Chicago has become a thriving global business center. Companies in many types of industries conduct international business operations from the Windy City and our busy suburbs. The top Chicago employment immigration lawyers are here at Minsky, McCormick and Hallagan. We have helped many businesses secure employment visas for workers who are not American citizens. We have also helped many foreign nationals secure lawful immigration status in order to work and conduct business in the United States.
Here are some of the most common types of business and employment visas:
If a worker’s employment in the U.S. is only for a set period of time, a temporary worker visa will usually be appropriate. There are many different types of temporary worker visas. To start the application for any of them, the employer must first file a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The employer might also need a labor certification or other documentation from the Department of Labor. This is why companies that intend to sponsor temporary workers should begin the immigration process as soon as possible.
Approximately 140,000 immigration visas are available every year. These are separated into preference categories based upon the worker’s skills and experience. It is important to be sure you apply for the correct visa and the correct preference category. Even slight errors can cause significant delays in the immigration process.
Academic students can apply for an F-1 visa, and their spouses and children can apply for F-2 visas. Vocational students can apply for M-1 visas, and their spouses and children can apply for M-2 visas. Exchange visitors can apply for a J-1 visa while their spouses and children can apply for J-2 visas. Be sure that your academic program meets the requirement of the specific visa for which you are applying.
Business visas can be required for many different types of commercial or professional activities. While there can be certain exceptions, it is important to be sure you have a visa if one is required. It is better to consult with an immigration lawyer before entering the United States on business than to find yourself unable to enter the country because you did not secure the appropriate business visa. Temporary business visas are also limited in duration and are usually valid for no more than one year. It is important to be prepared with other visa options if your business in the United States could take longer than a year.
The experienced Chicago immigration attorneys at Minsky, McCormick and Hallagan have helped many employers and workers obtain lawful immigration status for work in the United States. If you perform unauthorized work in the U.S., it can be more difficult to obtain a lawful immigration status in the future. Employers who allow this can also face hefty fines and administrative penalties. Contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible.