Professional Worker Visas
H-1B visas allow professionals to come to the United States to work in a field that requires a specialization or a special skill. In order to be granted an H-1B visa, the applicant must have at least the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree and the job that they are applying for must require at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. The applicant must also have a sponsoring U.S. employer that is willing to hire the applicant temporarily, pay him/her the required wage, and file a petition with immigration.
The US H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa, which allows a US company to employ a foreign individual for up to six years. Applying for a non-immigration visa such as the H-1B visa is usually quicker than applying for a Green Card, so individuals seeking entry into the country because of a long-term work assignment may wish to apply for an H-1B visa instead. Foreign workers holding H-1B visas can remain in the U.S. for a maximum period of 6 years. After that time, the foreign professional worker must remain outside of the U.S. for one year before filing a petition to obtain another H-1B visa. Foreign workers with specific labor certifications at times may be permitted to stay in the U.S. for extended periods in one year increments. Extensions and renewals are sometimes allowed under the professional worker visa programs, but adjustment of status to an entirely different immigrant category is not permitted.
Atlanta Attorney Helping Workers Obtain H-1B Visas
If you or someone close to you is a professional holding a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent and is wishing to enter the U.S. to work, you should speak with Atlanta immigration lawyer Kenneth Muhammad. As an experienced attorney, he is capable of handling a wide variety of immigration matters including H-1B visas. Lawyers can be extremely helpful during the immigration process and with the help of your attorney you will find it much easier to obtain your H-1B visa so that you can legally work in the United States.
Contact an Atlanta Immigration Attorney at the Muhammad Firm today if you are a professional worker needing assistance with an H-1B visa!