H-1Bs and Petitions for Workers

These visas are considered “non-immigrant” visas because they are granted for a limited period of time,  and are not permanent. Please read below for the main non-immigrant visa categories we have helped  clients with: 

∙ H-1B Visa 

An H-1B Visa is a visa for Specialty Occupation Workers In order to qualify as a specialty occupation, the  position must require a body of specialized knowledge in addition to a Bachelor’s degree or the  equivalent in that field. The government puts a cap on the amount of H-1B visas granted every year. 

∙ E-1 Treaty Trader Visa 

The E-1 Visa is for Treaty Traders. A person may enter the United States temporarily using this visa in  order to carry on trade between their home country and the U.S. if their home country has a treaty with  the United States.

∙ E-2 Treaty Investor Visa 

The E-2 Visa is for Treaty Investors. A person may enter the United States using this visa in order to  develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which they have invested. Employees of Treaty  Investors who perform duties that require special qualifications and are essential to the business may  also obtain an E visa. These employees must have the same nationality as the alien employer and their  home country must have a treaty with the United States. 

∙ L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa 

High level and essential employees of multinational companies may be eligible for L-1 visas if they are  being transferred to the United States. In order to qualify for an L-1 visa the employee must have  worked at the same employer in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity within the  last three years for a minimum of one year. 

∙ O-1 Extraordinary Ability (“Artist’s”) Visa 

O-1 Visas are available to highly talented or acclaimed foreign nationals such as entertainers, scientists,  businessmen, and athletes. A high level of achievement must be shown by qualifying for at least 3 out of  a set of 10 standard criteria. 

∙ P Visa Athlete’s Visa 

Internationally known athletes and entertainment groups may be eligible to come to the United States  temporarily on a P visa. Performing artists that are part of a reciprocal exchange program are eligible for  P-2 visas, and culturally unique entertainers are eligible for P-3 visas. 

∙ R-1 Religious Workers Visas 

Religious workers may use an R-1 visa to come to the United States in order to participate in a religious  occupation and perform services for their religious organization as long as the religious organization is  already established in the United States. 

∙ TN Visa 

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) allows for citizens of Mexico and Canada to apply  for a TN visa. In order to qualify for a TN visa, an applicant must be employed in one of the listed  professions in NAFTA.