U.S. Work Visa Services
We Help International Talent Secure Their American Dream
At the Law Offices of Connie Kaplan, we specialize in navigating the complex landscape of U.S. immigration law to help you achieve your American dream. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved, we guide international talent through the visa process, ensuring a smooth transition into employment in the United States. Whether you’re a skilled professional, an artist, or an entrepreneur, we offer personalized solutions to meet your specific needs. Let us be your trusted partner in securing the right work visa for you and your family.
Explore the various types of U.S. temporary worker visas below to find the one that best suits your employment needs; learn how to take the next step in your application process.
L-1A and L-1B Visa: for Intracompany Transferees
The L-1A and L-1B visas facilitate the transfer of key employees from a foreign office to a U.S. office. L-1A is for managers and executives, while L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge.
H-1B Visa: for Specialized Occupations
The H-1B visa is designed for professionals in specialized fields like IT, engineering, and healthcare. It allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in these specialized occupations.
TN Visa: for NAFTA Professionals Visa
The TN visa is for Canadian and Mexican professionals under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It allows for streamlined entry into the U.S. for qualified individuals in specific professions.
E-3 Visa: for Australian Nationals in Specialty Occupation
The E-3 visa is exclusive to Australian nationals coming to the U.S. to work in a specialty occupation. It requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in the specific field.
B-1 Visa : for Business Visitors
The B-1 visa is for individuals participating in short-term business activities in the U.S., such as conferences or negotiations. It does not permit local employment in the U.S.
O-1 Visa: for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary skills in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. It allows them to work in the U.S. in their field of expertise.
Discover the different categories of U.S. permanent worker visas below; learn how to secure your long-term career and residency in the United States.
EB-1 Visa: for Priority Workers
The EB-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, or multinational executives and managers. This visa offers a fast track to U.S. permanent residency.
EB-2 Visa: for Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability
The EB-2 visa is for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business. It allows for U.S. permanent residency, often requiring a labor certification.
EB-3 Visa: for Skilled, Unskilled, and Professional Workers
The EB-3 visa is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. It covers a broad range of employment types and leads to U.S. permanent residency, typically requiring a labor certification.
Unlock Your U.S. Career Potential with the Right Work Visa
Whether you’re eyeing a temporary role or a permanent position, the Law Offices of Connie Kaplan are here to simplify the U.S. visa process for you. With expert guidance on everything from H-1B and E-3 to EB-2 and EB-3 visas, we help you find the best pathway to achieve your career goals in the United States. Don’t let immigration complexities hold you back—schedule a consultation today to explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is L-1A visa?
The L-1A visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa designed for the transfer of managers and executives from international companies to their U.S. offices or to set up a new U.S. office. It’s initially valid for 1-3 years and can be extended up to 7 years. To qualify, applicants must have been employed by the sponsoring company outside the U.S. in a managerial or executive role for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the application.
What is L-1B visa?
The L-1B visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa that allows international companies to transfer employees with specialized knowledge from a foreign office to a U.S. office. It’s initially valid for up to 3 years and can be extended to a maximum of 5 years. To qualify, applicants must have been employed by the sponsoring company outside the U.S. in a role requiring specialized knowledge for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the application.
What is H-1B visa?
The H-1B visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in specialized fields like IT, engineering, and healthcare. It is employer-sponsored, meaning the employer files the petition on behalf of the worker. The visa is initially valid for up to three years and can be extended to a maximum of six years.
What is H-1B visa status?
H-1B visa status refers to the condition of an individual’s H-1B visa, indicating they are authorized to work in the U.S. for a specific employer. The status is initially granted for three years and can be renewed for additional one- or three-year increments, up to a total of six years. Extensions beyond six years are possible under certain conditions, such as pending green card applications.
What are the advantages of H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa offers several advantages, including the ability to work and live in the U.S., travel freely internationally without requiring Advance Parole, and the possibility of seeking permanent residency under the dual intent doctrine. It also allows for investment in property and financial markets and provides eligibility for family members to live in the U.S. under H4 status.
Can my spouse and children live in the U.S. if I have H-1B status?
Yes, spouses and unmarried minors of H-1B visa holders can live in the U.S. under H4 status. However, they are not authorized to work in the U.S. while on H4 status.
Can I get H-1B status if I'm self-employed?
Typically, you cannot obtain H-1B status if you are self-employed. The visa requires an employer to file a petition on your behalf with the USCIS.
Can I file an H-1B for myself?
No, you cannot file an H-1B visa for yourself. The petition must be filed by an employer who intends to hire you for a specialized role that matches your qualifications.
