Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/statue-of-liberty--gy4s9SQ1RI
People come to the U.S. for all kinds of reasons. Some chase opportunity. Others seek safety. Some just want to walk through Times Square and feel like they’re in a movie.
For Alejandro, it was all of the above.
Back in Bogotá, life wasn’t terrible. He had family, friends, a small but steady freelance gig designing logos for local shops. But he kept feeling like he was missing something. The creative scene felt limited. Clients lowballed. And the more he learned about America, the more he itched for something bigger.
His cousin in Queens invited him to visit. “Come for a few months,” she said. “See if you like it.” So, Alejandro packed up, slapped a tourist visa in his passport, and touched down at JFK with a suitcase full of clothes, design sketches, and big dreams.
He fell for New York instantly. The speed, the chaos, the creativity. But it didn’t take long to realize that love for the city wouldn’t be enough to stay. If he wanted to build something real here, he’d need help. Legal help.
That’s when someone mentioned Spar & Bernstein immigration lawyer NYC—a firm known for helping immigrants not just stay in the country, but thrive in it.
He had no idea that trip would be the first step in building a whole new life.
Month 0 – Entered the U.S. on a B-2 Tourist Visa
Alejandro arrived in NYC with a 6-month stay approved on his B-2. Like many first-timers, he didn’t overstay—but he did fall in love with the city: the energy, the diversity, the sheer volume of people building lives from scratch.
During those early weeks, he also saw how limiting his options were on a tourist visa. He couldn’t legally work. He couldn’t build anything long-term. So, he started asking around.
That’s when an acquaintance told him “look, if you're serious, talk to a real attorney before making any risky moves.”
And so he did.
Month 3 – Returned to Bogotá to Prep for Change of Status
The lawyers advised against applying for a change of status from tourist to student while in the U.S.—it was risky and could tank future visa chances if denied. So, Alejandro went back to Bogotá, this time with a plan.
He researched community colleges in NYC and picked one with strong design and business programs. He applied for an F-1 student visa, but that required some serious paperwork:
- Proof of funds (bank statements, family support letters, sponsor info)
- Acceptance letter from the college
- Ties to Colombia (to prove he wasn’t just trying to sneak-stay in the U.S.)
- A decent level of English (TOEFL score helped him out)
Oh—and he polished the hell out of his personal statement. “Why do you want to study in the U.S.?” isn’t just a question; it’s a test of your purpose.
Visa approved.
Month 8 – Back in NYC as a Student (F-1 Visa)
Alejandro landed in NYC again, but this time as a legit student. He started with ESL classes for one semester while adjusting to the local accent (Queens English is its own thing), then enrolled in design and business courses full-time.
He didn’t just coast through. He built a killer portfolio and started networking early—professors, local studios, campus events.
Year 3 – Graduated and Got OPT (Optional Practical Training)
After graduating, Alejandro applied for OPT, which gave him 12 months of work authorization. You have to apply within 60 days of graduation, and USCIS takes their sweet time, so he started early.
He landed a design internship. They loved him. And by the end of his internship, they offered him a job.
Year 4 – Tried for H-1B… and Lost the Lottery (Twice)
His employer was willing to sponsor him for an H-1B. That’s not a given—small agencies usually don’t bother. But they said yes.
His first application? Not selected. Second year? Still nada. (The H-1B lottery is brutal, with odds just a little above 20% in 2025.)
So, he pivoted. Instead of gambling a third time, he worked with an immigration lawyer again and found a cap-exempt job at a nonprofit connected to a local college. These orgs don’t have to deal with the H-1B cap.
It wasn’t glamorous, but it was smart. It gave him legal status, paid work, and a way to keep building his résumé.
Year 6 – Love and a Green Card
Somewhere between work and weekend markets, Alejandro met Sam. Brooklyn food trucks, late-night walks, mutual love of design memes.
After two years of dating, they got married—and yes, he applied for a marriage-based green card. But this wasn’t some shotgun thing. He already had a legal work visa, so the green card was just the next step—not the escape plan.
Marriage green cards still require proof, though. Joint lease, shared bills, travel photos, friend affidavits—it’s like building a pitch deck for your relationship.
Year 11 – Naturalization
Five years after getting the green card, Alejandro filed for naturalization.
He prepared like he was studying for finals:
- Reviewed civics questions
- Practiced his English small talk
- Studied his immigration history (yes, they’ll ask about old addresses)
Passed the test. Took the oath. Done and dusted.