Employment-Based Immigration Lawyers Bringing Global Talent To Your Business
In today’s globalized world, the ability to tap into international talent pools is a competitive advantage that can significantly accelerate the growth of your business. At Rifkin & Fox-Isicoff, P.A., we understand the vital role that overseas workers play in diversifying and strengthening your team. Our employment-based immigration lawyers can help you harness that potential.
Founded in 1984, we are proud to be the oldest immigration law firm in Miami. Our attorneys include board-certified specialists in immigration and nationality law through The Florida Bar. We work with employers ranging from small companies to Fortune 500 corporations. With offices in both Florida, and Lima, Peru, we provide worldwide representation.
Immigrant And Nonimmigrant Pathways To Employment In The U.S.
Employment-based immigration is divided into two main categories: immigrant visas (permanent) and nonimmigrant visas (temporary). Each category is designed to meet different needs but shares the common goal of bringing skilled workers to the U.S.
Our employment-based immigration lawyers handle both types, including key nonimmigrant visas such as:
- H-1B visas for specialty occupations requiring higher education or experience
- H-2A and H-2B visas for temporary workers, agricultural and nonagricultural, who meet certain criteria
- H-3 visas for trainees in certain fields
- L visas for intra-company transferees who are managers or have specialized knowledge
- O visas for individuals with extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business or athletics
- E visas for treaty traders and investors
Our lawyers also handle immigrant visas for those seeking employment-based lawful permanent residence. These visas include:
- EB-1 visas for foreign nationals with extraordinary ability as well as professors and researchers
- EB-1(C) visas for multinational executives and managers
- EB-2 professional visas for certain professionals with advanced degrees and those with exceptional abilities
- EB-4 visas for special categories of immigrant workers
- EB-5 investor visas for individuals who invest in the U.S. job market
A crucial step in some employment-based permanent residence applications is labor certification, also known as Permanent Residence through Labor Certification (PERM). This prerequisite requires proving that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the employment position that the sponsored employee will fill. We help employers navigate this step to position their petitions for success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Employment-Based Immigration
To help you better understand the employment-based immigration process, we’ve compiled answers to some commonly asked questions:
What are employment-based immigrant visas?
Employment-based immigrant visas are permanent residency options for foreign nationals who wish to work in the United States. These visas are categorized into different preference levels (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4 and EB-5) based on the applicant’s skills, education and experience.
What is the process for obtaining a labor certification?
Labor certification, also known as PERM (Program Electronic Review Management), is a process where the U.S. Department of Labor verifies that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position an employer wishes to fill with a foreign worker. This process involves job postings, recruitment efforts and filing an application with the DOL.
How do I know if I qualify for an employment-based immigrant visa?
Qualification depends on factors such as your education, work experience and the specific visa category. Our attorneys can assess your qualifications and guide you through the most appropriate visa options for your situation.
How challenging is it to obtain an EB-1 visa?
The EB-1 visa category has stringent requirements, as it’s reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding researchers or multinational executives. While it can be challenging, our lawyers work diligently to present strong cases for qualified applicants.
Can an employer sponsor an undocumented immigrant?
Generally, it’s very difficult for an employer to sponsor an undocumented immigrant. However, there may be limited options depending on the individual’s circumstances. We recommend consulting with our attorneys to explore potential pathways.
What does it take for an employer to sponsor an immigrant?
Employer sponsorship typically involves demonstrating the need for the foreign worker, completing the labor certification process (if required), filing a petition with USCIS and supporting the employee throughout the visa application process. Our lawyers can guide employers through each step.
If you have further questions about employment-based immigration, we encourage you to reach out to our experienced attorneys for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.
Enhance Your Workforce With Global Talent
Leverage the many decades of focused experience that our employment-based immigration lawyers offer. We are well-equipped to address any immigration challenges and will work diligently to help your company benefit from global expertise without unnecessary delays or legal hurdles. Learn more by reaching out online or calling 305-424-2645.