What is TN Visa?
The TN visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa that allows Canadian and Mexican professionals to work in the United States under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly known as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It is designed for individuals in specific professions and allows for streamlined entry into the U.S.
TN Visa Requirements
To qualify for a TN visa, applicants must be citizens of Canada or Mexico and work in one of the professions listed under the USMCA. They must also have the necessary credentials for that profession, such as a relevant degree or professional license. Additionally, the job in the U.S. must be temporary and the applicant must intend to return to their home country upon visa expiration.
Does TN Visa Require Sponsorship?
Yes, the TN visa requires sponsorship from a U.S. employer. The employer must provide a job offer letter detailing the professional capacity in which the individual will work, the purpose of employment, the length of stay, and educational qualifications. For Canadians, the process can often be completed at the border, while Mexicans must apply at a U.S. consulate.
What is E-3 visa?
The E-3 visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa specifically designed for Australian nationals who are coming to the United States to work in a specialty occupation. The specialty occupation must require a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field, and the applicant must possess such qualifications. The E-3 visa is initially valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed indefinitely in 2-year increments.
Can E-3 visa holders apply for a Green Card?
Yes, E-3 visa holders can apply for a U.S. Green Card, which would grant them permanent residence in the United States. There are multiple pathways for E-3 visa holders to transition to Green Card status:
– Family-Based Immigration: If you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can be sponsored for a Green Card. This involves submitting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
– Investment-Based Immigration: Through the EB-5 Visa Program, E-3 visa holders can invest a minimum capital in a U.S. business that generates at least 10 full-time jobs for Americans to qualify for a Green Card.
There are two methods to change your status from E-3 to Green Card:
– Adjustment of Status: This is done within the U.S. and is processed by USCIS. It’s generally recommended to apply for a Green Card after being in the U.S. for more than 90 days to avoid violating nonimmigrant intent.
– Consular Processing: This is done outside the U.S., typically at the U.S. Consulate in Sydney for Australian nationals.
It’s crucial to consult with immigration experts to explore the best pathway for your specific situation. Schedule a consultation with immigration attorney Connie Kaplan today!
What is B-1 visa?
The B-1 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa that allows individuals to enter the United States for short-term business activities. These activities can include attending business meetings, conferences, or seminars, negotiating contracts, or exploring business opportunities. It’s important to note that the B-1 visa does not permit local employment in the U.S., meaning you cannot be paid by a U.S.-based company during your stay. The visa is generally issued for a period ranging from a few months to up to 10 years, but the length of each stay is determined by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and is typically up to 6 months. Extensions are possible under certain conditions.
What is EB-1 visa?
The EB-1 visa is a U.S. immigrant visa category aimed at individuals with extraordinary abilities in their field, outstanding professors and researchers, or certain multinational managers and executives. Unlike non-immigrant visas like the H-1B or L-1, the EB-1 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency, commonly known as a Green Card. The EB-1 category is divided into three subcategories: EB-1A for individuals with extraordinary ability, EB-1B for outstanding professors and researchers, and EB-1C for multinational managers or executives. The EB-1 visa offers the advantage of faster processing times compared to other employment-based Green Card categories and does not generally require Labor Certification. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the subcategory but typically include a high level of expertise and recognition in one’s field.
What is EB-2 visa?
The EB-2 visa is a U.S. immigrant visa category designed for foreign professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their field. Unlike non-immigrant visas, the EB-2 visa offers a pathway to permanent residency, commonly known as a Green Card. The category is divided into three subtypes: EB-2A for those with advanced degrees, EB-2B for those with exceptional ability, and EB-2C, also known as the National Interest Waiver (NIW), for those whose work benefits the United States. Generally, an employer-sponsored Labor Certification is required, but this requirement can be waived under the NIW if the applicant demonstrates that their work is in the national interest. Eligibility criteria include holding an advanced degree or unique expertise in fields like science, arts, or business.
What is EB-3 visa?
The EB-3 visa is a U.S. immigrant visa category aimed at skilled, unskilled, and professional workers. It offers a pathway to permanent residency, commonly known as a Green Card. The category is divided into three subtypes: EB-3A for professionals with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent, EB-3B for skilled workers with at least two years of work experience, and EB-3C for unskilled workers for positions that require less than two years of training or experience. Generally, an employer-sponsored Labor Certification and a permanent, full-time job offer are required to apply. The EB-3 visa is often considered a more accessible but slower route to U.S. permanent residency compared to the EB-1 and EB-2 categories.