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NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS
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NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

For the last 20 years, with well over 10,000 clients in 25 different countries served, SW Law Group has specialized in assisting multi-national corporations, start-up entrepreneurs and foreign nationals with obtaining a wide array of business, employment-based non-immigrant work and training visas, including H-1B, L-1, E, O, P-3, H-3, and J-1, as well as others.

In particular, we regularly assist multi-national corporations with inter-company transfers of executives and managers under L-1 status, and start-up companies with new businesses in the U.S. SWLG often provides entrepreneurs with start-up services to help incorporate and launch their new businesses in the U.S., ranging from assisting a sushi restaurant investor under E-2 status to creating a culturally unique program for P-3 classification.

In addition, we welcome challenging cases that require highly technical industry research to successfully secure L-1B “specialized knowledge” visas. SWLG also frequently serves clients of “extraordinary” ability in the arts, multimedia, athletics, sciences, and business, seeking O-1 non-immigrant status.

Of course, it is without saying that over the last 20 years, SWLG has assisted countless number of international students focused on finding H-1B sponsors.

SWLG is committed to delivering efficient services of a big firm with the personal touch and dedication of a boutique office.

TEMPORARY VISITOR / BUSINESS VISA

Overview

B-1 and B-2 Visitor visas are non-immigrant visas for persons who want to enter the U.S. on a temporary basis for business (visa category B-1), tourism, pleasure or visiting (visa category B-2), or a combination of both (B-1 / B-2).

B-1

A business visa is a non-immigrant visa to the U.S., which is also known as a B-1 visa issued to those looking to conduct certain business activities on behalf of a foreign company.

Requirements of B-1 Visa Visitor

B-1 visa holders may not “work” or engage in paid employment for a U.S. entity nor freelance/independent contract work and must be able to prove that they are entering the U.S. on a temporary basis and will return to their residing country once their business activities in the U.S. are completed.

Individuals may however, engage in the following:

  • Conduct Negotiations in relation to a contract;
  • Consult with business associates;
  • Solicit sales or investment;
  • Discuss planned investment or purchases;
  • Make investments or purchases;
  • Attend Meetings, and participate in them fully;
  • Interview and hire staff;
  • Conduct research;
  • Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference; and/or
  • Settle an estate.

B-2

The B-2 Tourist Visa is a non-immigrant visa meant for persons entering the U.S. for pleasure or medical treatment. The B-2 visa is commonly referred to as a tourist visa.

Requirements of B-2 Visa Visitor

B-2 visas are issued to those looking to temporarily enter the U.S. for reasons other than business such as:

  • Tending to a sick family member;
  • Seeking medical treatment;
  • Participation in social events or contests;
  • Holiday or tourism;
  • Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for their participation; and/or
  • Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (ie: a two-day cooking class while on vacation).

The following activities require a working visa, and may not be carried out by business (B-2) visitors:

  • Running a business.
  • “Gainful employment”
  • Payment by an organization within the U.S.
  • Participating as a professional in entertainment or sporting events.

Period of Stay

It is possible to visit the U.S. for a period of 90 days without obtaining a visa if your resident country is part of the Visa Waiver Program (which is further outlined below), however, simply because you have been granted a U.S. visa in your passport, it does not automatically allow you to enter the U.S., it only gives you permission to apply to enter the United States. A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed by a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and that the officer determined your eligibility to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry for a specific purpose. The port-of-entry can be an airport, a seaport or a land border crossing.

At the port-of-entry, a U.S. immigration officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decides whether to allow you to enter and how long you can stay for any particular visit, as part of the Admission process. Only the U.S. immigration officer has the authority to permit you to enter the United States.

Those entering on visitor B-1 or B-2 visas will generally be granted 6 months’ admission (the maximum allowable is one year) on entry. It may be possible to obtain a six-month extension to the visit visa as long as the candidate will be maintaining visitor status, and there are good reasons to do so. It is sometimes possible to change status to another longer-term visa whilst in the U.S. as a visitor, as long as the candidate advised the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate of this possibility beforehand, or there was no pre-conceived intent to do so.

Visa Waiver Program

For those who come under the visa-waiver scheme, there is usually no need to apply for a visitor visa at all if the candidate wishes to visit the U.S. for three months or less.

As long as you are travelling on a participating airline (i.e. most scheduled airlines from participating countries), and hold a return or onward ticket to a country other than Canada, citizens of the following countries do not need a visa for visits to the U.S. of up to 90 days:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

Those present in the US under the visa waiver scheme are subject to basically the same conditions as those on a B1/B2 visa, except that it is not usually possible to extend the visa while in the U.S. or change to another visa.

Foreign nationals who do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program must obtain a B-2 visa before visiting the U.S. for any reason whatsoever. Foreign nationals who do qualify for the Visa Waiver Program but wish to remain in the U.S. for longer than 90 days must obtain a B-2 visa.

SPECIALTY OCCUPATION VISA

Overview

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields such as in architecture, engineering, mathematics, science, medicine, accounting and finance for specified time periods. Individuals are not able to sponsor him or herself for an H-1B visa to work in the U.S. You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer for specialist knowledge duties to be performed in the U.S. A foreign worker can enjoy H-1B status for up to six years. In order to qualify for a H-1B visa, the sponsoring company, the position offered and the potential employee must meet certain specific requirements. H-1B visas are also subject to an annual limit (lottery) as further set out below.

Requirements

In order to be eligible for a H-1B visa, first, the position offered must be a specialty occupation as follows:

  • Bachelor’s or higher degree or its equivalent is normally the minimum entry requirement for the position.
  • The degree requirement for the job is common to the industry or the job is so complex or unique that it can be performed only by an individual with a degree.
  • The employer normally requires a degree or its equivalent for the position.
  • The nature of the specific duties is so specialized and complex that the knowledge required to perform the duties is usually associated with the attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree.

