FAQ Hub

Foreign professionals

What types of visas are available for foreign professionals?

The main options include O-1, H-1B, L-1 and TN visas, depending on your profession, qualifications and nationality. Each visa has specific requirements and benefits.

Yes. Many O-1 visa holders can pursue a green card through employment sponsorship or the EB-1 category for extraordinary ability.

Not necessarily. You need a U.S. agent or employer acting as a petitioner, but you don’t always need a single full-time employer.

Yes. The H-1B visa has an annual lottery due to high demand and a limited cap on visas.

L-1A visas for managers can be granted for up to 7 years; L-1B for specialized knowledge is limited to 5 years.

The TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican citizens in certain professions to work in the U.S. under NAFTA/USMCA rules.

Founders and investors

Which visa is best for starting a business in the U.S.?

It depends on your nationality, investment size and business plan. Popular options include the E-2, L-1A and EB-5 visas.

Generally, at least $800,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA) or $1.05 million outside a TEA.

The E-2 itself doesn’t lead directly to a green card, but E-2 investors can pursue other green card paths if they qualify.

The national interest waiver (NIW) is for individuals whose work benefits the U.S. significantly, allowing them to skip the job sponsorship requirement for a green card.

Yes. Spouses and minor children can often accompany you and may be eligible for work authorization.

Families and humanitarian cases

What is the I-130 petition?

It’s the petition used to establish a qualifying relationship for family-based immigration.

Yes, if you apply for and receive a work permit (employment authorization document).

It protects victims of certain crimes who cooperate with law enforcement. It can lead to a green card after three years.

Spouses, children or parents of abusive U.S. citizens or permanent residents can self-petition under VAWA without the abuser’s knowledge.

Special immigrant juvenile status (SIJ) is for minors who have been abused, neglected or abandoned by one or both parents.

Processing times vary, but the naturalization process often takes several months to a year after filing the N-400 application.

Other services

What is a B1/B2 visa?

It’s a nonimmigrant visa for tourism, business meetings or medical treatment.

You’ll need to demonstrate urgent circumstances and follow specific steps for requesting an expedited interview.

A FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request allows you to access your immigration records held by U.S. government agencies.

File Form I-90 with USCIS. It’s important to do this quickly if you plan to travel or work.

A request for evidence (RFE) is a notice from USCIS asking for additional documents to support your application.

Submit exactly what is requested, organized clearly and before the deadline. Legal assistance can help avoid mistakes.

General immigration questions

Do I always need a lawyer for my case?

Not legally required, but an attorney can help avoid errors, delays or denials, especially in complex or high-stakes cases.

It varies greatly. Some visas are processed in weeks, others can take months or years.

Sometimes. It depends on your current status, your desired status and timing.

This depends on your personal goals, background and eligibility. A consultation is the best way to identify the right path.

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