Business Immigration Lawyer in Tampa

Helping Prospective Workers and Employers Comply With Immigration Law

The United States of America has several different avenues in the immigration system that allow foreign investors, workers, and businesses to pursue the American dream. However, there are several requirements that must be met in order for an individual to comply with business-based immigration laws. Our country has very strict immigration policies that are enforced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices. That’s why you should hire a Tampa business immigration lawyer.

At Buitrago Law Firm PA, our immigration law firm handles both straightforward and complex cases. Unfortunately, even seemingly straightforward situations can become very difficult due to uncompromising immigration laws. Despite the strictness, the scope of potential programs and visas for foreign nationals coming to the US for employment or business is fairly expansive. At the end of the immigration process, immigrants may file applications for green cards so that they may obtain legal permanent residence and, later on, US citizenship.

Contact our law firm for a free consultation and assistance along your immigration journey.

Which Foreign Nationals Might Qualify for Business Immigration Visas?

Not everyone qualifies for business-based immigration visas. However, one of the most common types of immigrant visas is the H-1B visa, which is granted to individuals who possess extraordinary abilities, higher education, and advanced degrees in their fields. If you are a professional with exceptional skills or an advanced degree, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our law firm for legal assistance in applying for visas for the right to live and work in the United States.

The B-1 visa is available to immigrants who wish to come to the country but are not here to perform work that requires labor or payment from US employers. For example, this type of visa may be suitable for individuals who participate in the arts or who need to attend business meetings in the United States. Other examples of individuals who may be eligible to obtain B-1 visas include religious workers (like missionaries), professional athletes, intra-company transferees, multinational executives, and individuals in managerial positions.

What Other Visa Categories Fit Under Business Immigration Law?

There are both immigrant and non-immigrant work visas that may be suitable for foreign nationals coming to the US for work or business.

The H-1B visa is ideal for workers with a bachelor’s degree and a job offer from a US company who plan to work in the US on a temporary basis. This is especially useful for individuals with a specialized profession. Family members can also apply together with the H-1B visa application. These dependents are generally allowed to reside with the H-1B visa holder.

The L-1 visa is for business executives and upper management of a company with an office in the United States who want to transfer to or work in our country. In order to successfully apply for the L-1 visa, applicants should have worked for the company’s foreign office for at least one year within three years prior to the application.

The O1 visa is for foreign nationals who possess extraordinary abilities in athletics, education, sciences, the arts, motion pictures and TV, or business.

What is a National Interest Waiver?

National interest waivers (NIWs) are legally classified with EB-2C visas. They are granted to professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.

Foreign professionals whose skills, abilities, and vision may directly benefit the US economy or society may be deserving of a national interest waiver. The NIW helps the applicant avoid the need for labor certifications, therefore allowing them to speed up the immigration process. NIW holders also do not need to provide documentation showing that they have a US employer. Instead, they are allowed to self-petition.

What is an Investor Visa?

Foreign investors can make an investment in the economy of the United States or in US businesses and be eligible to receive a green card for their contributions. However, it is critical that the investment benefit rural areas or areas with high employment rates, legally referred to as targeted employment areas (TEAs).

Several qualifications and conditions must be met for a foreign investor to qualify for an investor visa in the United States. However, once they do qualify, they may submit an application for their green card and later become U.S. citizens.

What Are Non-Immigrant Work Visas?

Most foreign nationals who are looking to work, invest, or trade in the United States have the option to apply for non-immigrant visas. There are a number of non-immigrant work visas available to foreign workers, and each is associated with its own intentional purpose and duration of stay. A non-immigrant visa is a temporary work visa. After a certain period of time, the foreign national will be expected to return to their country of origin.

For more information on non-immigrant work visas, please get in touch with Tampa immigration lawyer Ernesto Buitrago to schedule your free case evaluation today.

What Business Related Visa Is Right for You?

There are a lot of different options available for both prospective workers and American employers who want to hire foreign nationals. Having an immigration attorney matters because they can advise on the best option for getting the most out of your situation. Consider the following visas and how they work, and make sure you discuss them when seeking Tampa immigration attorneys for assistance.

E Visas (Treaty Traders, Specialty Workers, and Treaty Investors)

E-1 Treaty Trader Visa: Allows individuals from treaty countries to enter the U.S. to conduct substantial trade. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, and employers must ensure compliance with ongoing trade requirements
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Permits nationals of treaty countries to invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. Applicant must have a controlling interest in the enterprise, and employers may sponsor executives, managers, and specialized staff
E-3 Specialty Occupation Visa for Australians: Exclusive to Australian nationals for employment in specialty occupations. Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and employers must file an approved Labor Condition Application

F-1 Student Visa

An F-1 visa enables students to pursue academic studies or language training programs in America. Students must be accepted by an SEVP-approved school and demonstrate sufficient financial support and ties to their home country. Employers can hire these students through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows up to 12 months of work authorization related to the student’s field of study.

Temporary Employment Visas

H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa: Ideal for employers hiring professionals in fields like finance, IT, and engineering, but this visa requires an LCA and proof of job specialization
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa: For employers transferring executives, managers, or specialized knowledge staff from foreign offices to U.S. locations
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in arts, sciences, education, or athletics. Employers must file a petition demonstrating the applicant’s accomplishments
TN Visa: Canadian and Mexican professionals in eligible professions — such as engineers, scientists, and accountants — can seek a visa under NAFTA/USMCA

What Do Business Immigration Lawyers in Tampa Do?

The immigration process is complex, whether you are interested in employment-based, business-based, asylum-based, family-based, or individual immigration. It is highly recommended that you retain professional legal counsel to help you with legal matters involving employment and business-related immigration.

With several years of experience, our South Florida immigration law firm has the knowledge and compassion necessary to help you with your complex legal issues.

Attorney Ernesto Buitrago is a member of the Florida Bar and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). He is uniquely qualified to help you with legal matters related to business immigration and has taken a special interest in advocacy for the national interest waiver provision. To learn more about your legal options for business immigration, please schedule your free case review today.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Business Immigration Attorney Today

When considering whether to apply for business immigration, it is in the applicant’s best interests to speak with experienced Tampa immigration lawyers first. Our law office has years of experience handling various immigration law matters, including the complexities of employment-based and business-based immigration. Even as U.S. policy sometimes seems to change overnight, our law firm is always ready to navigate whatever difficulties the government may throw our way.

As your Tampa immigration attorney, Ernesto Buitrago and his highly skilled legal team will be by your side throughout the entirety of the legal process as you pursue the most satisfactory outcome for your immigration case. We have a strong record of success, and this comes from our deep understanding of immigration matters in America. You don’t have to deal with these issues alone when you have our Tampa business immigration attorney on your side.

To learn more about our legal services, please contact our law firm to schedule your free initial consultation today at (866) 519-3545.