Second, the foreign worker must be qualified to accept a job offer in a specialty occupation by meeting one of the following criteria:

  • Have completed a U.S. bachelor’s or higher degree required by the specific specialty occupation from an accredited college or university.
  • Hold a foreign degree that is the equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s or higher degree in the specialty occupation.
  • Hold an unrestricted state license, registration, or certification which authorizes you to fully practice the specialty occupation and be engaged in that specialty in the state of intended employment.
  • Have education, training, or experience in the specialty that is equivalent to the completion of such a degree, and have recognition of expertise in the specialty through progressively responsible positions directly related to the specialty.

Third, the sponsoring U.S. company and the potential employee must show a valid employer-employee relationship. In other words, the foreign worker cannot be self-employed. Any ownership interest in the sponsoring U.S. company can also be problematic.

Lastly, the U.S. company must prove the ability to pay the prevailing wage for the occupation in the geographic area of the employment location. This could be a hurdle for newly established company with no evidence of past revenue and/or sufficient income.

H-1B Visa Cap and Lottery Process

H-1B visas are subject to an annual cap of 85,000 visas per year, with 65,000 issued for workers in specialty or professional occupation positions requiring Bachelor’s Degrees and an additional 20,000 visas available for applicants with Master’s Degrees or higher. All employers applying for a place in the visa cap process can apply as soon as April 1st of the specific year. Once the visa cap has been reached the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not accept new applications until April the following year. Because demand for H-1B workers remains high, for the last several years, the quota was filled in the first 5 business days of April.

U.S. Master’s cap petitions will first be sorted from non-U.S. Master’s cases and subjected to the random process to select the 20,000 that will be processed. All cases not selected as part of the U.S. Master’s lottery will be entered into the bachelor’s cap lottery, in which 58,200 cases (65,000 minus 6,800 carved out for Chile and Singapore H-1Bs) will be subjected to the random system to select those that will be adjudicated. Rejected petitions will be returned to the attorney or employer along with the filing fees. Only those petitions that make it through the lottery will be reviewed and adjudicated. If a petition is accepted in the lottery, and approved, the earliest that the H-1B can start is October 1st of the same year.

Please note that H-1B workers who are sponsored by an institution of higher education or its affiliated or related nonprofit entities or a nonprofit research organization, or a government research organization are not subject to this numerical cap.

H-4, Family Members

H-1B visa holder’s spouse and children (under the age of 21) may apply for an H-4 visa to enter the U.S. with the primary H-1B visa holder. As long as the H-1B remains valid, the H-4 family member may reside in the U.S. H-4 spouses, however, are not eligible to work except in very limited cases.

Period of Stay

H-1B visa holders may live and work legally in the U.S. for your specific H-1B sponsor, up to a maximum of 6 years. The initial period of approved status is approximately 3 years and H-1B workers are eligible for at least one extension. In order to extend H-1B status beyond this 6-year maximum, the foreign worker’s green card application process must start at least one and half years prior to this expiration date.

Please note that the H-1B visa like other non-immigrant visa is tied to the sponsoring company. In other words, you cannot freely change jobs. If you want to switch jobs, your new employer must first file a Change of Employer H-1B petition.

TREATY TRADER / INVESTOR VISA

Overview

E-1 (Treaty Trader) and E-2 (Treaty Investor) visas are authorized based on the existence of a treaty of commerce and navigation between the United States and the country of ownership of the sponsoring applicant entity. The sponsoring U.S. entity must be at least 50% foreign owned. Those eligible may include:

  • Principal Investors, or individuals looking to invest and start U.S. business entities qualify for such visas, as long as they are nationals of countries that have a treaty with the U.S. Such Principal Investors must be coming to the U.S. to develop and direct the enterprise; or
  • Eligible Companies, who are interested in sponsoring foreign nationals in an executive, managerial or highly specialized position. Such foreign nationals must be employees of the same nationality as that of the sponsoring company.

To see the current list of E-Visa Eligible Countries List, click here.

E-1

If you are a businessperson from a qualifying treaty country (see below a list of qualifying countries for E-1 visas) and plan to either undertake a significant amount of international trade with the U.S. or you plan to work for a company that does, you may qualify for the E-1 Treaty Trader visa.

Requirements of E-1 Visa

Applicants must meet specific requirements in order to qualify for an E-1 Treaty Trader visa.

  1. The applicant must be a national of a treaty country.
  2. The volume of such trade must be sufficient to justify the trader or his/her employee(s) being in the U.S. to manage the trade,
  3. The trading firm where the applicant will be working must be at least 50% owned by citizens of the treaty country noting, that the trading firm may be owned by the visa applicant or other individuals.
  4. There will be a substantial dollar value to the trade between the U.S. and the treaty country. While there is no set minimum level of trade which is considered sufficient, obviously the lower the volume of trade the less likely one is to qualify as a Treaty Trader.
  5. The majority of international trade transactions undertaken by the applicant (have been and) will be between the U.S. and the treaty country. These trade transactions do not include transactions within the Treaty country or within the U.S.
  6. The applicant may be the Treaty Trader themselves or be employed in a supervisory or executive capacity, or possess highly specialized skills essential to the operation of the firm. Ordinary skilled workers are not eligible for this visa.

E-1 employees are generally employed in supervisory positions such as executives & managers or be specialist or essential skilled workers.

Who qualifies as an Executive or Manager?

Executives and Managers are employees that ultimate control and are responsible for the organization’s overall operation, or a major component of it. Such employees should be able to demonstrate their executive or managerial history, though there is no requirement that they have worked for the principal trader or investor for at least one year, as there is with the L1 visa. Generally, a resume and supporting letter from the principal is all the evidence required.

Who qualifies as a Specialist or Essential Skilled Worker?

