has over 30 years of experience practicing immigration law in Chantilly, VA. Our firm was originally founded by Mr. Randall Lee Johnson as Johnson & Associates. After graduating from the Moritz School of Law at Ohio State University, Mr. Johnson later turned his focus towards practicing immigration law, having even served on the United States Supreme Court. He has dedicated his law practice towards serving immigrant families in Chantilly, VA and the greater Northern Virginia area to help fight for their immigration rights and immigration waiver requests.


Having assisted over 5,000 clients from a host of different countries, Mr. Johnson’s experience reflects the core values of Johnson & Masumi of compassionate and purposeful service to help clients realize their dreams of visiting and residing in the United States. He has now turned over his position and duties to Ms. Mariam Masumi Daud, the Principal Chantilly, VA immigration attorney at Johnson & Masumi P.C. She is ready and willing to assist non-residents in Chantilly, VA with all their documentation, filing, and other visa processes to help manage a successful case.

Chantilly, VA Immigration Visas

Johnson & Masumi P.C. practices immigration law in Chantilly, VA for non U.S. residents who wish to travel to or live in the U.S. We specialize in providing expertise and case management for a wide range of immigration, visitor, employment, student and fiancé visas. Foreign nationals have the ability to be issued multiple types of visas to reside and/or work in the U.S. for a temporary period if they meet specific requirements to qualify. Oftentimes, our clients who successfully obtain certain types of visas will apply for a Green Card to officially live in the U.S. as a permanent resident. We also assist clients in handling immigration challenges if they have been deemed inadmissible by the USCIS by helping them acquire an immigration waiver that will allow them entry into the country. Trust the Chantilly, VA immigration attorneys at Johnson & Masumi to handle all your questions, concerns and visa applications.


Chantilly, VA Employment Visas

Employment visas allow foreign nationals living in Chantilly, VA to apply for residence and obtain employment for their allotted time granted in their visa. Once they have been approved to be employed, employment visa applicants can become legal immigrants. In certain cases, the visa applicant’s potential employer must petition the USCIS on their behalf. We assist our clients with applications for the following employment visas: A Visas, EB Visas, the H1-B visa, among others.


A-Visas

Diplomatic officials who wish to reside and travel in the U.S. are good candidates for an A visa. The three status categories of A visas are the A-1, A-2, and A-3. A-1 visas are granted to diplomats, foreign public ministers, and consular office officials. To qualify for an A-2 visa, an applicant must be honored by the U.S. Secretary of State, or currently serve as an international military official. Family members, employees or other associated officials of A-1 and A-2 visa holders are recognized under the A-3 visa status.


EB-1 Visa

The EB-1 Visa, separated into three categories, is known as the “First Preference Visa” because applicants who qualify are on a higher priority to obtain a green card visa. These are the EB-1A Extraordinary Abilities Visa, the EB-1B Outstanding Professors & Researchers Visa, and the EB-1C Executives & Managers Visa.


EB-2 Visa

Non-residents who hold advanced degrees or possess other exceptional skills can qualify for an EB-2 employment visa and obtain permanent residency. EB-2 visas have three separate categories similar to the EB-1 visa.


EB-3 Visa

EB-3 visas allow foreign nationals in a diverse range of careers who may not possess extraordinary abilities to secure permanent residency in the U.S. EB-3 visa applicants fall within three subcategories: Professional Workers, Skilled Workers, or Unskilled Workers. To be granted permanent residency, workers under the EB-3 visa must be employed full-time.


EB-4 Visa

EB-4 visas are granted to Special Immigrant Religious Workers. This type of visa is known as the “fourth preference” visa that only allows religious leaders or those working in religious occupations to be employed and reside in the U.S. Visa holders must work exclusively in religious institutions or for non-profit, tax-exempt religious organizations.


EB-5 Visa

The EB-5 visa is a highly sought after employment visa granted to those under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor program. Those who qualify must be foreign nationals who have the ability to make a minimum investment of $500,000 in a USCIS EB-5 Regional Center or $1,000,000 into a New Commercial Enterprise. Investors are required to create at least 10 full-time jobs for a minimum of two years as a product of their investment in order to obtain permanent residency under a green card status.


