BUSINESS VISAS:
B-1 for Business
B-1 visas are available to individuals entering the U.S. for brief visits to perform certain business related tasks such as attending meetings, negotiating contracts, soliciting sales or investments, making investments or purchases and conducting research. An industry specific example would include buying/selling horses, and accompanying and traveling with horses to the U.S.
B-2 for Leisure or Tourism
B-2 visas are available to individuals entering the U.S. for leisure or tourism for a stated period of time. Our office is able to advise on all aspects of B visas and draft the necessary documentation on an expedited basis.
E-1 Treaty Trader
The E-1 visa classification enables a foreign national to enter the U.S. to engage in trade of goods or services if the national’s home country has a Commercial Treaty with the United States conferring such eligibility. Our office is able to advise on the countries that currently qualify under the Treaty, and provide alternatives to nationals of countries that do not qualify under this category.
E-2 Treaty Investor
An E-2 visa classification is available to an individual who intends to invest a substantial amount in a United States company, and wishes to come to the U.S. to ‘develop and direct’ the business operations of that enterprise. Again, the investor’s home country must have a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation or bilateral investment with the United States. Our firm is able to provide the guidance necessary to successfully obtain an E visa.
F-1 Academic Student
An F-1 visa enables a foreign national to enter the U.S. to enroll in a full course of study at an educational institution. Our firm can advise on all aspects of the process from obtaining the necessary documentation from the educational institution through Consular Processing.
H-1B Specialty Occupation
This is the most common type of visa for a Professional wishing to work in the U.S. in a specialty occupation. In order to apply for H-1B classification, the individual should have a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in work experience. H-1B visas are subject to a numerical limit each year. In addition to preparing the necessary documentation, our firm is also able to advise on strategy for individuals who face challenges as a result of the numerical limit. Furthermore, our experienced team is able to provide guidance to make the transition from H-1B status to Permanent Residency as seamless as possible.
L-1 Intra Company Transferee
L-1 visas are available to Executives, Managers and specialized employees working in a foreign office of an international company that wishes to transfer the employee to its U.S. office. Executives and Managers with valid L-1 status may be eligible for Permanent Residency without the need for Labor Certification (i.e. testing the job market to demonstrate that there are no U.S. workers available to perform the job).
TN Trade NAFTA Professionals
The TN visa category, established under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), enables workers from Canada or Mexico to work in the U.S. for one year initially (which is subsequently renewable in further one year increments). In order to qualify, the individual must fall under one of the designated occupations listed under NAFTA, most of which are reserved for degreed professionals.
As always, please contact our office with any questions or if you wish to explore any of the above further.
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