Confused about your immigration options? Get clarity in minutes, not months.
Whether you're weighing a work visa, a family-based green card, a student status change, or wondering what to do after a denial — you don't need to know the legal terms to start. Tell us your situation in plain English and get a clear, practical read on your options.
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What visa type do I need?
A few quick questions about your situation — see a personalized, plain-English read on likely visa type, typical timeline, and whether DIY or an attorney makes more sense.
Start the free case classifier →General information only, not legal advice. Using this site doesn't create an attorney-client relationship.
Immigration law is complicated. Getting started shouldn't be.
Whether you're sponsoring a spouse, renewing a work visa, applying for asylum, or trying to understand why an application was denied, the sheer number of visa categories and forms can be overwhelming. You don't have to figure it all out alone — start with a clear picture of where you stand, then decide your next step with confidence.
What's your immigration situation?
Pick what's closest to where you are right now.
I don't know which visa I need
A plain-English map of the most common US visa categories.
Get clarity →I'm confused about visas vs. green cards
The key differences, explained simply.
See the difference →I want to know how long this will take
Realistic timelines by category, and what affects them.
See timelines →My application was denied
Your options after a denial — appeal, motion, or reapply.
See your options →I'm not sure if I need an attorney
An honest look at when DIY filing makes sense — and when it doesn't.
Find out →I'm ready to talk to an attorney
The questions worth asking before you hire anyone.
See the list →Immigration basics, explained plainly
No pressure to understand it all today. Here's the plain-English map of how the US immigration system generally works.
Nonimmigrant visas
Temporary visas like H-1B, F-1, and O-1 for work, study, or exchange programs. Learn more →
Green cards
Lawful permanent residence through family, employment, or other categories. Learn more →
Interview readiness
What to expect and how to prepare for a USCIS interview. See what to expect →
Document checklist
What to gather before you apply for almost any category. See the checklist →
Explore a specific visa path
Not sure where you fit yet? These guides go deeper on the four most common starting points.
What visa type might fit your situation?
Answer a few questions and we'll suggest a likely visa category, a realistic timeline, and whether a DIY filing or an attorney makes more sense for your situation.
Get your personalized case read
A few more details for a sharper, personalized estimate of visa type, typical timeline, and whether DIY or an attorney fits better. It's an educational estimate, not a legal determination.
A general educational estimate — actual eligibility depends on your full history and current USCIS rules, which only a licensed attorney can apply to your case. Using this tool doesn't create an attorney-client relationship.
Your result appears here
Fill in the details on the left and your personalized read — plus helpful next steps — will show up right here.
DIY filing vs. an immigration attorney vs. a notario/consultant
| DIY filing | Immigration attorney | "Notario" / consultant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best when | Your case is simple with no prior denials or complications | Your case has any complexity — denials, criminal history, deadlines | Rarely recommended for legal filings in the US |
| Legal advice | None — you rely on USCIS instructions | Yes, licensed to practice immigration law | No — not licensed to give legal advice in most states |
| Risk if wrong | Delays, denial, possible bars to future filing | Lower — a professional reviews your facts first | Can be high — unlicensed practice can worsen a case |
| Cost | Filing fees only | Filing fees plus attorney fees | Varies, often unregulated |
A simplified overview — your situation may differ. A free, no-obligation case review can tell you which path actually fits.
A clear, honest answer, any time
Ask about visa types, green card timelines, or what a denial means. Nova can't advise on your specific case, but can help you understand your options and point you to someone who can.
General information · not legal advice · always plain-English
Trusted partners & tools for your case
Services we point people to for finding an attorney, preparing documents, and managing visa logistics. We may be compensated if you use a partner service.
Attorney matching network
Connect with independent, licensed immigration attorneys near you.
Get matched →Legal case matching
A broader legal-match service if your case spans more than immigration.
Compare attorneys →Visa document services
Help with visa applications, renewals, and travel document logistics.
See services →Books & tools people use while going through this process
A few widely-used references, organizers, and prep guides. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate — it costs you nothing extra.
US Immigration Law Made Simple
A plain-English reference many applicants keep on hand for terminology and general process.
See on Amazon →Immigration Document Organizer
A dedicated folder/binder to keep IDs, evidence, and filings together in one place.
See on Amazon →Citizenship & English Test Prep
Study guides and practice tests for the naturalization civics and English exam.
See on Amazon →Immigration Case Timeline Journal
A simple planner for logging filing dates, notices, and deadlines during a long wait.
See on Amazon →US Work Visa & H-1B Guide
A practical guide to employment-based visa categories and paperwork.
See on Amazon →Relocating to the USA Guide
Practical guidance for settling in after your visa or green card is approved.
See on Amazon →Connect with a licensed attorney, when you're ready
We're not a law firm — we help connect you with independent, licensed immigration attorneys. Browse our state guides, or get a free case review now.
Plain-English answers to common questions
Do I need a visa or a green card?
How long does a green card application take?
Can I switch from one visa type to another?
What happens if my visa application is denied?
Do I really need an immigration attorney?
The Immigration Case Readiness Guide
A clear, no-jargon guide: how to identify your likely visa category, a document checklist for common filings, what to expect at each stage, and the exact questions to ask an immigration attorney. Yours instantly.
- A plain-English map of the most common visa & green card categories
- A document checklist to prepare, whatever your category
- What typically happens at each stage of a case
- Questions to ask an immigration attorney before you hire one
Get the free guide
Two easy ways to talk about your case
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