Visa Options for Businesses

There are several visa options available to businesses seeking to bring in foreign workers for temporary or permanent employment in the United States. Some of the most common options include:

1. H-1B visa: This visa is for specialty workers and requires that the worker have a bachelor's degree or higher, or its equivalent. The visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended for an additional three years.
2. L visa: This visa is for intracompany transferees and allows a company to transfer an employee from a foreign office to a U.S. office. The visa is valid for up to three years, and can be extended for an additional two years.
3. E-1 and E-2 visas: These visas are for treaty traders and investors, and allow a foreign national to come to the U.S. to conduct business with treaty nations. The visa is valid for two years and can be extended with no limit on the number of extensions.
4. TN visa: This visa is for Canadian and Mexican professionals who are employed in certain designated professions, including accountants, engineers, and lawyers. The visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended indefinitely.
5. O visa: This visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. The visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended indefinitely.

It is important to note that each visa has its own specific requirements and limitations. For example, the H-1B visa has an annual cap, which means that only a certain number of visas are available each year, and the TN visa is only available to citizens of Canada and Mexico.

Businesses should consult with an experienced immigration attorney to determine which visa option is best for their specific needs and to ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable immigration laws and regulations. The attorney can also help with the visa application process and any necessary filings with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).