If your company needs to bring in foreign talent, you may benefit from working with a business immigration law firm in Houston. U.S. immigration laws are notoriously complex – especially when it comes to business cases. For that reason, it may make sense for your organization to work with a skilled, knowledgeable professional who stays up-to-date on the most current changes to U.S. immigration law.
Why Work With a Business Immigration Law Firm?
Working with the right business immigration law firm can make a tremendous difference in how efficiently you’re able to bring in foreign workers – and it may even affect the outcome of your petition. Although you are legally allowed to fill out petitions yourself, you need to know that one mistake could throw a wrench in your plans; your petition could be denied over something simple that you overlooked.
Filing immigration petitions can be incredibly time consuming – especially if you’re not sure what to do or how to provide the appropriate information. Most people aren’t even sure which forms to file (or which companion forms are necessary), which makes the process lengthy and confusing. For most companies, the only practical solution is to work with a business immigration law firm whose attorneys only focus on immigration law.
What Can a Business Immigration Law Firm Help You With?
A business immigration law firm can help you with several aspects of immigration law, including obtaining a variety of temporary worker visas, keeping you in compliance with U.S. Department of Labor requirements, and more.
B Visas
B visas are for people who are coming to the U.S. for a short period of time to conduct certain types of business, such as attending a conference. The business immigration law firm you choose should have extensive experience in obtaining B visas for its clients.
E Visas
E visas, which are often called Treaty Trader visas or Treaty Investor visas, are available to some people who want to come to the United States to engage in substantial trade. They’re also available to those who wish to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise they’ve invested a substantial amount of capital in. These types of visa applications can be incredibly complicated, so for many people, the best course of action is to find a business immigration law firm that can help.
H Visas
Temporary worker visas that fall into the H nonimmigrant category are divided into several types. Each type reflects a certain purpose for coming to the United States. Generally, H visas are only available to people in specialty occupations, people who are looking for job training, and those who wish to work in the agricultural sector.
L Visas
People who transfer to new or different positions within the same company may be eligible for L visas. Some examples include switching to work for a branch, parent company, subsidiary or affiliate. If this is the type of visa you’re looking for, it may be in your best interest to contact us for advice.
O Visas
O visas may be available to people who have extraordinary ability or achievement in:
- Arts
- Athletics
- Business
- Education
- Motion pictures and television
- Science
Persons of extraordinary ability must meet very specific criteria, and they must be able to prove that they are, indeed, extraordinary. For this reason, it may make sense to look for an immigration lawyer or business immigration law firm who can provide case-specific legal guidance before, during and after the application process.
P Visas
P visas are generally only available to athletes, artists and entertainers – as well as their essential support personnel – who are coming to the United States to perform at specific events or competitions, participate in reciprocal exchange programs, or teach and coach under culturally unique programs. There are different visas for sports teams, entertainment groups, and individual performers in a wide range of disciplines, so you may need to work with an immigration law firm to find out what’s right in your situation.
Q Visas
People who will participate in practical training and employment through an international cultural exchange program may be eligible for Q visas.
Compliance With the Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor has very stringent rules for companies that wish to hire foreign labor to work in American companies. As a U.S. employer, you must prove that there are no American workers qualified to fill a specific position, as well as:
- The foreign employee will work for you full-time
- The position is permanent rather than temporary (you’ll need a different type of visa to hire temporary or seasonal workers)
- The educational and experience requirements for this particular position are the same as those usually required for the position – you cannot tailor your company’s requirements based on the background of the worker you wish to hire
- You will pay the prevailing wage, which is what other employers pay for the same job position
As part of your labor certification process, you’ll be required to submit supporting documentation that proves your claims. If you fail to obtain labor certification, you cannot hire foreign workers – and if that’s not something you’re willing to gamble with, it’s probably a good idea to find a business immigration law firm that can help you with the entire process. Your attorney will also be able to help ensure you can sponsor specific employees after you have received your labor certification.
FAQ From an Houston Business Immigration Law Firm
Check out these frequently asked questions about business immigration.
Who is Eligible for Business Immigration to the U.S.?
Each type of business visa has its own criteria, but generally, the person you’re sponsoring must be coming to the U.S. to work temporarily in a specific job or profession. He or she must also declare an intent to leave and show adequate finances to do so.
How Long Can You Stay in the U.S. on a Temporary Work Visa?
Every temporary work visa has its own period of stay, with some lasting as little as a few days and some lasting a few years. You can often extend a period of stay if necessary to complete a job.
Can You Work With a Business Immigration Law Firm to Become a U.S. Citizen?
It is possible to work with a business immigration law firm to become a U.S. citizen, but only some types of visas can put a person on the path to naturalization. You should consult with a business immigration law firm if you’re interested in eventually becoming a United States citizen.
Can You Sponsor Family Members to Come With You Through a Business Immigration Law Firm?
Many temporary work visas allow you to bring your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 with you. In some cases, family visas derived from temporary work visas allow the holder to work; in most, they allow the holder to attend school.
Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney With a Business immigration Law Firm?
If you’re interested in sponsoring foreign workers in the United States, or if you’re an individual looking for a work visa that allows you to come to the U.S., we may be able to help you. Call our business immigration law firm to schedule your free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney now.
