Work Visas Lawyers in Jacksonville — Helping Workers Stay Legal While in the United States

Many foreign nationals are able to enter America with employment-based immigrant visas. Such visas can cover anyone from temporary agricultural workers to tech company investors hoping to secure a green card. However, the process of obtaining this important legal document is not always simple. This is why many individuals hoping to secure legal entry into the country seek the services of work visa lawyers in Jacksonville.

At Weldon Law Group, PLLC, our Florida legal team provides a variety of immigration services. We understand that there’s a lot of confusion revolving around this process. Some people believe they need exceptional ability or specialized knowledge to work in America, and this often results in attempts to circumvent the system. However, it’s possible to secure an employment-based visa without such skills or knowledge.

Contact our Jacksonville work visa attorneys today to learn more.

Are Employment Visas Required to Work in America?

For a foreign national to work within America’s borders — whether on a temporary basis or while seeking to become a legal permanent resident — they’ll typically need to be a visa holder. There are some exceptions to this rule, but only people from certain countries will qualify for them — and only under specific circumstances. In most cases, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa.

Fortunately, the visa application process has a variety of categories that you might qualify under. Hopeful workers may qualify if they work within a specialty occupation, have advanced degrees, have received an offer of employment, or if they meet certain other requirements. A temporary work visa may even be granted to allow Mexican and Canadian nationals to engage in professional activities.

However, you’ll need to make sure you’re taking the right steps in the application process and meet the qualifications for the visa you’re seeking. A work visa lawyer in Jacksonville can help ensure you’re on the right track.

What Permanent Visa Category Could You Qualify For?

Immigration law provides various work visa types for those hoping to work within American borders. These include temporary visas — which cover H-1B visas and others — along with visas created for students and individuals on temporary business visits. However, many people hope to garner permanent employment-based immigration status. Here are their options:

First Preference — Extraordinary Ability

The EB-1 Visa. A labor certification is not necessary with this visa type. Those with extraordinary ability may qualify. This can include researchers, business professionals, artists, and more. Families of these individuals can apply for admission to the United States via E-14 or E-15 immigrant status.

Second Preference — National Interest Waiver

The EB-2 Visa. Professionals with an advanced degree or who can substantiate a minimum of 10 years of experience within a field may qualify. These individuals will need a labor certification. Individuals whose employment serves the national interest of America may qualify without a certification. Families of EB-2 Visa holders may gain admission by filling out E21 or E22 forms.

Third Preference

The EB-3 Visa. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent may qualify. Skilled and unskilled laborers may also qualify if they have a non-temporary employment offer from a U.S. employer. Labor certification is required. The families of these visa holders can seek admission into the country via the appropriate forms.

Fourth Preference

The EB-4 Visa. A variety of individuals may qualify under this category. These include religious workers, certain noncitizen minors, individuals who worked in U.S. foreign service posts, and others. No labor certification is required. Not all families are eligible for admission.

Fifth Preference

The EB-5 Visa. This category of visa covers those who invest in new commercial enterprises within America. A minimum investment of $1.8 million is required, and the enterprise must employ at least 10 American workers on a full-time basis. Lower investment amounts may qualify in certain circumstances. Labor certification is not necessary. Investors and their family members may apply for green cards.

How Can You Apply for a Work Visa in Florida?

As with most things in the modern age, immigration law has moved largely online. Those seeking temporary entry or to become legal permanent residents can submit an application for employment-based visas right over the Internet. Unfortunately, the process can take several months to complete — and even simple mistakes can lead to costly delays and outright rejections.

This is why anyone seeking a work visa in America should speak with an immigration lawyer before beginning the process. Priority workers, immigrant investors, outstanding professors, and other workers could all benefit from the experience provided by law professionals. By sitting down for a consultation with a work visa attorney in Jacksonville, you may be able to avoid potential issues and expedite the process.

Contact a Work Visas Lawyer in Jacksonville Today

If you’ve done research on receiving work authorization in America, you know that the entire process can be complex and time-consuming. However, it’s often possible to secure a green card through work visa programs — and even those who want to enter temporarily can gain substantial benefits by doing so. This makes the process well worth the effort, and in many cases, an experienced attorney can help with obtaining employment visas.

At Weldon Law Group, our team of legal professionals works every day to help foreign nationals secure legal entry into the U.S. Our citizenship and immigration services cover a broad area, but if you’re seeking a work visa, we can help you get the process started right away. Contact us today by calling (904) 204-3420 to schedule your initial consultation. Our work visa lawyers in Jacksonville are ready to help.