Visas for Specialist or Essential Skilled Workers are somewhat more difficult to obtain and the applicant must be able to demonstrate that:

  1. That the employee is of the same nationality as the principal investor or trader;
  2. That a U.S. resident worker could not fill the position;
  3. The employment of the treaty national is necessary for the running of the principal trader or investor’s business in the U.S.; and
  4. S. workers will be trained to replace the treaty national with all details of the proposed training being provided.

If the above criteria can be met then the E-1 visa may be obtained however, it is considerably harder to renew than the Executive/Manager visa.

Period of Stay

Qualified treaty traders and employees will be allowed a maximum initial stay of two years. Requests for extension of stay may be granted in increments of up to two years each. There is no maximum limit to the number of extensions an E-1 nonimmigrant may be granted.  All E-1 nonimmigrants, however, must maintain an intention to depart the United States when their status expires or is terminated.

Family of E-1 Visa

Treaty traders and employees may be accompanied or followed by spouses and unmarried children who are under 21 years of age. Their nationalities need not be the same as the treaty trader or employee. These family members may seek E-1 non-immigrant classification as dependents and, if approved, generally will be granted the same period of stay as the employee.

During the period of stay in the U.S., the applicant’s spouse can apply to work in the U.S. without restrictions as to the place of employment, however, the children may not accept any kind of employment but may engage in study.

E-1 Visa Countries

The following countries have treaties with the United States that allow qualifying nationals to apply for Treaty Trader status:

Argentina China (Taiwan) Germany Korea (South) Norway Spain
Australia Colombia Greece Kosovo Oman Suriname
Austria Costa Rica Honduras Latvia Pakistan Sweden
Belgium Croatia Iran Liberia Paraguay Switzerland
Bolivia Denmark Ireland Luxembourg Philippines Thailand
Bosnia and Herzegovina Estonia Israel Macedonia (FRY) Poland Togo
Brunei Ethiopia Italy Mexico Serbia Turkey
Canada Finland Japan Montenegro Singapore United Kingdom
Chile France Jordan Netherlands Slovenia Yugoslavia

 

E-2

If you are an investor from a qualifying treaty country (see below a list of qualifying countries for E-2 visas) then an E-2 visa may allow you to live in the United States for the purposes of owning and running a qualifying business.

Like the E-1 visa, there is no set minimum level of investment which may qualify for E-2 status, but the lower the investment the less likely one is to qualify, $40,000 is probably the absolute minimum, and any investment below $100,000 would need a strong case to support it. Again, the level of investment must be sufficient enough to justify the treaty national (or his/her employees) presence in the United States. The investment must be in an operating business – i.e. simply buying property or stocks and bonds does not qualify. Also, a substantial part of the investment must have been made before applying for E-2 status.

Generally, if the applicant is not the principal investor, he or she must be employed in an executive or supervisory capacity, or possess skills that are highly specialized and essential to the operations of the commercial enterprise. Ordinary skilled or unskilled workers do not qualify for an E-2 visa.

General E-2 Investor Visa Requirements:

  1. A person or persons with citizenship of a country having a qualifying investment treaty with the U.S. must own at least 50% of the shares of the U.S. Company; such person or persons may not have permanent resident status or reside in the U.S. under a visa other than the E-2 visa.
  2. The investment must be substantial and must be made with personal funds (or with a loan secured by property that belongs to the investor personally). While the regulations do not state a specific minimum investment, the investment must be sufficient to establish a profitable business with development and expansion potential.
  3. The company must contribute to the local economy to an extent that is more than marginal, i.e., the investor cannot invest solely for the purpose of earning a living. Beyond paying the investor a living salary, the business must employ U.S. workers and produce a profit.
  4. Applicants must show that they have work experience and credentials that qualify them to perform the job that the company is offering them, and the investor must intend to enter the U.S. solely in order to manage and direct the business.

General Qualifications of the Employee of a Treaty Investor

To qualify for E-2 classification, the employee of a treaty investor must:

  1. Be the same nationality of the principal alien employer (who must have the nationality of the treaty country);
  2. Meet the definition of “employee” under relevant law; and
  3. Either be engaging in duties of an executive or supervisory character, or if employed in a lesser capacity, have special qualifications.

If the principal alien employer is not an individual, it must be an enterprise or organization at least 50% owned by persons in the United States who have the nationality of the treaty country. These owners must be maintaining nonimmigrant treaty investor status.  If the owners are not in the United States, they must be, if they were to seek admission to this country, classifiable as nonimmigrant treaty investor

Executives and Managers is defined as going to develop and direct the trade or investment of the principal investor/trader in the U.S. Such employees should be able to demonstrate their executive or managerial history, though there is no requirement that they have worked for the principal trader or investor for at least one year, as there is with the L-1 visa. Generally, a resume and supporting letter from the principal is all the evidence required.

Visas for Specialist or Essential Skilled Workers are somewhat more difficult to obtain and the applicant must be able to demonstrate that:

  1. That the employee is of the same nationality as the principal investor or trader;
  2. That a U.S. resident worker could not fill the position;
  3. The employment of the treaty national is necessary for the running of the principal trader or investor’s business in the U.S.; and
  4. S. workers will be trained to replace the treaty national with all details of the proposed training being provided.

Period of Stay

E-2 visas can initially be granted to treaty investors and employees for an initial period of two years. Requests for extensions may be granted in increments of up to two years each however, there is no limit to the number of extensions an E-2 non-immigrant may be granted as long as there is a need to manage and direct the underlying business.

Family of E-2 Visa holders

Treaty investors and employees may be accompanied or followed by spouses and unmarried children who are under 21 years of age. Their nationalities need not be the same as the treaty investor or employee. These family members may seek E-2 nonimmigrant classification as dependents and, if approved, generally will be granted the same period of stay as the employee.

The spouse of an E-2 visa holder can obtain status enabling them to work in the U.S. The minor children of an E-2 visa holder can obtain lawful status to reside in the U.S. and are able to engage in study.

