New York City Business Immigration Lawyer

Business Immigration Strategies and Solutions

The success of your company hinges on the people you employ. Naturally, you want the best people you can find who are the best match for your needs, whether they currently reside in the U.S. or need to be brought in from abroad. The Law Offices of Elsa Ayoub is your strategic legal partner committed to finding solutions that meet your needs. Our team has the knowledge, skills and resourcefulness to give you strategic advice and professional guidance that helps your business achieve your immigration goals efficiently and effectively.

Attorney Elsa Ayoub works with you personally to understand your needs, explore options and advise you on the best course of action, and implement a plan to get the job done. Our firm delivers valuable immigration guidance to employers and investors in a wide range of industries. See below for a brief description of the many and varied ways our team can help, and contact our experienced New York City business immigration lawyer today.

Personalized Advice for Business Owners and Professionals

In today’s interconnected world, establishing and growing business operations in the U.S. is a key strategy for many global entrepreneurs and professionals. At The Law Offices of Elsa Ayoub, our New York City business immigration lawyer specializes in providing tailored business immigration solutions to help you achieve your American dream. Our expertise and personalized approach ensure that you receive the highest quality legal counsel, no matter how complex your immigration needs may be.

Whether you’re a business owner, employer, or foreign national professional, we understand the unique challenges you face in navigating the U.S. immigration system. Our services are designed to find creative solutions that align with your business goals and career aspirations. From establishing your business operations to obtaining necessary work authorizations, we guide you every step of the way.

Comprehensive Business Immigration Strategies

As your strategic legal partner, we provide innovative solutions that support your business growth and vision for the U.S. market. Our in-depth knowledge and experience in U.S. immigration law drive the counsel we offer, ensuring that you can focus on developing your operations and achieving your objectives.

Non-Immigrant Employment Visa Services

Our Manhattan immigration lawyer offers a range of non-immigrant visa services to enable temporary work authorization in the U.S. Our expertise includes:

H-1B Visas: For specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise.
O-1 Visas: For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field.
TN (NAFTA) Visas: For professionals from Canada or Mexico.
L-1 Visas: For intracompany transferees, facilitating the transfer of key employees to U.S. offices.
E-1 and E-2 Visas: For investors and traders from treaty countries.

We also specialize in visas for physicians of extraordinary ability or national/international renown, helping foreign medical graduates bypass the USMLE requirement under the H-1B category.

Our firm also handles visas for physicians of extraordinary ability, and for physicians of national or international renown. Physicians of national or international renown who are graduates of medical schools in foreign states are exempt from the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) requirement in the H-1B context. A “physician of national or international renown” is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy “who is widely acclaimed and highly honored in the field of medicine within one or more countries, so long as the achievements leading to national renown are comparable to that which would result in national renown in the United States.” Our firm has extensive experience and a proven track record of success handling this sub-category of the H-1B visa for foreign physicians and their employers.

Employment-Based Permanent Residence

Our NYC business immigration lawyer provides expert counsel on obtaining employment-based permanent residence, assisting U.S. employers and their foreign national employees with:

Priority Workers: Including individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives.
Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability: Navigating the complex criteria to secure a green card.
Investors: Guiding you through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

Naturalization Services

Achieving U.S. citizenship is a significant milestone for many foreign national workers. We assist with:

Naturalization Applications: Preparing and filing comprehensive applications.
Legal Counsel During Interviews: Providing support and representation during the naturalization process.
Advising on Bars to Citizenship: Helping you understand and navigate potential obstacles.

Short-term and Long-term Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visa Strategies

For businesses looking to bring foreign talent to the United States on a temporary or permanent basis, understanding the nuances of immigrant and nonimmigrant visa options is crucial. New York immigration attorney Elsa Ayoub can help your business develop comprehensive short-term and long-term visa strategies tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s securing temporary work visas like H-1B, L-1, or TN visas for short-term assignments, or exploring permanent residence options for long-term employment, we provide strategic guidance to ensure businesses make informed decisions that align with their goals and comply with immigration laws. With our expertise, businesses can navigate the complex visa landscape with confidence and focus on their core operations.

Intracompany transfers

Through the L-1 visa, foreign companies with branches, subsidiaries, affiliates and other qualifying relationships in the U.S. can transfer employees from a foreign office to the United States to work in an existing office or assist in opening a new office here in America. We work with employers and foreign workers alike to smooth the application process, ensuring the petition is expertly prepared and accompanied by all necessary supporting documentation. We assist small businesses and large corporations alike with L-1A visas for executives and managers, L-1B visas for employees with specialized knowledge, and blanket petitions for large organizations needing to accomplish multiple transfers with a minimum of time, expense and red tape. Let us help you grow your domestic or international business by putting the best people in the right places.

Investor visas

Whether seeking to invest in a U.S. business or engage in international trade, obtaining the right investor visa is key to accomplishing your goals. We can help you understand which investor visa makes the most sense given your needs, including entering the U.S. as an E-1 treaty trader, E-2 treaty investor, or utilizing the EB-5 investor visa. We take the time to understand your needs, identify the appropriate visa, advise you on eligibility requirements, and carry out all activities necessary to ensure you have a professionally prepared application.

Extraordinary Ability Visas

For businesses seeking to hire individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, art, education, business, or athletics, our immigration attorney can assist in securing extraordinary ability visas like the O-1 visa. This visa is designed for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability or achievement in their field and wish to come to the United States to work. We help businesses navigate the rigorous application process and compile the necessary evidence to support the visa petition.

