Working Visas

At Lee & Kent, we routinely handle sophisticated immigration issues and process all types of working visa petitions and applications with the USCIS and Department of State. These matters include the issuance of work visas for professionals, professional trainees, executives and managerial personnel.

What is a Work Visa?

A work visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows you to enter the U.S. and work for a temporary period. It is usually for several years depending on the type of visa. If you are already in the U.S., you don't need a visa. Instead, you can apply to change your legal status to receive work authorization. You only need a visa to enter the U.S.

How do I qualify for a work visa in the US?

To qualify, you must have a job offer from a U.S. employer that is willing to sponsor you. Sponsorship means paying your salary, signing all immigration documents, and obeying all immigration laws. If you are not in the U.S., you must apply for a work visa at a U.S. consulate/embassy in your home country. If you are already in the U.S., you may change legal status to receive work authorization.

Can I apply for Permanent Residency (Green Card)?

After you enter the U.S., you may apply for permanent residency (green card) through your employment. However, there may be travel restrictions after you apply for permanent residency depending on your visa type. Please speak with our immigration lawyers for more advice on this subject.

What types of Work Visas are available?

There are many types of work visas available to persons overseas and in the US. Types of work visas include:

• J-1 Visa for Trainees and Exchange Visitors
• H-1B Visa for Professional Workers
• E-1 Visa for International Trade Workers
• E-2 Visa for Investors and Essential Workers
• E-3 Visa for Australian Professional Workers
• TN Visa for Canadian and Mexican Professional Workers
• L-1A Visa for Multinational Company Managers, Executives and <
• L-1B Visa for Multinational Company Workers w/ Specialized Knowledge
• P-1 Visa for Entertainers, Athletes and Artists
• R-1 Visa for Religious Workers
• F-1 Visas for Students
• H-2A Visa for Agricultural Workers
• H-2B Visa for Temporary or Seasonal Workers
• I Visa for Journalists and Reporters
• O-1 Visas for Persons of Extraordinary Abilities in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business or Athletics
• Other visas are also available if you qualify

If you believe that you qualify for any of the above work visas, please contact us to speak with one of our experienced and successful immigration lawyers. Our immigration lawyers will discuss all of your available options. After your consultation, our immigration lawyers will help you choose the right work visa for you and guide you through the entire immigration process.

Permanent Residency through Work

One of the most common ways to become a permanent resident is through employment. This is also called "Employment-based" immigration or "EB." There are five categories in EB immigration. See below to find the right EB category for you.

EB-1 Category:

To qualify, you must be one of the following:

• A person of extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business or athletics; or
• An outstanding professor or researcher; or
• A foreign manager or executive transferring to the U.S.

EB-2 Category:

To qualify, you must satisfy one of the following:

• Have at least a master's degree (or equivalent foreign degree); or
• Have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent foreign degree) plus 5 years of work experience; or
• Have exceptional ability in sciences, arts or business.

EB-3 Category:

There are two sub-categories within this category.

1. Professionals & Skilled Workers:

To qualify, you must satisfy one of the following:

• Have at least 2 year of work experience; or
• Have at least a two-year associate's degree (or foreign equivalent degree);or
• Have any higher degree (bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree).

2. Unskilled Workers:

This category includes any person that does not qualify for any other EB category.

EB-4 Category:

To qualify, you must have been a religious worker for at least 2 years and:

• Be a minister or priest; or
• Be a professional worker having at least a bachelor's degree; or
• Be in a religious vocation or occupation for your organization or its non-profit affiliate.

EB-5 Category:

To qualify, you must do one of the following:

• Invest at least $500,000 in the US in a government- approved regional center; or
• Invest at least $1,000,000 ($1 million) anywhere in the US

(See our EB-5 page for more info)

Our immigration lawyers will help you through the complex immigration process step-by-step from start to finish. Please contact us to schedule an appointment so we can address your needs and concerns in specific detail. You may reach us at (213) 542-4232 (English/Spanish), (213) 380-2828 (Korean), or (213) 542-4237 (Chinese). You may also email us at info@leekent.com.