Greenville, SC Business Immigration Lawyers

Business immigration offers a variety of opportunities for individuals seeking to work and conduct business within the U.S. Several different visas are available, and each has its own set of eligibility requirements, application processes, and necessary documentation. 

The most common types of business visas include the: 

• E-1 Treaty Trader
• E-2 Investor
• L-1 Intra-Company Transfer
• H-1B Specialty Occupation 
• O-1 Extraordinary Ability
• TN NAFTA Professional

Each of these visas has different sets of requirements, and the process for obtaining each differs slightly from one to the other. 

The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa 

The E-1 Treaty Trader visa is designed for those engaging in substantial trade between their home country and the United States. This type of visa requires proof that at least 50% of international trade is conducted between these two countries, i.e., goods are exported from the home country to the U.S., or services rendered from one country to another. It also requires evidence that this trade is done on an ongoing basis with significant monetary value being exchanged. 

Depending on an individual's circumstances, they may be able to extend their stay in the U.S. beyond a two-year period through a process known as E treaty trader status adjustment, or they may renew their visa after five years have passed since receiving their initial E-1 classification. 

The E-2 Investor Visa

The E-2 Investor visa is suited for those wishing to make a substantial investment in a valid enterprise located in the United States. Such investments must be sufficient enough that they show evidence of being "at risk,” meaning that they may lead to financial success or failure depending on how well-managed and invested resources are used. They must also demonstrate either entrepreneurial activity or job creation within the local economy due to this venture. 

This type of visa can typically be renewed every two years for up to five years before needing to adjust one’s status or return to one’s home country for at least one year before reapplying again. 

The L-1 Intra-Company Transfer Visa 

The L-1 Intra-Company Transfer visa was created specifically for employees transferring from one office belonging to an international company (outside of the United States) over to another location based within the U.S. Those eligible must have worked abroad with this organization for at least one year during the three years prior to applying; however, if no such foreign branch exists, then applicants must be employed full time by its parent company located elsewhere for at least 12 months before being considered eligible for this specific visa classification. 

Usually valid for up three years initially upon approval, this type of visa can also lead toward green card eligibility through L intra-corporate transferee adjustment status adjustments if all criteria are met under this category’s guidelines, as established by USCIS. 

The H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa 

The H-1B Specialty Occupation visa is a type of business visa designed for foreign nationals who possess specialized knowledge and skills related to fields such as engineering, computer programming, medicine, or science. The H-1B visa allows these individuals to temporarily reside in the United States and work in a specialty occupation that requires their particular set of skills and expertise.

In order to obtain this visa, applicants must submit evidence verifying their qualifications, such as educational degrees or professional licenses, proof of relevant industry experience or training, and valid passport documents. A successful application will be reviewed by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved by USCIS officials, an applicant may remain in the United States for up to three years with potential extensions available depending on their situation. 

The O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa

The O-1 Extraordinary Ability visa is a business visa for foreign nationals who have achieved extraordinary success in their field of work. This type of visa is reserved for individuals who possess an unusual level of expertise in their profession, as demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim, and requires applicants to provide evidence such as awards, publications, and other recognition from peers. 

To qualify for this type of business visa, applicants must also demonstrate that they are coming to the United States to continue working in the same field. Additionally, those applying for this type of visa must provide proof that they have the required qualifications needed to successfully engage in whatever activity they will be conducting while in the United States.

The TN NAFTA Professional Visa

The TN NAFTA Professional visa is a business visa available for citizens of Canada or Mexico who possess certain professional credentials, or Canadian citizens with specific academic qualifications required by certain occupations such as accounting or architecture. It allows foreign nationals to reside in the United States and engage in activities related to their profession for up to three years, with potential extensions depending on the situation. 

In order to qualify for this type of business visa, applicants must provide evidence verifying their qualifications, such as educational degrees or professional licenses, proof of relevant industry experience or training, and valid passport documents. Additionally, applicants may need to demonstrate an understanding of English language proficiency and knowledge of U.S. laws and culture before submitting their applications.

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