A visa is a document that allows anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the US to apply for permission to enter the US at a port of entry or border crossing. It does not guarantee that the person will actually be admitted to the United States, only that they can apply for admission.

Visas are granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS or CIS) upon an application by the person for a visa in a particular category. Each of these visas has its own requirements for eligibility. However, there are other immigration laws that may make a person ineligible to receive a visa. Sometimes there are ways to get a visa even if the law says you are ineligible, including asking CIS for a waiver or special permission to receive the visa or enter the United States.

Our firm can determine which visa is appropriate to your specific case, whether you can meet the qualifications and whether there may be any potential issues in your case that require special attention. We will guide you through each step of the process.

H-1B- "specialty workers" who will be working in a position which requires at the very least, a college degree and /or equivalent work experience.

H-2A- temporary agricultural workers: H-2A visas are for agricultural employees only, and are valid for one year and must be renewed each year.

H-2B- temporary nonagricultural workers who fulfill temporary needs of the employer that are seasonal, " peakload", intermittent or one-time occurrence.

H-3- temporary trainees (other than physicians, who may not use the H-3 to receive any type of graduate medical education or training).

The purpose of this visa is to provide training, not employment, athough some employment may be permitted if it is necessary and goes along with the training program.

L-1- intra-company transferees - for executives, managers or those with "specialized knowledge" who have been employed outside the United States for at least one year by the firm or corporation, its subsidiary or affiliate. ( The employment must have occurred within the three years immediately preceding the application for entry to the U.S.)

TN - (TREATY NAFTA) - special temporary visas for Canadian and Mexican citizens in specific areas of employment.

O-1 - extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability.

Each of these non-immigrant employment visas has advantages and disadvantages. Timing, financial considerations and the particular circumstances of each prospective employee are just some of the most important issues an employer must face when deciding how to proceed in obtaining immigration benefits for a proposed employee.

The best way to assure the most efficient use of an employer's resources is to consult with competent immigration counsel to determine whether to proceed, when to proceed, and what is the best alternative to achieve the company's objectives. Our office will provide your company with the individual attention and dedication necessary to reach your company's goals for success and growth.

There are many other types of nonimmigrant, or temporary visas. The most common of these include: