Augusta Work Immigration Lawyer

Georgia firm assists with eligibility for workplace visas

Employees, companies and the economy all benefit when a qualified worker is brought from another country to fill a gap in the American workforce. Joseph T. Rhodes Law Firm gives individuals the chance to make a living in the United States while helping companies maximize their productivity. Mr. Rhodes is a seasoned Augusta work immigration attorney who provides skillful counsel in cases involving permanent employee placements in the United States as well as situations where businesses require the assistance of foreign workers on a temporary basis.

Employment sponsorship for work immigration

An employer looking to sponsor someone for permanent residency in the United States must first receive approval from the Department of Labor for a Permanent Labor Certification. This review is conducted to determine that there is not a qualified American worker who can fill the position. From there, the employer files Form I-140 Immigration Petition for Alien Worker with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As part of this petition, the employer declares that it will hire the worker if they are legally admitted to the United States.

Work visa eligibility requirements

Under USCIS rules, foreign nationals seeking work-related immigrant visas fall into one of the following categories, starting with the highest priority group:

• EB-1 — Priority workers, such as top executives, renowned professors and others with extraordinary ability in science, the arts, business or athletics
• EB-2 — Individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability that will substantially benefit the U.S. economy
• EB-3 — Professional or skilled workers, including those with a bachelor’s degree or at least two years of training in a field where qualified Americans are not available to fill the position
• EB-4 — Religious workers, some doctors and other types of workers identified by USCIS

As an experienced Augusta immigration lawyer, Joseph T. Rhodes can explain how the priority system and other rules apply to your situation. From there, we help you prepare the necessary forms and assemble the documents required to support your case, such as information on your personal background, criminal record and finances.

Nonimmigrant work visas in Georgia

Several different nonimmigration visas exist for situations where employers have temporary labor needs that are not able to be met by available American workers. Specific visas in this area include the following:

• H-1B visas for specialized workers with a higher education degree
• L-1 visas for foreign nationals transferred to the United States by their current employer
• TN visas for professionals emigrating from Canada and Mexico
• H-2A visas for seasonal agricultural work
• H-2B visas for seasonal non-agricultural work, such as for the tourism industry

Whether you are a business looking for employees to keep your operation running successfully or a worker seeking the chance to earn a living in the United States, our firm can help.

Common issues and challenges for people trying to get employment visas

There are many potential obstacles that could frustrate your attempt to secure an employment-related visa. In addition to the processing delays and complex rules commonly associated with USCIS matters, policies relating to foreign-born workers are frequently the subject of controversy. This leads to rules that can change quickly based on current events and shifts in political power. Our firm stays on top of the latest developments in this field to help clients understand the legal landscape and avoid mistakes that could lead to a denial.

Contact a Georgia lawyer for a free consultation about employment-based immigration

Joseph T. Rhodes Law Firm in Augusta assists prospective immigrants and businesses in cases where people seek to come to the United States in order to work. To make an appointment for a free consultation, please call 706-496-1616 or contact us online.