IMMIGRATION SERVICES

The immigration visa applications include non-immigrant and employment-based services as of the following:

EMPLOYMENT - AND INVESTMENT-BASED VISA CATEGORIES INCLUDING

H1B. The H-1B program allows companies in the United States to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher in the specific specialty including science, engineering and information technology.

EB-5. Under this program, entrepreneurs (and their spouses and unmarried children under 21) are eligible to apply for a green card (permanent residence) if they make the necessary investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States; and plan to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.

NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS SUCH AS:

L-1. The L-1A nonimmigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer an executive or manager from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States.

E-1. The E-1 non-immigrant classification allows a national of a treaty country (a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation) to be admitted to the United States solely to engage in international trade on his or her own behalf.

E-2. The E-2 non-immigrant classification allows a national of a treaty country (a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation) to be admitted to the United States when investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.

IN ADDITION, THE FIRM ALSO ASSISTS IN THE APPLICATION OF CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH J-1 AND O-1 VISA CATEGORIES:

J-1. The J-1 Visa offers cultural and educational exchange opportunities in the United States through a variety of programs overseen by the U.S. State Department.

O-1. The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.

OVERVIEW

Law Office of Andrea Natale is uniquely qualified to provide our clients with exceptional legal representation in areas of immigration law. These areas include but are not limited to applications for B-1, B-2, E-1, E-2, O-1 and L-1 visas, adjustment or extension of status, family, employment and investment based green card petitions and naturalization. Our experience, knowledge of immigration law and practices, along with our keen dedication to every immigration case is what makes Law Office of Andrea Natale a firm that clients can depend on at all times. We make the impossible cases become possible.

AREAS OF IMMIGRATION PRACTICE

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is not a visa but rather a pre-screening process for citizens of certain countries who wish to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you are a citizen or national of one of the 45 countries authorized under the VWP, you may be eligible to apply for ESTA. This authorization allows you to visit the U.S. for business or leisure for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. It’s important to note that ESTA is only available to travelers who do not hold a valid B-2 visitor visa. Additionally, the purpose of your visit must be business or pleasure, and your stay cannot exceed 90 days.

ESTA Extension
While ESTA status generally cannot be extended, there is a limited exception known as “Satisfactory Departure.” In rare cases, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may grant an extension of up to 30 days. This exception is typically reserved for emergencies, such as medical hospitalization or significant travel disruptions, like flight cancellations due to weather or labor strikes. Outside of these exceptional circumstances, travelers under the Visa Waiver Program must leave the U.S. by the end of their 90-day visit.

Business Visitor B-1 Visa
For travelers with business purposes who need to stay in the U.S. for more than 90 days but less than six months, the B-1 visa is the appropriate option. Activities permitted under the B-1 visa include attending business meetings, conferences, conventions, and negotiating contracts. If you plan to apply, we will work with you to demonstrate that your trip is business-related and for a specified limited duration. Additionally, we will assist in proving that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your stay and that you have no intent to abandon your residence abroad.

If you believe that prior legal issues, either within the U.S. or internationally, might affect your admissibility, contact us for a complimentary consultation to discuss your options.

Visitor B-2 Visa
The B-2 visa is designed for individuals traveling to the U.S. for pleasure, tourism, or medical treatment. Similar to the B-1 visa, the B-2 allows a stay of up to six months. To qualify, you will need to show that your visit is temporary and that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses while in the U.S. Importantly, we will help demonstrate that you have a permanent residence outside the U.S. that you have no intention of abandoning.

E Visa – Treaty Trader and Treaty Investor Visas
The E visa category is available to nationals of treaty countries who seek to engage in substantial international trade or to make a significant investment in a U.S. business. There are two main types of E visas:

1. E-1 Treaty Trader Visa: To qualify for an E-1 visa, your business must engage in substantial trade between the U.S. and your home country, with more than 50% of the total trade occurring between these two nations. The visa allows an initial stay of up to two years, with unlimited two-year extensions, provided that you continue to meet the requirements.

2. E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: The E-2 visa is available to individuals who have made a substantial investment in a real and active business enterprise in the U.S. The investment must be enough to ensure the successful operation of the business. You must also demonstrate that the business is not marginal, meaning it can generate more than just minimal income for the investor and their family. This visa also allows for an initial two-year stay, with the option of unlimited extensions.

Certain employees of treaty traders and investors may also qualify for E visa status, provided they hold a managerial or supervisory position or possess specialized skills essential to the operation of the enterprise. Family members of the principal visa holder can receive derivative E status and are eligible to work in the U.S.

O-1 Visa – Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
The O-1 visa is available to individuals who possess extraordinary ability in their field, including science, arts, education, business, or athletics. This visa allows you to work in the U.S. temporarily based on your extraordinary accomplishments and recognition in your field. We will help you demonstrate that you have received sustained national or international acclaim and that your achievements are recognized as being among the top in your area of expertise.

L-1 Visa – Intracompany Transferees
The L-1 visa is for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. It is available to executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge. The L-1 visa can also serve as a pathway to permanent residency if desired. Our firm will guide you through the application process and assist in ensuring that all requirements are met.

Adjustment of Status
If you are currently in the U.S. on a temporary visa and wish to become a permanent resident, you may be eligible for Adjustment of Status (AOS). This process allows you to apply for a green card without having to leave the U.S. We assist clients in preparing and filing their AOS applications, ensuring all documentation is in order.

Family-Based Green Card Petition
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for certain family members to obtain green cards and join them in the U.S. We will help you navigate the petition process, whether you are sponsoring a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, ensuring that all required documentation and evidence are submitted to USCIS.

Employment-Based Green Card Petition
There are several pathways to obtaining a green card through employment, including sponsorship by a U.S. employer. We provide comprehensive support for individuals seeking employment-based permanent residency, including assistance with labor certification, the PERM process, and the preparation of Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers.

Investment-Based Green Card Petition
For those making a substantial financial investment in a U.S. enterprise, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a pathway to a green card. Investors must make a minimum qualifying investment in a U.S. business and create or preserve jobs for American workers. Our firm helps investors meet these criteria and guides them through the process of obtaining lawful permanent residence in the U.S.

Naturalization
Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is a significant milestone for immigrants who have successfully navigated the path to permanent residency. To be eligible for naturalization, you must meet specific requirements, including holding a green card for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), demonstrating good moral character, and passing English language and U.S. civics tests.

Our firm will guide you through every step of the naturalization process, including preparing and filing Form N-400, ensuring that you meet all legal requirements, and helping you gather the necessary documentation. We will also assist you in preparing for your naturalization interview and exam. If any issues arise during the process, such as questions about your eligibility or background, we are here to provide legal support and guidance.