Nonimmigrant Visas

Investment

Foreign nationals can gain status based on investments which allow such persons the ability to enter the United States and manage their active investment with the right to work while here. Foreign nationals (or entities that they control) can set up a qualifying organization in the United States and then be transferred here in L-1 status. This an “Intracompany Transferee.”

Foreign nationals who are citizens of countries with which the United States has certain types of treaties can apply for status as a “treaty trader” or “treaty investor,” E-1 and E-2 classifications respectively. E-1 or E-2 status allows foreign nationals to work in the United States and manage the trade or their investment.

Employment

Foreign nationals who are offered temporary specialty occupation employment for positions which require at minimum a bachelor’s degree can obtain employment authorization for that employer through the H-1B program.

Nonagricultural workers can also work in the United States for a much shorter period in H-2B status, after the offering employer demonstrates a shortage of United States workers to fill the position.

Foreign nationals of extraordinary ability in various fields also can obtain status to work for a United States employer in O-1 status.

Students

Academic students (F-1) or vocational students (M-1) after acceptance by a school authorized to accept foreign national students, can study at various colleges and universities in the United States. Exchange visitors can also study here in J-1 status. J-1 programs are diverse covering graduate medical education, university study, and air flight training, in addition to many other exchange programs.

For more information on nonimmigrant visas, please see “Resources & Helpful Links” for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service website and the Department of State website, or contact our office to schedule an evaluation of your eligibility for benefits in your specific circumstances.

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