What types of work visas do you need for your employees to send them to your US subsidiary?
Securing a work visa in the United States can be a complex process, but with the right guidance and information, it is possible to navigate the system successfully. There are several different types of work visas available, each with its own set of eligibility requirements and application procedures. In this blog, we will explore some of the most common types of work visas and the steps you can take to secure them.
No matter what type of visa you are going to apply for, engaging an experienced and efficient immigration attorney can increase the success ratio significantly.
- H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Some of the industries that typically utilize the H-1B visa include IT, finance, engineering, and healthcare.
To be eligible for an H-1B visa, you must have a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field and be sponsored by a U.S. employer. The employer must also demonstrate that they have a genuine need for your skills and that they will pay you a prevailing wage.
The H-1B visa has an annual cap, and the application process is highly competitive. To increase your chances of success, it is essential to work with an experienced immigration attorney who can help you prepare a strong application and navigate the complex H-1B lottery process.
It is processed once a year, so if you are interested in it you need to mark March every year in your calendar, rather you shall start preparing right at the beginning of every calendar year.
- L-1 Visa
The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer employees from foreign offices to U.S. offices. This visa is ideal for executives, managers, and specialized knowledge workers who have been employed by the company for at least one year.
To be eligible for an L-1 visa, you must have worked for the company outside of the U.S. for at least one year in the past three years. The company must also have a qualifying relationship with the U.S. office, such as a parent-subsidiary or affiliate relationship.
You must have the physical office of your US company/subsidiary in place, to secure L1 Visa. And your US company must have enough capacity and financial ability to fund and feed the employees and family moving to the US.
The L-1 visa is a great option for multinational companies looking to expand their U.S. operations while retaining their experienced staff. To secure an L-1 visa, it is essential to work with an immigration attorney who can help you navigate the application process and ensure that all requirements are met.
- E-2 Visa
The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals from certain countries to invest in and manage a business in the U.S. To be eligible for an E-2 visa, you must be a citizen of a treaty country and have invested a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.
The E-2 visa is a great option for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to expand their operations to the U.S. To secure an E-2 visa, you must demonstrate that your investment is substantial and that the business will create jobs for U.S. workers.
Once you secure an E-2 visa as an investor, there are opportunities to call a few essential people as well on an E-2 visa in the US to support you grow your business but for that, you have to prove that such professionals are not easily available in the US market.
Again, you must engage an efficient immigration attorney to apply for this type of visa.
- O-1 Visa
The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that is available to individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. To be eligible for an O-1 visa, you must have received national or international acclaim for your work in your field.
The O-1 visa is highly competitive and requires extensive documentation and evidence of your achievements. To secure an O-1 visa, it is essential to work with an experienced immigration attorney who can help you prepare a strong application and ensure that all requirements are met.
This is not a very common type which can be used by the corporate sector.
- TN Visa
The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa that is available to Canadian and Mexican citizens who work in certain professions. To be eligible for a TN visa, you must work in a profession that is listed under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Some of the professions that qualify for a TN visa include engineers, accountants, and computer systems analysts. To secure a TN visa, you must have a job offer from a US company.
This is also not a very common type that can be used by the companies from our country. We can only use this option if we hire the resources sitting in North America.
The B1/B2 visit visas can also help to fulfill the short-term business needs.
No matter what type of visa you are going to apply for, engaging an experienced and efficient immigration attorney can increase the success ratio significantly.
Please feel free to reach me if you need to know more details and understand how to prepare a set of documentation. I can also help you to get in touch with an efficient immigration attorney.
Qamar Abbas Sipra
Founder, FINACC Consultants