 

 

E-2 Visa Countries

E-2 visas may only be applied for by people or companies from the following countries:

Albania Chile France Kyrgyzstan Pakistan Sweden
Argentina China (Taiwan) Georgia Latvia Panama Switzerland
Armenia Colombia Germany Liberia Paraguay Thailand
Australia Congo (Brazzaville) Grenada Lithuania Philippines Togo
Austria Congo (Kinshasa) Honduras Luxembourg Poland Trinidad & Tobago
Azerbaijan Costa Rica Iran Macedonia (FRY) Romania Tunisia
Bahrain Croatia Ireland Mexico Serbia Turkey
Bangladesh Czech Republic Italy Moldova Senegal Ukraine
Belgium Denmark Jamaica Mongolia Singapore United Kingdom
Bolivia Ecuador Japan Montenegro Slovak Republic Yugoslavia
Bosnia and Herzegovina Egypt Jordan Morocco Slovenia
Bulgaria Estonia Kazakhstan Netherlands Spain
Cameroon Ethiopia Korea (South) Norway Sri Lanka
Canada Finland Kosovo Oman Suriname  

INTRACOMPANY TRANSFEREE VISA

The L-1 category applies to overseas and/or multinational companies with parent, subsidiaries or affiliate companies in the U.S. Employees of such companies may qualify for an intra-company transfer if they have worked for at least 1 year out of the past 3 years for the company overseas, and are coming to the U.S. to fill either an executive or managerial position (L-1A) or a position that requires specialized knowledge (L-1B). The maximum length of stay is 7 years for L-1A visa holders, and 5 years for L-1B. Some multinational corporations may qualify for a “blanket” petition, which simplifies the process of hiring L-1 workers by eliminating the need to file with USCIS, and can directly apply through consulate processing with U.S. Embassies around the world.

L-1A

Requirements of L-1A

  • The sponsoring U.S. entity and the foreign employer abroad must share at least 50%  ownership;
  • The offered position in the U.S. must be in an executive or managerial capacity; and
  • The potential employee to be transferred to the U.S. must have been working as an executive or manager for a qualifying organization abroad for one continuous year within the last three years immediately preceding his or her admission to the United States.

Who qualifies as an Executive or Manager?

The legal definition of management and executive roles for the purpose of the L-1A visa is strict and limited, and a detailed description of the position and the duties to be performed in the U.S. (and those currently performed abroad) must be proven with documentary evidence.

An executive capacity means the following:

  • Directs the management of the organization;
  • Establishes goals and policies of the organization;
  • Exercises a wide latitude in discretionary decision-making; and
  • Receives only general supervision or direction from higher level executives, the board of directors or stockholder of the organization.

A manager is defined as being able to primarily:

  • Manage the organization, or a department, subdivision, function, or component of the organization;
  • Supervise and control the work of other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees, or manage an essential function within the organization, or a department or subdivision of the organization;
  • Has the authority to hire and fire or recommend those as well as other personnel actions such as promotion and leave authorization; and
  • Should have supervisory responsibility for and be able to plan, organize, direct, and control an organization’s major functions and work through other employees to achieve the organization’s goals.

Special Requirements for a New Business

For foreign employers seeking to send an employee to the United States as an executive or manager of a newly established U.S. office, the employer must also show (in addition to the criteria listed above):

  • The U.S. entity as established less than one year ago. Or the U.S. entity have been non-operational with little or no business activity since establishment;
  • The employer has secured sufficient physical premises to house the new office;
  • The U.S. entity has the full financial backing and personnel support from the affiliate entity abroad; and
  • The intended U.S. office will independently support an executive or managerial position within one year of the approval of the petition, including hiring plans.

Family of L-1 Workers

The transferring employee may be accompanied or followed by his or her spouse and unmarried children who are under 21 years of age. Such family members may seek admission in L-2 nonimmigrant classification and, if approved, generally will be granted the same period of stay as the employee. L-2 spouses may apply to get employment authorization to work in the U.S.

Period of Stay

The L-1A visa will initially be granted for a period of up three years which can be extended in two year increments to a maximum of seven years.  However, for new business L-1A petitions, the initial approval period is only for one year.  Thereafter, extensions are in two year increments to the same maximum of seven years.

Green Card Eligibility

Those on L-1A visas may also be eligible to apply for the First Preference Employment-Based Green Cards.  Click here to learn more about Employment-Based Green Cards.

L-1B

Requirements of L-1B

To qualify for L-1B classification in this category, you must be able to show:

  • The sponsoring U.S. entity and the foreign employer abroad must share at least 50% ownership;
  • The offered position in the U.S. must be in a specialized knowledge capacity; and
  • The potential employee to be transferred to the U.S. must have been working as a specialized knowledge position for a qualifying organization abroad for one continuous year within the last three years immediately preceding his or her admission to the United States.

Specialized knowledge is defined as:

  • Having knowledge of the petitioning company’s products/services, research, equipment, systems, proprietary techniques or procedures, or manufacturing processes; and
  • The employee must be more than simply skilled or familiar with the employers’ organization.  Their knowledge must be beyond ordinary and not commonplace within the industry and the knowledge must relate directly to the proprietary interests of the petitioner.

For example, it is not enough for a specialty cook or chef to have knowledge of a restaurants special recipes, they are not considered to have specialized knowledge.

If everyone is specialized, then no one is. In other words, the specialized knowledge requirement is intended for “key” personnel. While all experienced employees in a small company may be “key”, for a larger company there should be a distinction between “key” and normal personnel. This could be made based on the length of experience, level of knowledge, or level of responsibility. A specialized knowledge employee has more skills or knowledge than the ordinary employee; however, this doesn’t require an “extraordinary” level of skills, merely more than that of the ordinary employee in the company or field.

L-1B Denial Rates

The rate of L-1B petitions being denied has risen from 30% in 2012 to 34% in 2014. Around 50% of all petitions will receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) with around 35% ultimately being denied leaving 65% eventually being approved.

