Chicago H-1B Visa Lawyers

Unlock Your Path to Professional Growth

The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant classification for individuals seeking to perform services in a specialty occupation within the United States. This visa category is specifically tailored for roles that require highly specialized knowledge and expertise in a particular field, such as science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Individuals eligible for the H-1B visa must possess the qualifications and credentials to fulfill the requirements of the specialized occupation.

The H-1B visa is vital for both employers and employees. For employers, it provides an avenue to hire nonimmigrant workers with specialized skills that may be scarce within the domestic talent pool. This visa category allows employers to fill crucial positions with individuals possessing the specific expertise required to drive innovation and growth within their organizations. The H-1B visa offers a valuable solution for meeting workforce demands, particularly in industries with a shortage of qualified U.S. candidates.

For employees, the H-1B visa presents unparalleled opportunities to pursue rewarding careers in their respective fields. It enables skilled professionals worldwide to contribute their talents to American companies, fostering diversity and enriching the workforce with a wealth of international perspectives and experiences. Moreover, the H-1B visa provides a pathway for career advancement and professional development, allowing individuals to leverage their specialized skills to pursue promising career trajectories within the United States.

For forward-thinking employers eager to navigate the intricate landscape of the H-1B registration process, Ray Law International stands ready to provide guidance and support. Our seasoned employment-based immigration attorneys possess extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the H-1B visa process, providing employers with comprehensive assistance at every step. From initial consultation to application preparation and submission, we offer tailored strategies and personalized solutions to help clients pursue their goals effectively and efficiently. By leveraging our insights and resources, we empower employers to navigate the complexities of the H-1B visa process with confidence and clarity.

Contact our dedicated Chicago H-1B Visa attorneys at (888) 474-8048 to schedule a consultation today.

Eligibility Criteria for the H-1B Visa

Foreign nationals seeking an H-1B visa must adhere to specific eligibility criteria to qualify for this sought-after immigration classification.

These include the following:

• Educational requirements: To be eligible for an H-1B visa, applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the specialty field relevant to their intended employment. This degree may be obtained from an institution within the United States or a foreign educational institution, provided that the degree is deemed equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. Additionally, candidates must possess highly specialized knowledge pertinent to their field of expertise, demonstrating their proficiency and expertise in their chosen profession.
• Specialized occupation criteria: The nature of the employment position must meet certain criteria to qualify as a specialized occupation under the H-1B visa program. The minimum educational requirement for the position should be a bachelor's degree or higher, and this qualification should align with the educational standards commonly expected for similar roles within comparable organizations. Moreover, the duties associated with the position must be specialized and complex, necessitating the application of specialized knowledge and skills acquired through advanced education or training.
• Employer sponsorship: An essential requirement for obtaining an H-1B visa is securing a valid job offer from a sponsoring employer in the United States. The employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the foreign national's specialized skills and expertise by showing a lack of qualified U.S. applicants to fill the position. Through the submission of relevant documentation and evidence, the sponsoring employer must establish the necessity of hiring a foreign national for the role, thereby justifying their sponsorship of the H-1B visa application.

Application Process for H-1B Visa

Obtaining an H-1B visa involves a multi-step application process requiring diligence and timeliness.

Here's a more in-depth look at each key stage of the process:

• Labor Condition Application (LCA): The initial step involves the employer filing a Labor Condition Application with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This critical phase ensures that the employer commits to providing the H-1B visa recipient a salary that is at least equal to the prevailing wage for similar positions in the same geographic area. Additionally, the LCA guarantees that employing a foreign worker will not adversely affect the working conditions, wages, and employment opportunities of workers in the United States in comparable roles.
• Filing Form I-129: Upon receiving certification of the LCA from the DOL, the employer must file Form I-129, the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This step involves submitting the certified LCA, the requisite filing fees, and extensive documentation proving the petitioner (employer) and the beneficiary (employee) meet the H-1B visa classification criteria.
• Approval and activation: The final stage of the application process is contingent upon the approval of Form I-129. Applicants already residing in the U.S. must await their visa's official start date as indicated on the approved petition before commencing employment under the H-1B classification. Conversely, individuals outside the U.S. must take additional steps at the time of approval. They must apply for the H-1B visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country, followed by applying for admission to the United States in H-1B status.

Further Details About the H-1B Visa

Understanding the nuances of the H-1B visa can equip applicants and employers with knowledge crucial for strategic planning and decision-making.

Here are some of the critical features and restrictions that come with this visa classification:

• Work authorization duration: An individual granted an H-1B visa is initially authorized to work in the United States for up to three years. This period may be extended, but, the total duration of a stay cannot exceed six years. However, exceptions exist in certain circumstances involving lengthy processes of applying for permanent residency (Green Card).
• Visa cap: Each fiscal year, the U.S. government sets a cap of 65,000 H-1B visas for foreign workers in specialty occupations. Additionally, to promote advanced education within the U.S., the first 20,000 petitions filed for beneficiaries who have earned a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education are exempt from the cap.
• Family members’ eligibility for dependents visa: The H-1B visa provision also accommodates the immediate family members of the visa holder, allowing them to live in the United States under the H-4 nonimmigrant classification. Eligible family members include the spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age of the H-1B visa holder.

Why Choose Us for Navigating Complex Visa Processes?

At Ray Law International, we pride ourselves on our agility and depth of understanding of the U.S. immigration legal framework. The world of immigration law is in constant flux, with policies and regulations that can shift with political climates and administrative priorities. Our team stays abreast of these changes, providing you with the most current advice and strategic guidance.

The complex visa application process shouldn’t deter you from pursuing your professional goals in the U.S. Schedule a personalized consultation with one of our Chicago H-1B visa lawyers. During your session, we will dive deep into your specific needs, answer any questions, and outline a tailor-made strategy for your situation.

Reach out to our team at (888) 474-8048 or online. Set your business up for success by hiring a much-needed employee. We have English, Japanese, Spanish, and Arabic speakers. Your path to professional growth is only a click away!