With a constantly changing political scenario and stricter immigration laws, it is getting increasingly difficult for non-US citizens to enter the United States. However, a qualified immigration attorney and US visa expert such as Martin Lawler can make the process smoother for the immigrants.

Martin Lawler is an experienced and well-qualified immigration attorney and EB-5 Visa expert based in San Francisco, California. Martin brings a rich experience of over thirty years and assists the immigrants in securing H1-B Visa (a temporary visa category), permanent residency, naturalization, and passports in the United States.

About the US immigration procedure and H1-B visa requirement

Understanding the H1-B visa

The H1B visa is, essentially, an employment-based, non-immigrant visa for temporary workers willing to work in the United States. H-1B visa classification is for foreign workers coming to the U.S. temporarily to perform services for U.S. employers.

To secure an H1-B visa, the person must have a job offer from an employer in the US. Accordingly, the employer will apply for the H1B visa petition with the US Immigration Department.

Once the petition is approved, the person gets the work permit which allows him/her to obtain a visa stamp to work in the U.S. for that employer. The H1B visa is strictly issued for a specialized skill required occupation and needs the visa holder to have a Bachelors degree or its equivalent. Most of the new hires employed by the US employers enter the U.S. on H1B visas.

Important points to remember regarding the H1-B Visa

  • H1B visa, if needed, can be a multiple entry visa. This means that the visa holder is allowed to travel in and out of USA for any number of times, within the specified visa validity period.
  • H1B visa holders are allowed to work for more than one U.S. employer with the condition of having form I-129 petition approved by each employer
  • The family of the H1-B visa holders including the spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years of age) is allowed to stay in the United States under a dependent category called the H4 visa. This is applicable for the same time period as the H1-B status of the visa holder.
  • It is important to note that H-1B status is a nonimmigrant status and it cannot, by itself, lead to permanent residence in the U.S. However, once a nonimmigrant is in the U.S. in H-1B status for the specific time-period, he/she is eligible to seek USA permanent residency by applying for a change of status through the Form I-485

Challenges faced in US immigration and securing H1-B visas

  • US citizenship and immigration services (USCIS) have made the process of US immigration and securing H1-B visas much more stringent recently. Although the ban is largely on the entry-level positions, even the specialized workers are finding it difficult to navigate the process without expert help.
  • While there are many advantages to H-1B status for the foreign workers, it may not be appropriate for specific situations. There are a number of common issues that arise during the H-1B petition process and hiring a qualified law firm such as Lawler and Lawler can expedite the process and avoid delays and rejections.

Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer?

An expert immigration lawyer can help you ensure that as an H1-B visa applicant you meet all the eligibility criteria required under the US immigration federal rules and regulations.

Right from assisting with the documentation, coordinating with the hiring department to completing all the formalities required to obtain an approved H-1B visa, an immigration attorney can help with everything.

Consulting Martin Lawler, as your expert US immigration attorney, will also help you decide whether you should pursue H-1B status or another visa status depending on your case status.

 

How Martin Lawler can help with your US immigration process

  • For the H-1B-eligible immigrant, Martin Lawler, as the expert immigration attorney, can assist you in planning and formulating a long-term immigration strategy
  • Lawler and Lawler has the expertise of many years in the US immigration industry that could save years of waiting period in securing the H1-B visa and allow you to work in the U.S. to help you realize your dream of securing a Green card later.
  • Since the H1-B visa is typically issued for a period of 6 years, Martin Lawler can provide expert guidance with the extension procedure once you are nearing your H-1B maximum stay.
  • Martin Lawler can assist you with the process of extending your H1-B visa status past the maximum term of six years if you meet certain criteria. Since the rules governing these exceptions are complex and are guided by the time specific provisions, it requires the expertise of a professional and experienced immigration attorney like Martin Lawler. Martin will ensure that you do not miss any opportunity to extend your H1-B visa status if you are eligible.

Specific services offered by Lawler & Lawler Attorneys

Below are some of the specific services that Martin Lawler can help you with US immigration and H1-B visa process-

  • Dealing with H-1B Cap

Martin Lawler will be able to guide you whether you are subject to the H-1B cap limit issued per fiscal year (65000 Visa a year) and will be able to advise you on when to file your H-1B petition. This will make sure that your HI-B visa petition is not denied due to lack of H-1B visa numbers.

  • Internal documents and public access

As per the U.S. immigration laws, the H1-b visa holders are required to retain certain specific documents in public access and internal files at the employer’s place of business. Lawler and Lawler will ensure that you are thoroughly prepared and maintain these internal files as a part of U.S. law compliance.

  • Expert help with I-129 Petition

Martin Lawler, as your immigration attorney as well as a trained legal professional, can bring the right amount of knowledge and expertise required to complete the I-129 Petition, which is the first application filed with U.S. Citizenship and Information Services or USCIS.