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Have Questions About Employment Visas?

Work Visas allow employees who are not a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Residents (Green Card) to work in the United States for an extended period of time. Due to the increased demand in people applying for work visas there has been a cap on the amount of Work Visas which will be approved each year. There are several types of Employment Visas which a person may apply for:

B-1 VISA

The most common non-immigrant visa is the B-1 Visa. This is offered to temporary visitors for business.

H-1B VISA

The H-1B Visa is issued to skilled foreign workers and is applied for by the United States employer on behalf of the applicant. The Visa is valid for 3 years, however it can be extended up to 6 years if the applicant is still employed by the sponsoring employer. To be eligible for an H-1B Visa, the applicant must have a Bachelor's Degree in a related field or the equivalent of 12 years of relevant experience.

H-2A VISA

The H-2A Visa is a seasonal agricultural visa, offered to foreign agricultural workers seeking to work in the United States on a temporary basis. Typically, the H-2A Visa expires after 364 days.

H-2B VISA

The H-2B Visa is issued to temporary or seasonal non-agricultural workers. The H-2B Visa has been extremely beneficial to employers which experience a significant changes in their need for employees from one portion of the year to the next. Some examples of H-2B Visa positions include servers, bussers, front desk/concierge employees, chefs, golf and ski instructors, and ski lift operators.

J-1 VISA

The J-1 Visa is part of the Exchange Visitor Program, and its purpose is to increase mutual understanding between the people in the United States and the people of other countries through cultural and educational exchanges. The J-1 Visa is administered by the Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation in the Bureaus of Education and Cultural Affairs. To obtain a J-1 Visa you must be sponsored by a designated public or private exchange sponsor. There are several categories in which you an exchange visitor may participate in such as:

  • Au Pair
  • Intern
  • Student
  • Government Visitor
  • Physician
  • Professor or Research Scholar
  • Specialist (maximum duration is one year)
  • Summer work/travel
  • Teacher

Trainee (maximum duration of participation is 18 months, except for agriculture programs – 12 months, and hospitality training program- 12 months- hospitality programs must also have three departmental rotations for training programs lasting longer than 6 months.

L-1 VISA

The L-1 Visa is for workers who are considered a Intracompany transferee. An intracompany transferee is generally an executive, manager, or specialized personnel continuing employment with international firm or corporation in the United States.

O-1 VISA

The O-1 Visa is issued to a person with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. The O-1 Visa is initially granted up to 3 years, and may be extended for 1 year at a time. There is no limit to the amount of extensions which may be granted. To qualify for an O-1 Visa an applicant must supply documents showing that he or she is has sustained national or international acclaim and recognition for achievements in their respective field.

P-1 VISA

A P-1 Visa is granted to alien athletes, artists, and entertainers. In order to obtain a P-1 Visa the applicant must demonstrate international recognition. To establish “international recognition,” a petitioner may rely either on documentation of a major, one-time achievement by the group, such as the nomination for, or receipt of, a significant international award or prize, or at least three of the following:

  • Has and will perform as leading/starring group in productions/events with distinguished reputations;
  • International recognition/acclaim for outstanding achievements;
  • Has and will perform as leading/starring group for organizations with distinguished reputations;
  • Record of major commercial/critically acclaimed success;
  • Significant recognition from organizations, critics, governments, other recognized experts;
  • Commanded/will command high salary/other substantial remuneration relative to others similarly situated.

Employer VISA FAQ's

What does EB-5 stand for?

The investment immigrant visas — also called employment creation green cards — are the fifth employment-based category listed on the visa bulletin issued by the Department of State.  EB-5 is short for “employment-based fifth category.”

Is it necessary for me to choose a Regional Center or a project geographically near to where I plan to reside?

No, you can be involved in the management of the investment without being physically present at the site.  You may need to attend investor's meetings in person from time to time, but can likely otherwise participate by telephone or electronic means.

Can my family members immigrate with me?

Yes, spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may also obtain their green cards via the primary investor's EB-5 petition.

How long does it take to get an EB-5 green card?

A good rule of thumb is to plan f0r processing to take about six months, although the actual time varies somewhat.  Prior to the expiration date on the initial green card, the investor and any family members must apply to have the conditions removed.

Which is better — the Regional Centers or the traditional $1,000,000 investment?

For most clients, the Regional Center route is a better fit.  The Regional Centers already have a framework in place for the management of the investment and the initial investment amount is lower.  However, some clients have already made an investment or have a different project in mind.

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The Delgado Law Group is committed to answering your questions about immigration and naturalization in the United States.

We'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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