Immigrants contribute to growth and innovation in the U.S. economy, but the arrival process can be full of complicated legal requirements and complex government bureaucracy. When you are looking to hire the best available workforce, you must work with an experienced business immigration lawyer who will provide you with efficient and qualified legal representation.
At Karlin & Karlin, we’ve spent over 40 years guiding workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses through the complexities of business immigration law. Our business immigration lawyers at Karlin & Karlin have years of experience assisting businesses of all sizes, from thriving startups to multinational corporations.
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Ready to Grow With Business Immigration? We’re Here to Help.
For over 40 years, Abogados Karlin has guided employers, investors, and professionals through complex U.S. immigration laws. Whether you’re building a team or seeking new opportunities, our trusted attorneys provide clear, reliable support. Contact us today to begin your business immigration journey.
What Is Business Immigration?
Business immigration refers to the legal pathways that allow foreign nationals to live and work in the U.S. for professional or investment purposes.
Employers can sponsor skilled workers, executives, and specialists, while investors may qualify for programs that bring new capital and jobs to the economy.
We serve clients across a wide range of industries, including:
- Banking and financial services
- Advertising and the media
- Education
- Entertainment
- Health care
- Technology
- And more.
An experienced business immigration lawyer will represent both employers and foreign national employees at every stage of the business immigration process. We will help you transfer key employees, managers, and executives to the U.S., where they can contribute to your company’s success. We also represent individuals who have specialized skills and extraordinary abilities and wish to use both to benefit the U.S. economy.
What Are the Common Business Immigration Pathways?
Under U.S. business immigration law, options are available for professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and investors, depending on your goals.
Below is an overview of the most common business immigration pathways we handle.
Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Business Immigration Visas
Temporary visas allow individuals to work in the U.S. for a designated employer and period of time. Common options include:
H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals for specialized roles in fields such as IT, engineering, finance, and healthcare. A knowledgeable business immigration lawyer can help employers navigate eligibility requirements, compliance obligations, and timing considerations.
L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transfers)
The L-1 visa supports multinational companies by allowing the transfer of executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge from foreign offices to U.S. locations. This is a key business immigration option for companies expanding into the U.S. market.
O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
The O-1 visa is designed for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability in business, science, education, or the arts. This category is often used by companies seeking to employ top-tier talent under U.S. business immigration law.
E-2 Visa (Treaty Investor)
The E-2 visa allows treaty-country nationals to invest in and manage a U.S. business. Entrepreneurs frequently rely on experienced business immigration lawyers to structure investments and ensure compliance with business immigration requirements.
E-1 Visa (Treaty Trader)
The E-1 visa is for individuals or companies engaged in substantial trade between the United States and a treaty country, making it a valuable business immigration solution for international commerce.
Permanent Business Immigration Options
Permanent residency can be obtained through employment-based categories:
EB-1 Employment-Based Green Card
The EB-1 category provides permanent residency options for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives or managers. This pathway is a cornerstone of employment-based business immigration law.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
The EB-2 NIW allows professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability to pursue permanent residency when their work benefits the United States economy or national interest. This self-petition option is frequently handled by a skilled business immigration lawyer.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The EB-5 program offers permanent residency to investors who make a qualifying investment in a U.S. business and create jobs for U.S. workers, making it a long-term business immigration strategy for investors and entrepreneurs. While it may seem straightforward, getting the application approved can prove challenging. One mistake could put you back at the beginning of the process with wasted time, energy, and money. An experienced business immigration lawyer can guide you through the process, prepare employees for the interview, and simplify the process so you can jumpstart your operation in the States.
Experienced Legal Help, Delivered with Care and Commitment.
The Business Immigration Process
While every visa type has unique requirements, most cases follow these steps:
- Employer Sponsorship or Individual Petition
Employers usually begin the process by filing Form I-140 (Petition for Alien Worker). Investors may petition independently.
- National Interest Waiver, if required
Individuals seeking a National Interest Waiver (NIW) request a waiver of the job offer and labor certification requirements by demonstrating that their work has substantial merit and national importance to the United States.
- USCIS Review & Approval
USCIS reviews the petition. If approved, the case moves forward to either Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.) or Consular Processing abroad.
- Application Submission & Documentation
The applicant files Form DS-260 or Form I-485, submits civil documents, and pays the required fees.
- Medical Exam & Biometrics
Applicants undergo a USCIS-approved medical exam and background checks.
- Interview & Final Decision
USCIS or a U.S. consulate conducts an interview. If approved, the applicant receives their visa or green card.
How Our Business Immigration Lawyer Can Help You
Business immigration cases are high-stakes; delays or denials can cost time, money, and opportunity. Our role is to make the process as smooth as possible for both employers and employees.
We support you by:
- Strategic Case Planning – Identifying the right visa or immigration pathway for your needs.
- Paperwork & Compliance – Ensuring every form, deadline, and government requirement is handled correctly.
- Employer Support – Guiding HR departments through sponsorship, compliance, and documentation.
- Worker Support – Helping individuals understand OPT, STEM extensions, and transitions to H-1B or green cards.
- Interview Preparation – Coaching applicants for USCIS or consular interviews.
- Problem-Solving – Addressing complications such as RFEs (Requests for Evidence) or prior denials.
- Bilingual Communication – Clear guidance in English and Spanish for employers and employees.
FAQs About Business Immigration Laws
How many employment-based visas are available per year?
Approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas each year across several categories, including EB-1 for priority workers, EB-2 for advanced-degree professionals or individuals with exceptional ability, EB-3 for skilled workers and professionals, EB-4 for special immigrants, and EB-5 for investors.
Nonimmigrant work visas vary by visa type; many that have no annual caps.
How long is a work visa valid?
A work visa’s expiration date is determined by the visa category and type of visa granted. If your visa is nearing expiration, a business immigration lawyer may be able to help you apply for an extension.
Can I bring my family members to the U.S. on an employment visa?
Yes. In many cases, an immigrant worker can bring their family to the United States with them. They will be required to file the appropriate dependent visa applications.
Talk to a Business Immigration Lawyer Today
At Karlin & Karlin, we streamline the process, ensuring each application is complete, compliant, and strategically prepared under current business immigration law. We guide you every step of the way to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Let us get to know your business and enable you to hire and retain the best talent from across the globe.
To schedule a free case consultation, contact our us for assistance today.
