Family-Based Immigration
Nonimmigrant: The U.S. has provisions for certain visa holders to bring dependents (their spouses and children) on accompanying visas. These dependent visas do not allow for the same privileges as the primary visa or status. Family-Based Immigration ranges from bringing in immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse and minor, unmarried children and parents) to "preference" relatives in several categories (unmarried sons and daughters of green card holders and U.S. citizens, married sons and daughters of citizens, and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens).
At the Law Offices of Michael H. Said, P.C. we can consult with you on your options and help you to plan ahead. We can advise both the beneficiary and the petitioning relative regarding the documentation requirements and legal issues. We can prepare and submit the necessary paperwork for the USCIS and Department of State. We can also help in preparation for the USCIS or consular interview and can represent you at the interview.
We can assist you with the following forms:
- Form I-130 - Visa Petition for Immediate Relative
- Form I-485 - Application for Lawful Permanent Residence
- Form I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization
- Form I-864 - Affidavit of support
Employment-Based Immigration
The United States has always attracted the best and brightest from the world over, so it is not surprising that American businesses like to access this available talent. The strength of U.S. companies lies largely in the quality of their employees. Many U.S. employers actively recruit worldwide for professional talent in fields ranging from Information Technology (IT) specialists, accountants, and market research analysts, to professors and scientists. Hiring a non-U.S. worker is a little different from hiring a U.S. worker, however. There is a variety of different work visa statuses available, depending upon the nature of the position offered and the background and experience of the applicant. An employer requiring a more permanent situation should petition for a green card, establishing lawful permanent residence for the employee. The green card case can be processed while the employee is in H1B status.
At the Law Offices of Michael H. Said, P.C. we can consult with you to determine that the nature of the position and the beneficiary's background are appropriate for the H1B and other visas, and suggest alternatives if the initial proposal is not a viable option. We can advise both the employer and prospective employee regarding the H1B documentation requirements and legal issues and file the paperwork with the government.
We can also process green card applications on behalf of the company. Our firm carefully analyzes your case and makes recommendations on the most appropriate process for you or your company to pursue. We then assist with preparing documents and letters, continuing the case through the adjustment-of-status or consular processing stage, until the principal applicant and family members receive the green card!
We can assist you with the following:
- Form I-140 - Visa Petition for Immediate Relative
- Form I-485 - Application for Lawful Permanent Residence
- Form I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization
- Form I-864 - Affidavit of support
- Labor Certifications
- PERM applications
Employment-based immigrant visas are based upon categories such as:
- Extraordinary Ability of Aliens
- Outstanding Researchers and Professionals
- Professional Talent
- Multinational Executives and Managers
- Investors and Employment Creation
Employment-based non-immigrant (temporary) visas are based upon categories such as:
- H1B temporary workers
- L-1A intracompany transferee
- H-3 trainee
- TN professional under NAFTA
- H-2b seasonal worker
- O-1 extraordinary ability
- P-1 athletes and entertainers
Filing the appropriate visa application requires a firm understanding of the goals of both the foreign national employee and the business seeking to hire a foreign national. The unique facts of each situation will determine which visa to apply for and the necessary information and documentation that are required to be furnished to the USCIS.
If you have an immigration concern involving employment-based visas or residency, the Law Offices of Michael H. Said, P.C. can provide you with professional advice.
