Business Visas
H-1B
This visa is for professionals who hold at least a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and who fill a position that typically requires at least a bachelor's degree. Congress limits the available amount of these highly sought visas each year. Certain categories of nonprofit employers qualify for exemptions from the total cap. Additionally, certain exemptions may be available to foreign nationals from Chile or Singapore, or who possess a master's degree from a US institution of higher education.
R-1
Religious workers use this visa to begin or continue work in their religious vocation in the United States. Applicants who hold this visa must have been a member of the religious denomination in which they will work for the two years previous to applying for the visa.
L-1
US companies with a parent or affiliate company abroad can transfer a foreign employee to work in the US, typically for three years to start. The employee must have worked as an executive or manager, or have developed specialized knowledge for one year in the previous three year to applying for the visa. L-1 applicants coming to open a new office may obtain L status initially for one year.
O-1
Extraordinarily talented individuals in science, arts education and business work the US on this visa. O visa holders must continue to work in their field while in O status.
Employment Based Immigration
Labor Certifications
Most professionals who seek an employment based green card must first obtain an approved Labor Certification through the PERM system. This process involves varied recruitment for possible qualified workers and a series of other detailed requirements.
National Interest Waivers
Those who have risen to the top of their field and whose work will benefit the national interest may qualify for one of these waivers. If so, this takes the place of a labor certification and once obtained allows the applicant to proceed with the next step of filing for lawful permanent residence assuming available visa numbers.
Family Based Immigration
Fiancé Visas
When thinking of getting married, a multi national couple has a few paths to immigration for the foreign spouse, depending on the location of the couple, where they wish to get married and travel plans. A consultation and careful planning helps couples work out the logistics in advance.
Immediate Relative Green Cards
Certain categories of family members are considered "immediate relatives" and as such may apply for green cards irrespective of any quotas. These are spouses of US citizens, minor children of US citizens and parents of US citizens who are over 21 years of age. Various other legal requirements must be met regarding eligibility and sponsorship.
Family Based Preference Categories
Other categories of relatives may be sponsored for a relative based petition, but must wait for an available visa number. These include adult unmarried children of US citizens; Spouses and children of Lawful Permanent Residents; Adult unmarried children of Lawful Permanent Residents; Married sons and daughters of US citizens; and Siblings of US citizens. Once there is a visa number available, the beneficiary may complete the application process for lawful permanent resident status.
Naturalization
Once a lawful permanent resident has had that status for either five years, or three if based upon marriage to a US citizen spouse and the couple is still married and living together, a green card holder may apply to naturalize and become a US citizen. Certain concerns regarding payment of taxes, any legal infractions committed, and travel time while in lawful permanent resident status should be taken into account prior to application.
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"My name is Wondwossen Woldemichael.
My sister and I have been trying to get
green cards for our parents ever since we got our US citizenship about three
years ago.
Even though we tried to submit all the necessary documents required by US immigration, they denied our application saying that we didn't provide enough documentation to prove they were our real parents.
I have called immigration so many times hoping that they will reopen the case, but was unsuccessful in doing so.
My mother is a dialyses patient and she really needed a green card so she could
get a kidney transplant.
To make a long story short, I happen to discuss this
situation with my co-worker one day
and he told me about an attorney by the name Shaina Silvers who, at the time was working on his family's immigration case.
He said that she is very good at what she does, and that she might be able to
help us. So, I took her number from him
and made an appointment with her.
From that first day I met with Shaina, I could tell that she is very professional, smart,
sincere and good hearted. I went back
home and told my parents that we are
finally on the right track.
Believe it or not, it only took four months
for my mother and five months for
my father from the date Shaina took the case to get their green card.
As you can imagine, we were very pleased with
the out come and Shaina's services.
We have been recommending her to everyone we know who might be going through any kind of immigration problems.
Thank you again Shaina for everything you did for our family.
God bless you!!"
Wondwossen Woldemichael
Burke, VA
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