H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is issued to foreign nationals who who are seeking employment in U.S. companies that are staffing positions for those in specialty occupations. Applicants in career fields such as those in: science, technology, mathematics, engineering, medicine, architecture or accounting are considered. Applicants are required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields. To be employed, applicants must have their potential employers petition on their behalf to the USCIS to be issued an H-1B visa. However, due to the new cap limit restrictions on the number of H1-B visas that are issued, this visa can be prove more difficult to obtain.


Chantilly, VA Fiancé Visas

K-visas, known as fiancé visas, are issued to foreign nationals that wish to marry their U.S. citizen fiancé, or any children of a U.S. citizen. K-visas fall under four classifications: K-1, K-2, K-3, and K-4 visa status.


K-1 Visa

To obtain a K-1 visa, the fiancé of a U.S. citizen must legally marry their fiancé within 3 months of arriving to the U.S. and enter the U.S. within six months of being granted the K-1 visa. If the applicant chooses to marry a different person, they are required to return to their home country to begin the process over. The fiancé must also show proof of additional evidence of their marriage to be granted a K-1 visa and adhere to the visa restrictions.


K-2 Visa

K-2 visas are granted to the unmarried children under the age of 20 who are traveling with their parent to the U.S. who holds K-1 visa status. Children are not required to be biologically related to their parent, however parents must provide evidence of their relationship to their child, as well evidence that suggests they are able to provide adequate financial support for their child. Children with K-2 visa status are only allowed to remain in the U.S. for up to 90 days.


K-3 and K-4 Visa

Fiancés of U.S. residents are eligible for a K-3 visa once they have legally married. The U.S. resident spouse must file a petition behalf of their fiancé, and when confirmed by the USCIS, their children are allowed to reside in the U.S. with their parents under K-4 visa status. A K-3 visa allows the visa holder to enter the U.S. on multiple different occasions. The K-3 visa is valid for up to 2 years, and after this time has elapsed, the visa holder is allowed to apply for a green card for permanent residency.


Chantilly, VA Student Visas

A foreign national student who wishes to study, teach or work in Chantilly, VA for an extended duration has the option of applying for an F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa. These student visas each come with their own different restrictions to obtain one, as well as a host of qualifications that must be met before a student is eligible to study in the U.S.


F-1 Visa

A foreign student who has aspirations to enroll in an accredited university in the U.S. to complete an extended duration of study can apply for an F-1 visa. This visa grants the student the ability to live and study in the U.S. for as long of a period as it takes for them to complete their course of study. The visa holder is also allowed to be employed in a position with a U.S. organization whose job responsibilities are consistent with their course of study. Students can supplement their studies with a program of Optional Practical Training under the supervision of a university official. In order to meet the F-1 visa requirements, a student must successfully file Form I-20, show proof of their I-120 passport and undergo an interview with a U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate official to discuss their educational goals.


J-1 Visa

Students from a foreign country can be granted a J-1 visa under the Exchange Visitor Program and receive sponsorship to complete their studies or temporary employment for a longer period of time. The J-1 visa exchange program allows students to be employed or study if they possess a qualified special skill(s). In order to be granted a J-1 visa, student applicants must prove they are a legal resident of their home country and demonstrate that they do not plan on immigrating to the U.S. after their J-1 visa status has expired. Student applicants must provide documentation to verify their plans and provide a Certificate of Eligibility by completing Form DS-2019 to be recognized as an Exchange Visitor.


M-1 Visa

A foreign national who intends to receive vocational training or complete a field of non-academic study in the U.S. can apply for an M-1 visa. Visa holders must enroll in a course of study for a period of 12 semesters. During their course of study, they are disallowed from being employed and must provide evidence of their financial stability that demonstrates their ability to fully support themselves financially. Students must meet the application requirements of the educational institution they intend on enrolling in to complete their studies, along with additional detailed requirements.


Chantilly, VA Visitor Visas

Foreign nationals who wish to travel to the U.S. on business or to vacation can apply for a B visa. B visas fall under two classifications: B-1 and B-2 visa status.


B-1 Visa

The B-1 visa is awarded to foreign national who are completing business travel in the U.S. for a brief time period. Those applying for the B-1 visa must have no intentions of seeking employment in the U.S., participating in any course of study, or acting as a foreign media employee. B-1 visa recipients may only reside in the U.S. for a period of up to one year, though they have the option applying for an extended stay for periods of six months after submitting the appropriate paperwork.


