In today's global economy, U.S. employers are able to draw from an international pool of talented individuals seeking to obtain either temporary or permanent positions in the United States. For foreign companies establishing facilities here, bringing along key members of their staff can be critical to their success. American entities expanding overseas will likewise want to transfer certain personnel to assist in this transition. All of these instances require time-sensitive completion of immigration applications and related legal assistance.
Sheehan Phinney provides immigration legal services to both employers and individuals. We are particularly experienced in handling nonimmigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent) visas for professional, high-technology, executive and managerial personnel. Working with various government agencies, our attorneys obtain authorization for foreign nationals to live and work in the United States. Our experienced attorneys and staff can help you and your company navigate through the extensive paperwork surrounding immigration cases in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.
Immigration laws and policies are ever-changing and, as a result, the Immigration attorneys and staff at Sheehan Phinney make it a point to stay current with these changes in order to provide the sound advice and strategies our clients require for success.
In the area of Temporary Visas, we assist clients in obtaining:
- B1 Business Visitor Visas - One of the more common visas, these are available to individuals employed abroad who are coming to the U.S. for a short duration to work for a foreign employer in support of international trade and commerce having to do with that employer's business. Nationals of certain countries may be eligible to come to the U.S. for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa under the Visa Waiver Program.
- E1/E2 Treaty Trader and Treaty Investor Visas - Available to certain investors (generally in excess of $100,000 at risk) and traders (generally more than 50% trade between the U.S. and the country of nationality) and their employees to carry on their business in the U.S. To be eligible, the home country must have a commercial treaty with the U.S. conferring visa eligibility.
- F-1 Student Visas - Students seeking to pursue a full course of study in the U.S., and in some cases, a period of practical training in their field of study, are required to obtain a student visa.
- H-1B Specialty Occupation Visas - Professional workers who hold at least a baccalaureate degree, its U.S. equivalent, or suitably related work experience, are eligible to apply for this non-immigrant work visa provided their new position requires the same degree or work experience qualifications.
- L-1 Intra-Company Transfer Visas - Executives, managers and specialized knowledge employees who are transferring from the United States to their U.S. employer's affiliate overseas will need to apply for an L-1 visa.
- TN Satus under NAFTA - Specifically created under the North American Free Trade Agreement to provide easier access to the U.S. for Canadian and Mexican nationals.
In the area of Permanent Resident Visas:
- Employment Sponsored Immigration, including Labor Certifications -
- EB-1 - Applies to foreign nationals of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives and managers
- EB-2 - Pertains to workers with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts or business
- EB-3 - Earmarked for skilled workers and professionals
- EB-5 - Designated for Investors
We also provide representation in matters concerning I-9 Compliance. |
