Corporations I Entrepreneurs I Individuals-I Attorneys

Legal services provided:

• Analysis of the visa most appropriate to the individual applicant
• Specific guidance and recommendations concerning the following nonimmigrant visa classifications:
• Work: E-1, E-2, H-1B, L, O, P
• Study, Research and Professional Training: F-1, H-3, M, J-1
• Clear guidance on timing, institutional uncertainties, and risk assessment
• Strategic planning and corporate guidance on the immigration implications of acquisitions, mergers, restructuring
• Preparation of petitions and applications with the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, and with US Embassies in Western Europe
• Counseling and preparation of documents in connection with visa interviews
  at US Embassies
• Scheduling visa appointments with US Consular Services
• Assistance in obtaining support documents (birth and marriage certificates, police reports, diplomas, etc.)
• Guidance concerning travel and immigration procedures at US Ports of Entry
• Acquisition and retention of Legal Permanent Resident status ("green card")
  
• Re-entry permits
• Naturalization, citizenship, expatriation and passport issues.

US immigration and visa law is byzantine in its complexity, but there are a few bright lines of clarity. There are critical legal and procedural differences between Immigrant and Non Immigrant visa applications. A Non Immigrant is a foreign national who seeks to enter the United States for a particular purpose, for a limited period of time, whereas an Immigrant is an individual who wishes to remain in the United States permanently. Entirely different procedures and eligibility rules control these two groups of visas.

The vast majority of business transferees will be Non Immigrant applicants in one of
the six visa classifications which are known by their alphanumeric designations:
E-1, E-2, H-1B, L, O, P. 

Most of these visas require a two-step application process, beginning with a petition to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service, followed by a visa eligibility interview conducted by the US Department of State at a US Embassy. 

• Review times by USCIS vary; some visas are eligible for accelerated processing.
• Interview availability by US Embassies is subject to marked seasonal variation.

The principal Non Immigrant visas relevant for business travel and business transferees are:

• Visitor for Pleasure (B-2)
• Visa Waiver Program (WB) not subect to ESTA**
• Transit without Visa/Crew members (C-1/D)
• Treaty Traders/Treaty Investors (E-1/E-2)
• Temporary Workers and Trainees (H Visas)
• Professionals (H-1B)
• Trainees (H-3)
• Information Media (I)
• Exchange Visitor (J-1)
• Intracompany Transferee (L)
• Extraordinary Ability/Extraordinary Achievement (O)
• Athletes, Artists and Entertainers (P)

** As of January 2009. Visa Waiver Travelers must register online with
the Electronic System for Travel Authorization prior to travel to the US.