B-2 Visa

Similar to the B-1 visa, foreign nationals who wish to travel to the U.S. for leisure are permitted to obtain a B-2 visa provided that they do not intend on seeking long term employment, however they are eligible to enroll in courses of study or recreational programs for a short period of time. B-2 visas carry a validity of up to six months, and applicants are required to present evidence showing their intentions of remaining a non-immigrant.


Chantilly, VA Waivers

Visa applicants who have been deemed as “inadmissible” by the USCIS may qualify for an immigration waiver. This can be due to an individual being designated as high risk, dangerous or marked for violating their country’s laws. They may also have other fraudulent, health or unlawful presence concerns. These individuals are restricted from traveling to the U.S. Some inadmissible violations can be waived however. A non-citizen may be granted either an I-601 Hardship or I-601A Provisional Waiver.


I-601 Hardship Waiver

Non-citizens who can provide evidence that their family in the U.S. could suffer extreme hardship if they were removed from the country or denied a waiver may be eligible for an I-601 Hardship waiver. The 3 categories of the I-601 Hardship waiver are the: Criminal Conviction Waiver, Misrepresentation (Fraud) Waiver, Unlawful Presence Waiver. The relatives of the family member who is applying for the I-601 Hardship or Provisional Waiver must meet the requirements and qualifications of each waiver. Relatives must also be able to provide their own evidence of extreme hardship if they were to be removed from the U.S.


I-601A Provisional Waiver

Non-residents who have entered the U.S. illegally and were subsequently deported to their home country must restart their process of attempting to immigrate to the U.S. legally. These individuals are banned from returning to the U.S. from 3 to 10 years time. In order to return to the U.S. after being deemed inadmissible from unlawful presence, obtaining an I-601A Provisional Waiver can prevent an illegal immigrant from having to wait for the 3 to 10 year banned period to elapse by shortening the time they are banned from the country. The I-601A waiver can sometimes be a more expedient process than applying for an I-601 waiver since an individual can begin to apply soon after they have been deported. An illegal immigrant must be able to prove that their family would suffer extreme hardship if deported back to their home country or if the waiver were to be denied.


Contact The Chantilly, VA Immigration Attorneys At Johnson & Masumi

The Chantilly, VA immigration attorneys at Johnson & Masumi, P.C. are able to assist individuals who wish to visit, be employed in, or avoid deportation. Without the proper legal counsel, navigating the visa and waiver application process can be especially challenging and confusing. Our experienced immigration attorneys have the requisite experience and expertise in managing clients’ unique cases. We will help you through the process by reviewing your visa or waiver requirements and provide assistance in obtaining the proper documentation to prove your qualifications for your application. Trust the immigration attorneys at Johnson & Masumi to ensure you understand and are prepared for your visa or waiver application. Schedule a consultation today online or call us at (703) 688-8376 to begin your path to the United States!