In Fiscal Year 2012, 18,740 L-1B petitions were processed. Out of those, 8,688 were sent Requests for Evidence, so almost half of all L-1B petitions were sent back to the petitioner for further questions. Out of those, 6,068 were denied.  In other words, in 2012, if an L-1B received an RFE, there was a 70% chance of denial.

In Fiscal Year 2013, which ended on September 30, 2013, 17,723 applications were filed, so essentially 1,000 less petitions than the year before. In spite of this, 8,363 petitions (so again almost half) were sent back to petitioners with an RFE, and out of these, 6,242 were denied. So in this year, the denial rate was even higher with almost 75% of all petitions, which received RFE’s, being denied.

About 95% of all L-1B petitions prepared by our firm are approved, 30% more than the average norm.

These statistics are further evidence of the heightened scrutiny given to this L-1B visa category.   Our firm files many L-1B petitions every year, and we estimate that at most, only about 5-7% of our petitions are denied.  We spend an enormous amount of time trying to gather detailed information about the company, the company’s business and products, the U.S. position and the specialized knowledge that the beneficiary possesses.  Our L-1B petition letters are generally in excess of 20 pages, and our responses to RFEs are usually even longer.

Increasing your chance of success.

We cannot emphasize the importance of providing detailed information about the petitioner, the beneficiary, and specific the plans of the company, as well as documentation for every aspect of the specialized knowledge required and possessed.

Sometimes, even if the petition covers all of requisite factors and is well presented, USCIS doesn’t agree and denies the petition.  As USCIS has reported, they deny about one (1) out of every three (3) L-1B cases.  Admittedly, this presents a huge risk to a company wishing to bring in foreign nationals from an affiliate company abroad.

If a company is able to use the L-1 Blanket Program, however, we have found that in many consulates, specifically in Japan, that the L-1B adjudication is more reasonable and consistent. Therefore, we generally recommend using a blanket at a U.S. Embassy abroad vs. an individual petition filed with USCIS.

Special Requirements for a New Business

For foreign employers seeking to send an employee to the United States as the first employee of a newly established U.S. office, the employer must also show (in addition to the criteria listed above):

  • The U.S. entity as established less than one year ago. Or the U.S. entity have been non-operational with little or no business activity since establishment;
  • The employer has secured sufficient physical premises to house the new office;
  • The U.S. entity has the full financial backing and personnel support from the affiliate entity abroad; and
  • When there are no subordinates to support an executive or managerial position within one year of the approval of the petition, including hiring plans, it may be recommended to apply for specialized knowledge position under L-1B status.

Family of L-1 Workers

The transferring employee may be accompanied or followed by his or her spouse and unmarried children who are under 21 years of age. Such family members may seek admission in L-2 nonimmigrant classification and, if approved, generally will be granted the same period of stay as the employee.

Period of Stay

The L-1B visa will also initially be granted for period of up to three years, which can be extended in two year increments for a maximum of five years. However, for new business L-1A petitions, the initial approval period is only for one year. Thereafter, extensions are in two year increments to the same maximum of five years.

On completing the maximum allowable period in L-1 status, the employee must be employed outside the United States for a minimum of one year before a new application is made for either L or H status.

TEMPORARY NON-AGRICULTURAL WORKER VISA

The H-2B nonimmigrant work visa is for a temporary, non-agricultural worker coming to the U.S. to fill temporary needs for additional workers. There is an annual limit of 66,000 visas, and the maximum length of stay is 1 year, with the possibility to extend in one-year increments for a maximum period of 3 years. In order to be eligible for an H-2B visa, the U.S. employer must prove that the need for a foreign worker is temporary, and that there are no U.S. workers to fill the temporary position. Both skilled and unskilled workers are eligible for an H-2B visa, unlike the H-1B visa, which is specifically for those holding Bachelor’s Degrees or equivalent.

TRAINEE OR SPECIAL EDUCATION EXCHANGE VISITOR VISA

Overview

The H-3 Nonimmigrant Visa is a training visa that allows a foreign national to come temporarily to the United States to participate in a training program that resembles “classroom” type instruction, offered by an individual or organization. The training must be unavailable in the foreign national’s home country. There are no numerical limits on the number of people who can be granted H-3 visas as trainees each year.

The trainee cannot engage in productive employment in the United States unless such work is incidental and necessary to the training and must not be placed in a position which is in the petitioning entity’s normal operation and in which citizens and resident workers are regularly employed. Finally, the training must benefit the foreign national pursuing a career outside the U.S.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s (USCIS) regulations recognize some specific types of trainees as potentially H-3 eligible, including certain medical interns or residents; licensed nurses who need a brief period of training that is unavailable in their native country; and special education exchange visitors. The requirements for the latter group are slightly different than for other trainees.

Note: Special Exchange Visitors may also apply for non-immigrant visas under the
H-3 category. A Special Exchange Visitor is one who seeks to enter the U.S. to gain practical training in educating children with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. The foreign national must have a foreign residence that he/she has no intention of abandoning, and may stay in the U.S. for up to 18 months. Only 50 foreign nationals per year may enter into the U.S. in the Special Exchange Visitor category.

Qualification Criteria for an H-3 visa

An H-3 trainee must be invited by a person or organization for the purpose of  receiving training (except as a physician), in any fields such as purely industrial establishment, agriculture , commerce, communications , finance , government , transportation , or in other professions .

This classification is not intended for U.S. employment. It is designed to provide a foreign national with job-related training for work that will ultimately be performed outside the U.S.

In order to obtain H-3 classification, a U.S. employer or organization must demonstrate that:

  • The proposed training is not available in the foreign national’s native country;
  • The foreign national will not be placed in a position which is in the normal operation of the business and in which U.S. citizens and resident workers are regularly employed;
  • The foreign national will not engage in productive employment unless such employment is incidental and necessary to the training; and
  • The training will benefit the beneficiary in pursuing a career outside the United States.

