Employment-Based Immigration

Build Your Career in the United States

Whether you're a skilled professional, executive, or specialized worker, we help you navigate work visas and employment-based green cards to achieve your career goals.

Quick Facts

Processing Time

3-12 months (varies by visa type)

Main Forms

I-129 (nonimmigrant), I-140 (immigrant)

Employer Required

Most employment visas require sponsorship

Common Work Visa Types

Different visa categories serve different types of workers and employment situations.

H-1B Specialty Occupation

For professionals in specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise.

Duration: Initial 3 years, extendable to 6 years

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent)
  • Job offer from U.S. employer
  • Specialty occupation position
  • Labor Condition Application (LCA) approved

Key Benefits:

  • Dual intent (can pursue green card)
  • Spouse can apply for work authorization
  • Can change employers with new petition

L-1 Intracompany Transfer

For employees transferring from a foreign office to a U.S. office of the same company.

Duration: L-1A: up to 7 years, L-1B: up to 5 years

Requirements:

  • Worked for company abroad for 1 year in last 3 years
  • Transferring to related U.S. company
  • Manager/Executive (L-1A) or Specialized Knowledge (L-1B)
  • Qualifying relationship between entities

Key Benefits:

  • No annual cap or lottery
  • Faster processing available
  • Path to green card (especially L-1A)

TN NAFTA Professional

For Canadian and Mexican citizens in certain professional occupations.

Duration: Initial 3 years, renewable indefinitely

Requirements:

  • Canadian or Mexican citizenship
  • Job offer in qualifying profession
  • Required credentials for profession
  • Temporary intent (not dual intent)

Key Benefits:

  • No annual cap
  • Fast processing at port of entry
  • Spouse and children can accompany

O-1 Extraordinary Ability

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

Duration: Initial 3 years, renewable in 1-year increments

Requirements:

  • Extraordinary ability in field
  • National or international recognition
  • Substantial documentation of achievements
  • Job offer or contract in field

Key Benefits:

  • No annual cap
  • Dual intent allowed
  • Can work for multiple employers

Employment-Based Green Cards

Permanent residence through employment offers long-term stability and career flexibility.

EB-1

Priority Workers

For individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational executives.

Wait Time

Current (no backlog)

✓ No Labor Certification Required

EB-2

Advanced Degree Professionals

For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business.

Wait Time

1-3 years (varies by country)

EB-3

Skilled Workers & Professionals

For skilled workers, professionals with bachelor's degrees, and other workers.

Wait Time

2-5 years (varies by country)

The Employment Immigration Process

Understanding the process helps you and your employer prepare effectively.

1

Determine Visa Category

1-2 weeks

Assess qualifications and job requirements to identify the most appropriate visa type.

2

Employer Preparation

2-6 months

Employer files required applications (LCA, PERM, etc.) and gathers documentation.

3

File Petition

3-8 months

Submit visa petition (Form I-129 for nonimmigrant, I-140 for immigrant) with USCIS.

4

Visa Application

2-4 months

If outside U.S., apply for visa at consulate. If inside, file for status change.

5

Entry/Status Change

1-2 weeks

Enter U.S. with visa or receive approval for status change.

Common Challenges & Solutions

H-1B Lottery System

H-1B visas are subject to an annual cap and lottery system, making approval uncertain.

Our Solution: We help identify alternative visa options (L-1, O-1, TN) and develop backup strategies if lottery is unsuccessful.

Labor Certification Process

PERM labor certification requires proving no qualified U.S. workers are available.

Our Solution: We guide employers through the recruitment process and ensure compliance with all DOL requirements.

Maintaining Status

Changing employers or job duties can affect visa status and require new petitions.

Our Solution: We advise on portability rules, timing of job changes, and ensure continuous legal status throughout transitions.

For Employers

Hiring international talent requires understanding complex immigration regulations. We help employers navigate the sponsorship process efficiently and compliantly.

We Help Employers With:

  • Determining appropriate visa categories
  • Labor Condition Applications (LCA)
  • PERM labor certification
  • I-9 compliance and audits

Benefits of Working With Us:

  • Streamlined petition preparation
  • Reduced risk of RFEs and denials
  • Compliance with changing regulations
  • Dedicated support throughout process
Schedule Employer Consultation

Ready to Advance Your Career?

Let us help you navigate employment-based immigration. Schedule a consultation to discuss your work visa or green card options.