Categories: Immigration

May 19, 2026
Encounters with immigration officers can be stressful and confusing. Many people wonder whether immigration agents can legally stop someone on the street and askquestions. Understanding your rights during these encounters is important. Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may approach individuals in public spaces. However, simply being stopped by an officer does not automatically mean you are required to answer questions. In many situations, people have the right to remain silent. If an immigration officer approaches you on the street, you have the right to ask if you are being detained or if you are free to leave. If the officer says you are free to go, you may calmly walk away. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, your immigration status, or how you entered the United States. It is also important to remember that you do not have to consent to a search of your belongings unless the officer has legal authority to conduct one. Officers may attempt to continue the conversation, but remaining calm and respectful while asserting your rights can help prevent unnecessary complications. People who are not U.S. citizens should avoid providing false documents or false statements. Providing incorrect information can lead to serious immigration consequences. If you experience an encounter with immigration officers, try to remember important details such as the location, time, and what was said during the interaction. Sharing this information with an immigration attorney can help you understand whether your rights were respected. Knowing your rights can help you stay calm and make informed decisions if you ever encounter immigration officers in a public space. If you or a loved one needs immigration guidance, our team is here to help. (703) 506-1400
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Seeing someone detained by immigration officers can be alarming. Many people want to help but are unsure what they are allowed to do without putting themselves at risk. The first thing to understand is that simply observing and documenting a public encounter is generally legal. Community members can play an important role by acting as witnesses. Calm observation can sometimes discourage misconduct and ensure that the situation is handled properly. If you witness an encounter involving agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, try to remain calm and keep a safe distance. Avoid interfering physically with officers, as this can create legal problems for you. If it is safe to do so, you may document the situation. Recording video or taking notes can help preserve important details about the interaction. Pay attention to the location, the time, how many officers are present, and whether they show identification or a warrant. Witnesses can also help by reminding individuals of their rights in a calm and respectful way. For example, you may remind someone that they have the right to remain silent or that they can ask to speak with an attorney. After the incident, documenting what you saw can be helpful. Write down everything you remember as soon as possible. This information may later help attorneys or community organizations understand what happened. Supporting community members during stressful situations does not require confrontation. Sometimes the most powerful support is simply being present, informed, and prepared to document what you see. Unsure about your rights or next steps? Contact our office at (703) 506-1400 .
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U.S. citizens may occasionally be questioned by immigration officers during enforcement operations. Although citizens cannot be deported, these encounters can still be stressful and confusing. If an immigration officer approaches you, the first step is to remain calm. Ask a clear and simple question: “Am I being detained, or am I free to go?” If the officer says you are free to leave, you may calmly walk away. You do not need to continue answering questions. Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sometimes question individuals in areas where enforcement operations are taking place. Even in those situations, U.S. citizens still have constitutional protections. You are not required to answer questions about where you were born, your immigration status, or where you are going. If you choose to respond, you may simply state that you are a U.S. citizen and prefer not to answer additional questions. In some cases, officers may ask for identification. While citizens may carry identification for practical reasons, the law generally does not require U.S. citizens to carry proof of citizenship at all times. If the situation becomes uncomfortable or unclear, it is best to politely repeat your question about whether you are free to leave. Remaining respectful while asserting your rights can help prevent the situation from escalating. If you believe your rights were violated during an encounter, write down everything you remember after the interaction ends. Details such as officer names, vehicle numbers, and the location of the encounter may be useful later. Understanding your rights allows you to navigate these situations confidently and safely. Your rights matter. If you need legal support, contact our office at (703) 506-1400.
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Immigration interviews often include detailed questions about an applicant’s history in the United States. One question that frequently causes concern is whether the applicant has ever worked in the United States without authorization. This question can be extremely important because unauthorized employment may affect eligibility for certain immigration benefits. The impact depends on the type of application, the immigration category, and the applicant’s overall history. For example, some immigration categories allow limited forgiveness for unauthorized employment, while others do not. In certain cases, working without authorization can complicate an application for permanent residence. The most important thing during any immigration interview is honesty. Providing false information or hiding facts can lead to far more serious consequences than the underlying issue itself. Misrepresentation can result in application denial and long term immigration consequences. Applicants should review their immigration history carefully before attending an interview. This includes understanding past employment, periods of unauthorized work, and how those details appear in previous applications or records. Preparation is key. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help applicants understand how specific facts may affect their case. An attorney can also help prepare clients to answer difficult questions clearly and truthfully. Immigration interviews are designed to verify information and evaluate eligibility. Being prepared and honest can help applicants navigate the process with greater confidence and clarity. Every immigration case is different. Speak with our team directly at (703) 506-1400 .
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During enforcement encounters, immigration officers may use certain questioning techniques to encourage people to speak. Understanding these tactics can help individuals protect their rights and avoid making statements that could affect their immigration case. Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are trained investigators. Their goal is often to gather information quickly. People who are unfamiliar with their rights may feel pressured to answer questions immediately. One common tactic is casual conversation. Officers may start with friendly questions such as where you are from or how long you have lived in the area. These questions may seem harmless, but the answers could reveal information about immigration status. Another tactic involves presenting documents or asking someone to confirm personal details. Officers may ask people to verify their name, address, or place of birth. These questions can lead to additional inquiries about immigration history. A third tactic is urgency. Officers may suggest that cooperating quickly will make the situation easier or faster. This can make people feel pressured to speak without thinking about the consequences. It is important to remember that many individuals have the right to remain silent during encounters with immigration officers. Politely stating that you choose not to answer questions and wish to speak with an attorney is a lawful response. Remaining calm, respectful, and informed can make a significant difference during these situations. Knowing your rights allows you to protect yourself while avoiding unnecessary conflict. Staying informed & prepared can make a difference. If you need legal guidance, contact us at (703) 506-1400 .
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