 Each H-3 petition for a trainee must include a statement that:

  • Describes the type of training and supervision to be given, and the structure of the training program;
  • Sets the proportion of time that will be devoted to productive employment;
  • Shows the number of hours that will be spent, respectively, in classroom instruction and in on –the-job training;
  • Describes the career abroad for which the training will prepare the foreign national;
  • Indicates the reasons why such training cannot be obtained in the foreign national’s country and why it is necessary for the foreign national to be trained in the United States; and
  • Indicates the source of any remuneration received by the trainee and any benefit which will accrue to the employer/organization for providing the training.

A training program may not be approved which:

  • Deals in generalities with no fixed schedule, objectives or means of evaluation;
  • Is incompatible with the nature of the petitioner’s business or enterprise;
  • Is on behalf of a foreign national who already possess substantial training and expertise in the proposed field of training;
  • Is in a field in which it is unlikely that the knowledge or skill will be used outside the United States;
  • Will result in productive employment beyond that which is incidental and necessary to the training;
  • Is designed to recruit and train foreign nationals for the ultimate staffing of domestic operations in the United States;
  • Does not establish that the petitioner has the physical plant and sufficiently trained manpower to provide the training specified; or
  • Is designed to extend the total allowable period of practical training previously authorized a nonimmigrant student.

Application Process

In order to obtain H-3 classification, the U.S. employer or organization must file a Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker. The petition must be filed with the information provided above.

Family Members of H-3 Beneficiaries

An H-3 nonimmigrant’s spouse and unmarried minor children may accompany the H-3 non-immigrant to the United States as H-4 non-immigrants. H-4 dependents of H-3 non-immigrants are not permitted to work in the United States.

Period of Stay

If the petition is approved, the trainee may be allowed to remain in the United States for up to 2 years. If the trainee petition is approved for a special education exchange visitor, the trainee may remain in the United States for up to 18 months.

EXCHANGE VISITOR VISA

Overview

The Exchange Visitor Program (J) non-immigrant visa category is for individuals approved to participate in work and study-based exchange visitor programs. The J-1 visa is intended for students needing practical training that is not available in their home country to complete their academic program.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program was created to help strengthen international relations with the United States through job training and educational experience. Unique to this program, J-1 visitors have the opportunity to visit the U.S. for a short duration to continue their education or receive hands-on training in the professional workplace, and then implement their new skills upon returning to their home country.

Requirements

While there are many different categories of exchange programs available, and while all have a specific criterion that must be met, all J-1 applicants are required to meet the obligations below:

  • Proficiency in the English language;
  • Be sponsored through a university, private organization, or government program;
  • Provide evidence of funds to cover expenses while in the U.S.
  • Provide evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad which will ensure their return abroad at the completion of their training. and
  • Must carry adequate health insurance.

Working on a J-1 Visa

When you visit the United States on a J-1 visa, your ability to work as well as the kind of work you are able to perform will depend on the nature of your program. For individuals on work-based exchange programs, such as au pairs or camp counselors, you will be visiting the U.S. with the expectation to perform a specific job and will not have the ability to work outside of your program.

If you have chosen to travel to the U.S. on a study-related program, such as an international scholar or high school student, you may have the option to work on campus pursuant to a fellowship, assistantship or scholarship up to 20 hours a week, assuming you are in good academic standing. If you are interested in seeking employment, be sure to verify with your sponsor how many hours per week you are able work when school is out of session during holidays or vacation periods.

Studying on a J-1 Visa

There are many opportunities to study in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, based on the program category that you choose. You could visit the U.S. as a short-term scholar, teacher, trainee, intern, researcher, or even as a college or university student, to name a few of the most popular programs. With this in mind, even if you don’t choose to take part in an educational-based program through a college or university, the J-1 program as a whole was designed to help provide hands-on training in a variety of fields. Exchange visitors who are part of work and travel programs or other non-educational routs will still be learning new skills and experiencing a new culture daily – without ever needing to step foot inside of a classroom.

Returning Home

Upon the completion of your exchange program, J-1 visa holders have a 30 day “grace period” to leave the U.S. Keep in mind that you cannot travel outside of the US during your current exchange program and unfortunately, if you would like to leave the U.S. at any point during your program you will be required to apply for a brand new J-1 visa in your home country in order to continue your program.

Health Insurance Requirements

If you are traveling to the U.S. on a J-1 visa, you will be required to carry medical health insurance for the full duration of your program. Your sponsor may provide students and their dependents with health insurance, however if health insurance is not provided by the sponsor you will be required to enroll in a private health insurance plan. Either way, the US Department of State has minimum J-1 health insurance requirements that your insurance plan must meet (which also applies to J2 visa holders).

Period of Stay

The length of time for which you will be allowed to stay in the U.S. on a J-1 exchange visitor visa depends on the type of program you will be participating in and the dates of your planned participation. In order to obtain a J-1 visa, you will need to present a Certificate of Eligibility form which will list the specific dates you are expected to be participating in the program.

Upon entering the U.S. with your J-1 visa, you will be authorized to remain only up to the final date indicated on the Certificate of Eligibility. USCIS regulations, however, place some maximum time limits on J-1 visas according to the type of program.

You may be eligible to extend your stay under the J-1 Visa if your total period of stay does not exceed the maximum duration of stay for the program and your program sponsor agrees to your extension.

Family of J-1 Visa Holders

Depending on the specific type of work or educational program you choose, along with the organization that sponsors your visa, your dependents may have the ability to accompany you to the U.S. The dependents of a J-1 visa holder (spouses and non-married children under the age of 21) are issued a J-2 visa and are required to follow the same application process as their sponsor. However, J-2 eligibility depends on the specific program in which the J-1 exchange visitor is enrolled. For example, the exchange categories of au pair, camp counselor, secondary work student, and summer work travel do not allow for J-2 eligibility. In addition, some specific programs within categories that generally permit J-2 visas do not.

