Business Immigration Attorney in Texas

Business immigration law is an important aspect of the immigration services offered by Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law. You can rely on us to take care of your business immigration challenges so you can concentrate on your business.

You might need to visit the U.S. on business for a brief or extended period of time – or you might need to hire foreign nationals. You can trust us for all of your business immigration requirements, including H-1B, H-2A, H-3, O-1, and P-1 visas. We also handle F-1 and M-1 student visas.

Whatever your business immigration needs, our immigration attorney in Texas has the right solution for you, your company, and your family. We would love to be of assistance. Give us a call today!

B-1 and B-2 Visas: Short Business Trip Visas

B-1 and B-2 visas are temporary, non-immigrant visas. They permit the holder to travel to the United States for either business or tourism purposes.

B-1 visas cover business trips. Conferences, business consultations, and contract negotiations are all potential reasons for business trips. The following requirements must be met to apply:

The purpose of the business trip must involve activities dealing with a legitimate business
Your stay in the United States will be for a limited period
You have sufficient finances to cover your trip expenses
You reside outside of the United States, and you do not plan on abandoning that residence
You are otherwise admissible to the United States

You cannot travel under this visa to engage any of the following:

Study
Long-term employment at a U.S. firm
Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
Arrival as a crewmember of a ship or aircraft
Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
Permanent residence in the United States

B-1 and B-2 visas are temporary, multiple-entry visas and do not grant permanent resident status. However, the visa holder can apply for a green card. The maximum amount of time issued for B visas is 180 days.

You can request to extend your stay up to one year. It is a good idea to apply to extend your status at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires. The process requires you to file Form I-539.

Working with business immigration attorneys can help you with the necessary info you need to navigate your case. The specialized knowledge of an attorney from a reputable immigration law firm might provide you with the insights you need to better understand your immigration process.

The Hiring of Immigrant Workers

There are 140,000 immigrant visas available each year to qualifying workers and their families. Once successful, applicants will be given a green card allowing them to live and work in the U.S. Certain categories are given preference for these visas ranging from preference 1 to 5 as follows:

First Preference EB-1 Visas

First-preference visas are for priority workers and are called EB-1 visas. They are granted to individuals with extraordinary abilities in various categories.

Positions in the arts, sciences, education, business, and athletics with proven and demonstrable extraordinary ability
Examples would be outstanding professors and researchers

Second Preference EB-2 Visas

Second preference visas, also called EB-2 visas, are reserved for professionals with exceptional abilities and advanced degrees. In this regard:

A minimum of a master’s degree is required.
Positions with a bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of five years of relevant experience qualify

Third Preference EB-3 Visas

Third preference, EB-3 visas, are granted to professional workers, unskilled and skilled workers.

Skilled positions require non-temporary or seasonal experience with a minimum of two years of training
Unskilled positions only require less than two years of training or experience.
Professional positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

Fourth Preference EB-4 Visas

Fourth preference, or EB-4 visas, are reserved for special workers known as “special immigrants.” This includes religious workers, employees of U.S foreign service posts, retirees from international organizations, and other classes of aliens.

Fifth Preference EB-5 Visas

Fifth preference or EB-5 visas are awarded to particular business investors. The requirement is that they must have invested or plan to invest at least $1 million in a new U.S. business. The new business must be projected to create full-time positions for a minimum of ten workers.

What Is the Difference Between an O-1 Visa and an EB-1 Visa?

The O-1 visa is the non-immigrant version of the EB-1A immigrant visa. The requirements for an O-1 Visa are similar to those of the EB-1 visa, with some crucial differences. The main difference is that the O-1 visa applies to people looking for non-immigrant status, while EB-1 is for people seeking permanent immigrant status.

Whether you are considering an O-1 visa or an EB-1 visa, our driven immigration lawyers are here to help and can advise you on what your immigration options are. In addition, we assist with work permits and a full range of immigration services, no matter your requirements.

Why Contact Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys as Law?

Our seasoned immigration lawyers continue to serve businesses and immigrants to the best of their ability. No matter where your business is headed, our extensive knowledge of immigration laws stands ready to assist you.

We do everything from complex immigration matters to O and P visas and immigration appeals. We are here to help you to achieve your immigration objectives. The professional employees at our law firm will gladly offer you a free consultation so they can provide you with practical solutions.

We have a long history in immigration law and have developed a deep understanding of the nuances and complexity of this potentially confusing area of the law. Please give us a call today. We are here to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost in Texas?

It is always challenging to pre-determine what legal services will cost. This is because every case is unique and requires different time and resources. Therefore, we always offer our clients a free consultation so we can assess your matter and advise the expected costs of resolution.

How Do I Qualify for an Investor Visa?

You could qualify for an Investor (EB-5) visa if you are prepared to invest significant amounts of money in the United States and create jobs. Only 10,000 of these visas are granted annually by the U.S. government, and they are carefully scrutinized. You must fund the total investment amount, and the funds must have been obtained legally.

You may qualify by doing one of the following:

Invest USD 900,000 in a regional center that creates jobs in an area with high unemployment.
Invest USD 1,800,000 in the United States.