Nonimmigrant
Visas
Would you like to enter the U.S., temporarily? A nonimmigrant
visa permits admission for a specific purpose, such as work, school, a conference, or a visit, with friends or family.
A nonimmigrant visa differs from an immigrant
visa in that the nonimmigrant visa only allows a person to enter temporarily, though potentially for years, whereas an immigrant visa holder can enter and stay permanently , and usually become a U.S. citizen in time.
The length of time someone can stay in the U.S. depends on the visa status under
which he or she is admitted (for example, specialty occupation). And a person admitted in one status can often change
status in order to stay longer--or to perform different activities. For instance, a medical school student may want to change
status to an employer-sponsored nonimmigrant visa once they graduate and find employment (assuming their new employer will
sponsor the person). Several types of nonimmigrant visas also allow a person to extend their authorized period of stay
in the U.S.
The process though, is often confusing
and complicated. Our firm can guide you through it, by determining the best visa category and assisting you with changing
status from one category to a better one. In appropriate cases, we can also obtain legal status and work authorization
for your dependent family members.
The
following is a brief list of the most commonly used temporary working visa categories:
H1-B Specialty Occupation
This nonimmigrant visa classification
applies to an alien who will be employed temporarily in a specialty occupation (one which typically requires a bachelor’s
degree), for example, a computer systems analyst or engineer, or as a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability. Under
current law, there is an annual limit of 65,000 aliens who may be issued a visa or otherwise provided H-1B status. As many
as 20,000 additional H-1B slots are available to graduates of U.S. master’s degree (or higher) programs.
L-1 Intracompany Transferee
The L-1 visa permits multinational companies to transfer
high-level and essential employees from their international offices to the United States. The nonimmigrant would work at the
affiliate or subsidiary of that same employer in the U.S. in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity.
E-1 Treaty Trader
The E-1 visa allows an individual to enter the
United States for the sole purpose of carrying on substantial trade between his or her home country and the United States.
The home country of the nonimmigrant must have a treaty with the United States. Such visas can be extended indefinitely.
E-2 Treaty Investor
If you come to the U.S. to run an enterprise in which you are
invested, you may obtain the nonimmigrant visa status of E-2 treaty investor. If you are an employee of a treaty trader investor
you may also be qualified as an E visa holder if your duties require special qualifications essential to the business. The
nonimmigrant must have the same nationality as the alien employer and the home country of the nonimmigrant must have a treaty
with the United States. Like E-1s, these can be extended indefinitely.
O-1 Individuals
of Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
Highly talented or acclaimed individuals may be eligible
for an O visa for entry into the U.S. People who may qualify for this visa are physicians, scientists and accomplished business
persons, and athletes.
TN Professionals
These visas are limited
to nationals of Canada and Mexico. If you are employed in one of the 63 listed professions in NAFTA, you can apply for
nonimmigrant TN status. Most of the listed professions require either a bachelor's degree or appropriate credentials demonstrating
status as a professional.
R-1 Religious Workers
The R-1 visa
permits religious workers to come to the U.S. to take on a religious occupation and perform services for their religious organization.
The religious organization must already be established in the United States.
Find out about many
other means of obtaining a nonimmigrant visa to the U.S., by
contacting us today to arrange a consultation