INDIVIDUALS WITH EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY OR ACHIEVEMENT VISA

Overview

Foreign nationals with “extraordinary” abilities in the performing arts, fine arts, motion pictures, television production, athletics, sciences, or business are eligible for an O-1 nonimmigrant visa. This stringent visa category requires applicants to demonstrate “extraordinary” ability by sustained national or international acclaim, and more specifically, proof of fulfillment of certain listed criteria, including receipt of nationally or internationally recognized awards, published material in professional publications and significant contributions to his/her specialized field, to name a few.

The O-1 visa category is further divided into two categories: O-1A and O-1B. The O-1A visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in the athletics, business, education, or sciences, whereas the O-1B visa is designed for individuals that possess extraordinary ability or achievement in the arts or television and film industry.

Like other nonimmigrant visa categories, O-1 beneficiaries also need a U.S. petitioner to sponsor the O-1 application on the foreign beneficiary’s behalf. (For more on O-2, O-3, Period of Stay, and Green Card Eligibility, see below.)

O-1A

Requirements

In order to be considered for an O-1A visa, the foreign national of extraordinary ability must be able to provide evidence that they have received an internationally acclaimed award, such as a Nobel Prize or Olympic Gold Medal, or prove at least three of the following criteria:

  • Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor.
  • Membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought which require outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized national or international experts in the field.
  • Published material in professional or major trade publications, newspapers or other major media about the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s work in the field for which classification is sought.
  • Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field.
  • Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in the field for which classification is sought.
  • A high salary or other remuneration for services as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.
  • Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in a field of specialization allied to that field for which classification is sought.
  • Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation.

If the above criteria do not readily apply to the field of expertise, other comparable evidence may be submitted as evidence of extraordinary ability.

O-1B

Requirements

To qualify for an O-1B visa, the petitioner must provide evidence that the foreign national of extraordinary ability has been nominated for or has received a significant national or international award, such as an Academy Award Grammy, or prove at least three of the following criteria:

  • Performed and will perform services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts or endorsements.
  • Achieved national or international recognition for achievements, as shown by critical reviews or other published materials by or about the beneficiary in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications.
  • Performed and will perform in a lead, starring, or critical role for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials.
  • A record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, as shown by such indicators as title, rating or standing in the field, box office receipts, motion picture or television ratings and other occupational achievements reported in trade journals, major newspapers or other publications.
  • Received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies or other recognized experts in the field in which the beneficiary is engaged, with the testimonials clearly indicating the author’s authority, expertise and knowledge of the beneficiary’s achievements.
  • A high salary or other substantial remuneration for services in relation to others in the field, as shown by contracts or other reliable evidence.

If the beneficiary’s field of expertise is in the field of the arts, and the above criteria does not generally apply, the petitioner may provide other appropriate evidence to verify that the beneficiary demonstrates extraordinary ability and expertise in his/her field.

O-2, Assistants and Support Staff

The support staff of extraordinary O-1 foreign nationals are eligible to apply for an O-2 visa so that they may accompany the O-1 artist or athlete in order to assist them with their O-1 activities. In the case of an O-1A visa, the presence of the O-2 individual must be essential for the O-1 visa holder’s activities in the United States. In the case of O-1B visas, the O-2 must have critical skills and extensive experience in the O-1 visa holder’s field of expertise, which makes the position unavailable to U.S. workers. The O-1B visa holder must further show that the presence of the O-2 worker is necessary for the success of the O-1 activities to be conducted in the U.S.

O-3, Family Members

O-1 and/or O-2 visa holder’s spouse and children (under the age of 21) may apply for an O-3 visa to enter the U.S. with the primary O-1 and/or O-2 visa holder. As long as the O-1 or O-2 visa remains valid, the O-3 family member may reside in the U.S.

Period of Stay

The foreign national of extraordinary ability must be coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of his/her extraordinary ability. O-1 visas are typically granted for an initial period of 3 years, but can be extended in one-year increments as long as the “extraordinary” ability and work is sustained.

Green Card Eligibility

Those on O-1 visas may also be eligible to apply for the First Preference Employment-Based Green Cards.

ATHLETES, ARTISTS, OR ENTERTAINMENT GROUPS VISA

The P categories are for those intending to come to the U.S. to perform in athletics or entertainment. P visa holders are often admitted according to the duration of a specific competition, event, or performance.

P-1, ATHLETES

P-1 nonimmigrant visas are available for renowned Athletes (and their essential support personnel) to perform at a specific athletic event, competition or performance as an athlete, individually or as part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level of performance. While individual athletes may be granted stay in five (5) year increments for a maximum of 10 years, athletic groups may be granted stay in increments of up to only one (1) year in order to continue or complete the event, competition or performance.

P-2, ARTISTS OR ENTERTAINERS (RECIPROCAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM)

P-2 visas are available for Artists or Entertainers, individually or as part of a group, who will enter the U.S. temporarily to perform under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the United States and an organization in another country.

P-3, ARTISTS OR ENTERTAINERS (CULTURALLY UNIQUE PROGRAM)

Overview

P-3 Visas are reserved for Artists or Entertainers (or experts/specialists) entering the U.S. to participate in a Culturally Unique Program. The P-3 visa is available for foreign nationals coming temporarily to the U.S. to perform, teach, or coach as artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group under a commercial or non-commercial program that is culturally unique: “culturally unique” has been defined as a style or artistic expression, methodology, or medium which is unique to a particular country, nation, society, class ethnicity, religion, tribe, or other group of persons.

Requirements

The P-3 visa petition must be filed by the sponsoring organization or a U.S. employer. Support personnel of the P-3 visa petition may also file for a P-3 visa.