Permanent Residence Applications

Obtaining permanent residence, or a green card, is often a goal for many foreign employees working for U.S. businesses. Immigration lawyer Elsa Ayoub assists businesses in sponsoring their employees for permanent residence through various pathways, such as employment-based immigrant petitions (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 categories) or the PERM labor certification process. Our firm provides guidance on the most suitable option based on the employee’s qualifications and the business’s needs.

Consular Processing

Consular processing is the procedure through which individuals outside the United States can obtain a visa to enter the country. Our immigration attorney assists businesses and their employees in navigating consular processing, including preparing the necessary documentation, completing visa applications, and attending visa interviews at U.S. consulates or embassies abroad. We work closely with clients to ensure a smooth and successful consular processing experience. When you call our office with a question or concern, you’ll speak directly with Elsa Ayoub, an experienced New York immigration attorney dedicated to providing personal service to her clients.

Immigration Compliance

Maintaining compliance with immigration laws and regulations is crucial for businesses employing foreign workers. An immigration attorney can help businesses develop and implement effective immigration compliance policies and procedures to ensure they meet their legal obligations. Additionally, our firm can also provide guidance on issues such as I-9 verification, E-Verify, and compliance audits to help businesses avoid potential penalties and legal issues.

Immigration Appeals

In cases where a visa application or immigration petition is denied, a Manhattan immigration lawyer can help businesses appeal the decision. Attorney Elsa Ayoub has extensive experience representing clients in immigration appeals before the appropriate administrative or judicial bodies. We can review the reasons for the denial, identify any errors or misunderstandings, and prepare a strong appeal to seek a favorable outcome for our clients.

Business Immigration FAQs

Business immigration allows foreign entrepreneurs, investors, executives, managers, and skilled workers to enter and work in the United States. It involves various visa categories designed to accommodate different types of business activities and employment scenarios.

What is business immigration?

Business immigration refers to the process by which foreign nationals can enter, work, and potentially settle in the United States for business purposes. This includes entrepreneurs starting new businesses, investors, multinational executives, managers, and specialized employees.

What are the most common types of business visas?

The most common types of business visas include:

H-1B Visa: For skilled workers in specialty occupations.
L-1 Visa: For intracompany transferees in managerial positions or with specialized knowledge.
E-1 Visa: For treaty traders.
E-2 Visa: For treaty investors.
EB-1 Visa: For priority workers, including multinational executives and individuals with extraordinary ability.
EB-2 Visas: For professionals with advanced degrees or skilled workers.
EB-5 Visa: For immigrant investors.

What is an H-1B visa?

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa for skilled workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields such as IT, engineering, mathematics, science, or medicine. It allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers for up to six years.

What is an L-1 visa?

The L-1 visa allows intracompany transferees to work in the U.S. This includes managers, executives, and employees with specialized knowledge. There are two types of L-1 visas:

L-1A: For managers and executives, valid for up to seven years.
L-1B: For employees with specialized knowledge, valid for up to five years.

What is an E visa?

E visas include the E-1 (treaty trader) and E-2 (treaty investor) visas:

E-1 Visa: For individuals entering the U.S. to engage in substantial trade between the U.S. and their home country.
E-2 Visa: For individuals entering the U.S. to invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.

What is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program?

The EB-5 visa provides a path to U.S. permanent residency for foreign investors who invest at least $1.05 million (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) in a new commercial enterprise and create or preserve at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

What is PERM labor certification?

The PERM labor certification is the first step in the employment-based green card process for foreign workers. It involves proving that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position and that hiring the foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.

Can business visa holders bring their families to the U.S.?

Yes, most business visa holders can bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old to the U.S.:

H-1B Visa Holders: Can bring dependents under H-4 visas.
L-1 Visa Holders: Can bring dependents under L-2 visas, and spouses can apply for work authorization.
E Visa Holders: Can bring dependents under E-1 or E-2 visas, and spouses can apply for work authorization.
EB Visa Holders: Can bring dependents who will also receive green cards.

What are the benefits of obtaining a business visa?

Benefits of obtaining a business visa include the ability to work in the U.S., the potential to apply for permanent residency, the opportunity to bring family members, access to U.S. markets, and the ability to invest and grow a business in one of the world’s largest economies.

How long does the business visa application process take?

The processing time for business visas varies:

H-1B Visa: Typically takes 3-6 months, with premium processing available for an additional fee.
L-1 Visa: Usually takes 1-3 months.
E Visa: Processing times vary by consulate but generally take a few months.
EB-5 Visa: Can take over a year, depending on the complexity of the case and USCIS processing times.

Can business visa holders apply for a green card?

Yes, many business visa holders can apply for a green card through employment-based categories such as EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, or EB-5, depending on their qualifications and circumstances.

What happens if my business visa application is denied?

If your business visa application is denied, you can:

Appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen or reconsider with the agency that denied your application.
Address the reasons for denial and reapply.
Consult with an immigration attorney to explore other visa options or to strengthen your case for reapplication.

Understanding the various business immigration options and their requirements is crucial for successfully navigating the U.S. immigration system. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, executive, or skilled worker, there are multiple pathways to work and live in the United States. For personalized assistance with your business visa application, contact our team of immigration experts who specialize in business immigration.

Trust The Law Offices of Elsa Ayoub in New York City for Your Business Immigration Needs

At The Law Offices of Elsa Ayoub, we understand the importance of devising creative immigration strategies that align with your business objectives. Our New York City business immigration lawyer is dedicated to providing personalized and effective immigration solutions to help businesses and corporations achieve their goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced and resourceful immigration attorney committed to your success.