As experienced immigration lawyers, we can assist in a number of different cases. And with a experience in employment-based immigration, we want to make sure your business, whether just starting or fully established, can be together. That's why we handle cases like:
- Professional worker visas: There are several visa options available to professional workers, such as the H-1B nonimmigrant visa, the TN visa, the E3 visa, the O-1 visa, and the L-1 visa. H-1B visas are available for up to six years to workers from practically any country who have gained specialized knowledge or are professional workers, but often, there are far more visa applicants than there are visa available. Because of this, it may be wise to explore other options in case your H-1B visa plans do not work out . For example, the E-3 visa is available to professional and skilled workers from Australia, whereas the H-1B1 is available to workers from Chile and Singapore. Likewise, the TN visa is available to professional workers from Mexico and Canada, under the NAFTA and USMCA trade agreements. However, if you are from one of these countries and you do not win the H-1B visa lottery, you may still qualify for another option, like the O-1 visa if you are a person of extraordinary ability or achievement. In order to be certain which of these options is right for you, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
- Seasonal workers: If you own a business in the farming, ranching, hotels, construction, or tourism industries, or any other business sector that relies on seasonal workers or that experiences periods of peak demand, you should consider hiring foreign workers to fill your temporary, seasonal need. There are two options for seasonal industries--the H-2A "agricultural" visa, and the H-2B "seasonal non-agricultural" visa. The U.S. government only provides 66,000 H-2B visas every years, with 33,000 available for a start date of April 1st and another 33,000 visas available for a start date of October 1st, but in recent years, the U.S. government has expanded the number of H-2B visas it makes available for seasonal workers. In fact, the Biden Administration expanded the number of H-2B visas again just in August 2023. However, there is no such visa cap for H-2A agriculatural visas. Let us guide you through this process to ensure your workers arrive in the United States in time for your busy season.
- Temporary investor visas: Citizens of certain countries are eligible to apply for either an E-1 or an E-2 visa if you plan to start a new business or purchase an existing business. Whereas the E-1 visa is available to foreign investors seeking to open or run an import/export business, the E-2 visa is available to those who seek to open or run any kind of business. However, the E-2 visa is only available to citizens of certain countries (see country list here). In order to obtain the E-1 or E-2 visa, you must undergo a detailed application and review process so that the U.S. government can decide whether your business is a legitimate ongoing concern and whether it was acquired and is run with capital invested from a clean funding source. If you are interested in starting or purchasing a business in the United States, please contact us so our experienced team can guide you through the E-1/E-2 visa process.
- PERM Certification: Those who have already worked in the United States or who have the right combination of skills, education, and work experience may be eligible for an employment-based petition that allows them to apply for a green card, along with their immediate family. Popular options include the EB-3 preference petition, which is available to professional workers, skilled workers, and other workers, as well as the EB-2 preference petition, which is reserved for workers with advance degrees or those with exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business. We can make sure your paperwork is done correctly to allow you and your family to continue living in the United States permanently. Call now to schedule a consultation so one of our attorneys can help you decide which is the right solution for you.
- Visa solutions for medical professionals: Visas for medical professional can be complicated to obtain, but there are a number of options depending on your specific occupation. Common options include the H-1B professional worker visa, the J-1 exchange visa for medical doctors who comply with the provisions of the Conrad 30 waiver program, the EB-3 visa for those who work in as a nurse or a physical therapist as listed on the "Schedule A" occupations list, the EB-2 visa for medical doctors, and the EB-1 visa for those seeking a National Interest Waiver where the medical professional's work has substantial merit and national importance. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation so our attorneys can help you assess which option is right for you.
- Visa Options for Clergy and Other Religious Vocations: For those who have been ordained or who seek to work in non-ordained vocations (such as music ministers), USCIS provides two options. The first is a nonimmigrant visa, called the R-1 visa, which can be renewed for up to five years. The second option is the Special Immigrant Religious Worker visa, through which religious workers can obtain a green card. Call now to discuss wh ich of these options is right for you.
We help with all other aspects of immigration as well, including derivative visas for employees' family members, citizenship, and waivers. Our goal is to ensure your workers can get the status they need to help your business thrive.
