Find Innovative Philadelphia Employment Immigration Attorneys

Businesses immigration assistance

A strong international workforce can increase viability and profits of Pennsylvania businesses. However, maneuvering through the immigration system can become complicated and time-consuming without professional legal guidance.

A knowledgeable law firm provides Philadelphia employment-based immigration help to employers and workers, including:

• Determining the most appropriate category that matches the job description and the workers’ qualifications
• Obtaining labor certifications from the Department of Labor
• Overseeing recruitment efforts
• Petitioning U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Applying to USCIS or the correct consulate for a visa
• Advising the business and employees about compliance

Get your employment-based green card

The United States issues approximately 140,000 visas each year to foreign workers who permanently immigrate to the country. Permanent workers must prove that their abilities, education, licensure, certifications and work experience satisfy the jobs’ requirements. Businesses must typically establish through evidence the job description, recruitment efforts and compliance with government regulations.

If a visa is not yet available when your petition is approved, you must wait until additional allotment of visas are issued during the following year. In some situations, workers can receive temporary work authorization first and then apply for a green card while in the United States.

Learn how you can obtain a nonimmigrant workers visa for temporary employment

Nonimmigrant visas authorize foreign nationals to work temporarily in specific jobs in the United States. Employers and workers are subject to the rules governing the category upon which the visa is based, including the employees’ qualifications, job duties and period of authorization. Common classifications include:

• E —Treaty traders and treaty investors
• H1B — Specialty occupations and college degree recipients
• H2A — Seasonal agricultural workers
• H2B — Temporary and seasonal nonagricultural employees
• I — Foreign media representatives
• L — Intra-company transferees
• O1 — Individuals with extraordinary abilities in the arts, athletics, business education, motion pictures and television
• P1 — Internationally-recognized entertainment groups and sports teams
• P2 — Entertainers and artists engaged in qualified cultural exchange programs
• P3 — Culturally unique entertainers and artists
• R — Religious workers of established denominations
• TN NAFTA — Canadian and Mexican professionals

Time period and renewal rules differ in each category, as do the rights of family members to accompany the primary beneficiary and work in the United States. Some types of visas require workers to prove that they intend to leave the country by the expiration of their authorized stay — a concept referred to as nonimmigrant intent.

Contact an immigration attorney in Philadelphia for a free consultation

Call 267-244-1683 or use the online contact form for assistance with your immigration case from a qualified lawyer near you.