Business immigration is integral to the growth of the United States economy and plays a critical role in helping companies and organizations expand, innovate, and stay competitive. Both employers and work visa applicants, however, face complex legal requirements that are often time-consuming, confusing, and problematic.
Law Office of Mike Zhang PLLC represents professionals, employers, executives, and entrepreneurs in obtaining temporary work visas in the United States. Whether you are hiring foreign talent, transferring employees from abroad, or applying for your own work authorization, our attorneys provide strategic, efficient, and compliant immigration solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us at 469-305-9960 today to schedule a consultation and to learn more about our business immigration services.
Common Types of Nonimmigrant Work Visas
Each business visa category has specific eligibility criteria, so it's important to check whether you meet these before applying. Here are some examples of nonimmigrant visa categories.
H-1B Visa Application
One of the most popular nonimmigrant visa categories, H-1B visa is for specialty occupations and includes positions like:
- Accountants
- Auditors
- Biologists
- Chemists
- Civil Engineers
- Database Communication and Network Administrators
- Economists
- Graphic Designers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Physicians
- Software Engineers
- Surgeons
- Systems Analysts and Programmers
- University Professors
An initial H-1B visa is for a three-year period, which can be extended up to a maximum of six years. This visa requires an offer of employment from a U.S. organization. The role must also meet specific criteria which typically include a bachelor's degree.
The number of H-1B visas is capped. The demand for this visa type quickly outpaces availability.
L-1 Visa Application
The L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant business expansion visa. It allows international companies to transfer qualified employees to an existing U.S. office or bring them to the United States to establish one.
To be eligible for an L-1 visa, the applicant must work in a managerial/executive capacity or possess specialized knowledge.
If they are setting up a new U.S. office, the initial period of an L-1 visa is one year, and for a transfer, it is three years. L-1 visas can be extended up to a maximum of seven years.
O-1 Visa Application
Another nonimmigrant visa, the O-1 allows individuals with extraordinary ability to work in the United States in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or motion picture or television industry.
It requires an offer of employment from a U.S. employer and allows the holder to stay for an initial period of three years.
TN Visa Application
The TN visa is a nonimmigrant visa for certain qualified professionals from Canada and Mexico, including lawyers, accountants, scientists, and teachers. It requires a job offer from a U.S. employer and allows an individual to live and work in the United States for an initial period of three years.