FAMILY AND INDIVIDUAL IMMIGRATION

International entrepreneurs and foreign-born professionals have some self-sponsored options, including the National Interest Waiver or Extraordinary Ability green card pathways in addition to company sponsored visas and work authorizations such as STEM OPT, E, H, L, O, or TN. With proper preparation, waiting times are short for these types of applications.

O-1A non-immigrant visas are for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in several different categories including the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. The O-1B non-immigrant visa category is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry. There is also a similar green card category for people who have extraordinary ability.

Foreign business owners and employees have additional work visa options for their multinational transferees in the non-immigrant L-1 category and the permanent EB-1-C category.

We work closely with medical institutions and medical professionals on immigration issues, ranging from immigration compliance issues to navigating the complex Conrad State 30 J-1 waiver process. We advise and file J waivers, H-1B, O-1, and green card applications for these specialized employments.

Study in the United States: F-1 visas allow foreign student to study in the United States. F-1 visas are sponsored by U.S. schools for academic studies at the primary, secondary, and university level. To gain F-1 sponsorship from a qualifying school, a foreign national must satisfy admission, tuition, and other requirements. After satisfying these requirements, an admitted or continuing foreign student receives sponsorship documents from the school (Form I-20) and applies for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate abroad. Successful F-1 visa applicants must also demonstrate ties to their home country. We advise on F-1 visa success and compliance.

F-1 OPT: Under current immigration law, most foreign students in degree programs in the United States with an F-1 student visa are eligible for a one year work permit for optional practical training (“OPT”), which provides a foreign student with work authorization to engage in employment that is directly related to his/her major area of study. Students in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (“STEM”) degree programs may also qualify for a two year extension of the OPT period.