What You Should Know About Employment And Business Visas
If you are considering coming to the United States for work, you have many options as far as visas go. Every type of employment visa is slightly different; the best one for you depends on your unique circumstances. At Schwartz Posel Immigration Law Group, we can help you determine which visa is right for you and guide you through the application process.
What Are My Options For Obtaining An Employment Visa?
The following are the various forms of temporary employment visas for which you can petition as a nonimmigrant:
- B-1 Business Visitor: If you are visiting on business, you can obtain a visa for up to six months. However, the visa expires after this period.
- E-1 Treaty Trader: Does your native country have a treaty with the U.S.? If so and you are conducting trade between your country and the U.S., this visa could be a good fit for you.
- E-2 Treaty Investor: If your country of origin has a treaty with the U.S. and you plan to invest major capital in a commercial venture, you may seek an E-2 visa as long as you also plan to develop and/or direct the venture.
- H-1B Specialty Occupation: Some workers who have special occupations that are needed in the U.S. may petition to enter the country for work via an H-1B visa. The type of work must require at least a bachelor’s degree and the prospective employer must pay the worker applying for the visa a fair wage based on U.S. standards.
- H-3 Job Trainee: The U.S. has many opportunities for training that other countries do not. If you are unable to pursue the training you need in your home county, then an H-3 visa can allow you to live in the U.S. temporarily while you receive special training.
- J-1 Exchange Visitor: A similar type of visa to an H-3 visa is a J-1, which allows a foreign national to stay in the U.S. temporarily while they receive special career training. However, this visa stipulates that most applicants must return to their native country and work for at least two years following completion of their training.
- L-1 Intracompany Transferee: An L-1 visa allows employees of an international company to transfer to their employer’s U.S. location, assuming they have been employed by the company for at least one out of the three years immediately preceding their visa application. Eligible workers must have specialized knowledge in their field and be a manager, an executive or a highly trained worker of some kind.
- O-1 Individual With Extraordinary Ability Or Achievement: While somewhat uncommon, this visa is for aliens who have extraordinary talent or accolades in the arts, science, business, education or athletics and who need to reside temporarily in the U.S. to continue their work.
- P-1 Athlete Or Entertainer: Are you an athlete or entertainer who does not qualify for an O-1 visa? If so, you may instead petition for a P-1 visa, which would allow you to compete or perform in the U.S. temporarily.
- P-2 Reciprocal Exchange Program: You can petition for a P-2 visa when participating in a reciprocal exchange program between your native country and the U.S. This type of visa is also available for athletes and entertainers.
- P-3 Culturally Unique Program: You may qualify for a P-3 visa if you are an artist or entertainer — as an individual or member of a group — that engages in programs foreign to American culture. This visa can allow you to teach, coach, develop or represent a unique or traditional form of art to United States citizens.
- R-1 Religious Worker: Religious workers can come to the U.S. using an R-1 visa to work for a nonprofit religious organization. Workers must be affiliated with the organization’s religious denomination for at least two years before requesting a visa, in addition to other stipulations.
- TN NAFTA Professional: Citizens of Canada and Mexico can work in the United States temporarily under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for a prearranged business trip or other enterprise.
The wide variety of visas may seem overwhelming. When you work with our attorneys, we will help you select the best option for you and your profession.
Take Action Now To Protect Your Rights
If you or a loved one has an immigration need that requires the help of an experienced immigration lawyer, contact the attorneys at Schwartz Posel Immigration Law Group today. You may call us at 770-951-1100 or complete our contact form to schedule your free email consultation.
While our office is located in Atlanta, we serve clients far beyond Georgia in securing visas to come to the United States.