When applying for the P-3 visa, specific documentation must be filed and is required of all applicants as follows:

 

  • Evidence of the cultural uniqueness of all the performances or presentations by the artist or entertainer. This evidence can be provided by presenting reviews in newspapers, journals or other published materials; and
  • Affidavits, testimonials, or letters from recognized experts attesting to the authenticity of the individual’s or the group’s skills in performing, presenting, coaching or teaching the unique or traditional art form.

Essential support personnel who are an integral part of the performance of a P-3 artist or entertainer and who perform support services that cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker, are eligible for P-3 classification. Support personnel may include coaches, scouts, trainers and other team officials and referees. The U.S. employer must also file comprehensive documentation in support of the support personnel’s application.

Period of Stay

A petition for an artist or entertainer is valid for the duration needed to complete the event, activity or performance, but must not exceed one year, however you may seek an extension on your visa, and the duration of your stay may be granted in increments up to one year. The extension of time will only be granted in order to continue or complete the original event, activity or performance and cannot be requested for frivolous reasons.

During the period of stay, you may change your employer, but only after your new employer has filed a Form I-129 with USCIS requesting permission to employ you and extend your stay. You may not commence employment with the new employer until the Form I-129 has been approved.

Family of P-3 Visa Holders

Family members of P-3 non-immigrants are eligible to apply for P-4 status. This means that spouses and minor children can accompany the P-3 holder to the U.S. The family members may attend school or college and study in the U.S. However, it is important to note that P-4 holders are not permitted to legally work while in the U.S.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VISA

Overview

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

In order to enter the United States as a student to study you must have a student visa. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F-1 visa or an M-1 visa.

 

To enter the United States to attend:

You will need the following visa category:
University or college

 

 

 

F

High School
Private elementary school
Seminary
Conservatory

Another academic institution, including a language training program

 

 

 

Vocational or other recognized non-academic institution other than a language training program

 

M

F-1

The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa specifically for foreign nationals undertaking full-time, academic studies at a University, College, Language School, Conservatory, or any other accredited institution. Students studying at vocational schools do not qualify for an F-1 visa, and must instead apply for an M-1 visa.

F-1 students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on their I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status) which is provided by the US college or university that the student has been accepted to and will attend.

F1 Visa Requirements

In order to qualify, applicants need to satisfy and prove several strict criteria during an F-1 visa interview, including the following:

  1. Foreign Residence

F-1 applicants must have a foreign residence and must intend to return there upon the completion of their studies.

  1. Sponsoring Institution

While on your F-1 visa, you may only study at the academic institution through which the visa was granted.

  1. Financial Support

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial support — the Study USA Financing Guide can help you prepare for this aspect of your time abroad.

  1. Ties to Home Country

All applicants must demonstrate that they have strong ties to their home country. Strong ties consist of, but are not limited to, the following:

  • A job offer letter upon completion of studies;
  • Assets (i.e., house, land, vehicle, etc.);
  • Bank accounts; and
  • Family.

Period of Stay

Individuals on an F-1 visa are allowed to live and study in the U.S., but employment is usually restricted to work which is connected to their area of study.

Students who complete their academic requirements are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows for work authorization in a field connected to the area of study for a maximum of one (1) year. Students receiving a degree in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) are eligible for a 17-month OPT extension, as long as their study was part of the USCIS’s STEM Designated Degree Program List.  For more information on qualifying STEM degrees, click here.

Family of F-1 Visa Holders

The F-2 visa is available for the spouse and unmarried children, under the age of 21, to accompany an F-1 student to the U.S.  Children in F-2 status are able to attend public school in the United States. Spouses in F-2 status are not permitted to work.

M-1

The “M” visa is for nonacademic or vocational educational studies such as preparing people to work in a trade, in a craft, as a technician or in support roles in professions such as engineering, accountancy and nursing.

M1 Visa Requirements

To qualify for an M-1 visa, you must:

  • Prove your intention to enter into the U.S. temporarily;
  • Attend an approved vocational study program;
  • Engage in a full course of study; and
  • Have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of intended stay.

What privileges do I enjoy on M-1 visa?

On an M-1 visa, you may:

  • Enter the U.S. as a fulltime vocational or non-academic student;
  • Transfer from one school to another;
  • Work legally on-campus on a part-time basis;
  • Work legally off-campus on an assignment that’s related to your field of study; and
  • Travel in and out of the U.S.

What are the limitations of M-1 student visa?

On an M-1 student visa, you may:

  • Transfer from one school to another only with the permission of the USCIS;
  • Never be permitted to change your course of study;
  • Work legally off-campus only with the permission of the USCIS; and
  • Take dependents to stay with you in the U.S. but they may not work.

Period of Stay on M1 visa

You may stay in the U.S. on M1 visa for one year, or for as long as you are enrolled as a full-time student in a vocational program plus thirty days to prepare to leave the country, whichever is shorter. You can however apply for an extension of say on the M-1 visa after the completion of your studies to pursue practical training. If approved, you will be allowed to have one month of practical training for every four months of study you have completed.  This is limited to six months total practical training.

Are there any travel restrictions on M-1 visa?

No, there are no travel restrictions on M-1 visa. M-1 students may leave the U.S. and be readmitted after temporary absences. When making your travel plans, please remember that you must be a full-time student to keep your M-1 student status.

Family of M-1 visa Holders

The spouse and unmarried children, under the age of 21, may accompany or visit the M-1 visa holder to the U.S. on a temporary basis however the spouse of the M-1 visa holder is not permitted to accept employment and children may only engage in full-time study if the study is in elementary or secondary school.

STEM OPT

Students who complete their academic requirements are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows for work authorization in a field connected to the area of study for a maximum of one (1) year. Students receiving a degree in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) are eligible for a 17-month OPT extension, as long as their study was part of the USCIS’s STEM Designated Degree Program List.

For more information on qualifying STEM degrees, click here.