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Businesses need the flexibility to hire the best talent from around the world, and skilled workers need the opportunity to bring their expertise to the United States. But the U.S. employment-based immigration system can be a challenge within itself.

At Gardner & Mendoza, P.C. Immigration Law, our employment immigration lawyers in Virginia Beach, VA are here to simplify the process, helping you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

Our attorneys have years of experience helping businesses and individuals navigate the full spectrum of employment-based immigration options, from temporary work visas to permanent residency. Let us guide you through the immigration process and help your company be more secure with a stable workforce.

Employment-Based Immigration Services for Businesses

We provide comprehensive immigration services to help businesses attract and retain top global talent, including:

H-1B Visas for Specialty Occupations: We help employers sponsor skilled professionals in fields like IT, engineering, finance, and more for H-1B visas.
L-1 Visas for Intracompany Transferees: We assist multinational companies in transferring executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge to U.S. offices.
E Visas for Treaty Traders and Investors: We guide companies from treaty countries in sponsoring essential employees for E-1 and E-2 visas.
PERM Labor Certification: We help employers navigate the complex PERM process to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency.
Permanent Residency Petitions: We assist businesses in sponsoring key employees for employment-based green cards in categories like EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3.

Employment-Based Immigration Services for Individuals

We also work directly with skilled foreign nationals seeking employment-based visas and green cards, including:

H-1B Visas for Specialty Occupations: We guide professionals in fields like IT, engineering, finance, and more through the H-1B visa process.
O Visas for Extraordinary Ability: We help individuals with extraordinary achievements in the sciences, arts, business, or athletics obtain O visas.
EB-1 Green Cards for Priority Workers: We assist individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers and professors, and multinational executives and managers in obtaining EB-1 green cards.
EB-2 Green Cards for Advanced Degree Professionals: We help individuals with advanced degrees and exceptional ability navigate the EB-2 green card process, including National Interest Waivers.
EB-3 Green Cards for Skilled Workers: We guide professionals, skilled workers, and other qualified individuals through the EB-3 green card process.
PERM Labor Certification: We represent individuals in the PERM process and help them overcome obstacles like audits and denials.

No matter what your employment-based immigration needs may be, our knowledgeable attorneys are here to provide the strategic guidance and tireless advocacy you deserve.

Why Choose Gardner & Mendoza, P.C. Immigration Law for Your Employment-Based Immigration Case?

When you partner with Gardner & Mendoza, P.C. Immigration Law for your employment-based immigration needs, you benefit from:

★ Extensive Experience: Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling a wide range of employment-based immigration matters, from the most common to the most complex.
★ Personalized Strategies: We take the time to understand your unique goals and challenges, and craft tailored immigration strategies that fit your specific needs.
★ Proactive Guidance: We stay on top of the latest changes in immigration law and policy, and provide proactive advice to help you navigate the ever-shifting landscape.
★ Tireless Advocacy: We’re passionate about helping businesses and skilled workers achieve their American dreams, and we’ll work tirelessly to advocate for your interests every step of the way.
★ Multilingual Services: Our team can assist clients in Spanish, English, and Tagalog, ensuring that language is never a barrier to quality legal representation. We welcome the use of all language interpreters, including ASL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of employment-based visas are available?

There are several types of employment-based visas available for foreign workers, including:

H-1B visas for specialty occupations
L-1 visas for intracompany transferees
O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary ability
TN visas for NAFTA professionals from Canada and Mexico
E visas for treaty traders and investors
R-1 visas for religious workers
EB-5 visas for immigrant investors

How long does it take to get an employment-based visa?

The processing time for employment-based visas varies depending on the type of visa and the backlog at USCIS. Some visas, like H-1Bs, are subject to annual caps that can impact the timeline. In general, the process can take several months to a year or more. Premium processing (15-day expedite) may be available for certain visa types.

What is the process for sponsoring an employee for a green card?

The process for sponsoring an employee for a green card typically involves the following steps:

Obtaining a PERM labor certification from the Department of Labor (for most EB-2 and EB-3 cases)
Filing an I-140 immigrant petition with USCIS
Waiting for the employee’s priority date to become current based on the visa bulletin
Filing an I-485 adjustment of status application or DS-260 immigrant visa application

Can I change jobs while on an employment-based visa?

The rules for changing jobs while on an employment-based visa vary depending on the type of visa. Some visas, like H-1Bs, allow for portability to a new employer after an I-129 petition is filed. Others, like L-1s, are more strictly tied to the sponsoring employer. It’s important to consult with an attorney before making any job changes to ensure you maintain your legal status.

How can an immigration lawyer help with employment-based visas?

An experienced immigration lawyer can provide critical assistance with employment-based visas, including:

Determining the most appropriate visa category based on the employee’s qualifications and the employer’s needs
Preparing and filing the necessary petitions and applications with USCIS and the Department of Labor
Representing the employer and employee in any interviews or requests for evidence
Advising on compliance with wage, posting, and other regulatory requirements
Developing a long-term immigration strategy for the employee, including permanent residency options

Get Started with a Confidential Consultation

If you’re ready to explore your employment-based immigration options, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation. During your consultation, we’ll take the time to learn about your specific needs and goals, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your case. We’ll also discuss our fees and services in a transparent manner, so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Don’t navigate the employment-based immigration system alone. Let the dedicated attorneys at Gardner & Mendoza, P.C. Immigration Law be your guide and advocate on the path to achieving your American dream.