Consult with a Nonimmigrant Visa Attorney in Chicago
A nonimmigrant visa is a visa that allows a foreign national to come to the United States for a temporary period. The purpose of the temporary visit can be for leisure, work, or education. At Ahlgren Law, we have been helping clients in the Chicago area to navigate the complex immigration system where these nonimmigrant visas and others are processed.
Types of Nonimmigrant Visas
The range of nonimmigrant visas available is wide, but the most common nonimmigrant visas include the following:
- H1B Visas. This is a visa that allows a US employer to bring a foreign national to work for their business in what is referred to as a “specialty field.” A specialty field is generally an area of employment that requires the possession of a college degree, special skills, and innovation that cannot be easily found among US citizens. To obtain this H1B visa, both the employer and prospective employee must meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements are related to the level of education required for the position and the foreign national’s level of education, as well as a job offer from the employer.
- L Visa. This is a visa that allows a foreign company to transfer one or more employees to establish a new office in the United States or to work for their subsidiary or affiliated company in the United States. The foreign company must own at least 50% of the US entity for which the L1 visa is sought. There are also other specific requirements that must be satisfied to have the L1 visa approved, and these include the petitioning company having a physical location for their new office, and the employee must have been employed as an executive or manager for one continuous year in the three years prior to filing the L1 petition.
- B1/B2 Visa. A foreign national who is not a citizen of the United States and wishes to enter the United States for a temporary period to explore business opportunities may do so by applying for a B1 visa. This visa allows the foreign national opportunity to do various things related to business, such as consulting with business associates in the United States, conducting research with the help of these consultants, attending business or professional conventions or conferences, negotiating contracts, and so on. There are several requirements that must be met before approval of a B1 visa, but the most common denials come as a result of the person applying not demonstrating to the satisfaction of the visa officer that they intend to depart from the United States upon completion of the specific purpose stated for the trip. The ability to pay all costs related to the trip is also another requirement, and many applications are denied because of the applicant’s inability to demonstrate they have the money to cover this.
Speak with an Illinois Nonimmigrant Visa Attorney
If you need a nonimmigrant visa and are in the Chicago area, we have experienced immigration lawyers who can guide you through the immigration process, including choosing the right visa to apply for. Please contact us today and schedule a consultation.