Chicago Employment Visa Attorney

Chicago Employment Visa Attorney

Immigrants help power the U.S. economy, making it the most flexible in the world. If you want to come to the United States to work, or if you are a U.S.-based company looking to hire a foreign worker, then you need to go through the employment visa process.

Employment visas come in two types—temporary and non-temporary. There are many visa options, and many people and businesses struggle to understand which visa is most appropriate for their situation. For help, contact an experienced Chicago employment visa attorney.

Common Temporary Employment Visas

The U.S. government caps the number of temporary employment-based visas each year. Although there is political pressure to increase the number, the fact is that all visas are awarded within a matter of months. If you are interested in a temporary visa, you need to move quickly. Early preparation often proves key.

Common temporary employment visas include the following:

• H-1B. These temporary visas are often in the news and allow companies to hire specialized foreign workers. An H1B visa is good for three years and can be extended up to six years.
• H-2A. This short-term visa is designed for filling short-term agricultural jobs.
• E-2. Someone who has made a substantial investment in a business can request this visa.
• P. This visa is for performers and athletes who are internationally recognized.
• L.  This visa allows an employee to transfer from a corporation’s foreign base to an office in the United States. It applies only to qualified executives and managers and lasts for a maximum of seven years.

These are only some of the most common temporary employment visas. There are many others. Consult a Chicago employment visa attorney to discuss your needs.

Non-Temporary Employment Visas

The government also makes a certain number of non-temporary employment visas available every year. There are five employment-based categories:

• First preference. Workers with extraordinary abilities, outstanding researchers, and executives and managers of multinational corporations.
• Second preference. Those who hold advanced degrees or have exceptional ability.
• Third preference. Professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree or who qualify as other skilled workers.
• Fourth preference. Primarily religious workers or other special immigrants.
• Fifth preference. Those who make significant investments in U.S. industries.

Each category receives an allotted percentage of available visas. Most visas are reserved for the first three categories, which each receiving around 28.5% of the total visas available.

A business that hopes to sponsor a foreign worker needs to jump through hoops, and often needs to apply for a Labor Certification that shows the job cannot be filled by available U.S. workers. This process is time-consuming and confusing, so a lawyer’s help is a must.

Call Today to Discuss Your Needs with a Chicago Employment Visa Attorney

Finding an experienced workforce is a challenge, and employment-based visas have helped many companies grow. However, the process for obtaining a visa can be complicated, and legal guidance is a must.

If you have a question for our Chicago employment visa attorneys, please contact Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan today. You can reach us by calling or sending us an online message. We have worked with many foreign workers and U.S.-based companies.