Obtaining Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-Immigrant visas include any visa entry and stay in the United States which is for a fixed, non-permanent basis. There are a large variety of visas that include various privileges including: travel, study, employment or investment. Each visa has it's own application process, qualifications and advantages. We are happy to evaluate your individual needs and create the program that is right for you.

Popular visas include: J-1 visas for trainees and physicians; H-1B visas for working professionals; B-1 visas for business visitors; B-2 visas for tourists; F-1 visas for students; K visas for fiancées, spouses and children; E visas for foreign investors/traders; L-1 visas for intra-company transfers for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the arts, science or business as well as derivative visas for spouse or family and their domestic staff — these are just some of the more than 25 general categories of non-immigrant United States visas.

What most of these visas have in common is that, in recent years, requirements have grown stricter and government reviews more demanding. As a result, careful planning has become more important than ever before.

At Teplen & Associates, we bring the force of over 100 years of combined experience with non-immigrant visas and the various federal agencies responsible for immigration oversight and enforcement. Most importantly, our proven methods consistently yield a very high success rate in securing non-immigrant visas for our clients.

To speak with one of our attorneys, call at 212-401-4040 contact us online from anywhere in the world.

The H-1B Non-Immigrant Visa

The H-1B visa is the most common non-immigrant visa sought by U.S. employers. This visa allows workers in "specialty occupations" (occupations in which the minimum requirements to perform the duties of the position include a bachelors degree or its equivalent) to come to the United States for up to six years, with extensions beyond six years for certain applicants who have started the "Green Card" process.

Competition for H-1B visas is significant. Currently because of a numerical “cap” set by Congress, only 65,000 H-1B visas are available annually for applicants with Bachelor Degrees, and an extra 20,000 set aside for applicants with a U.S. Masters Degree. In light of these limitations, it is very important to begin planning as soon as possible.

Not all H-1B non-immigrants are subject to the numerical cap. Our attorneys will work with you to determine whether or not your application is cap exempt; applications sponsored by certain universities, a research or governmental entity, or a non-profit entity affiliated with an institution of higher education can generally be successful in obtaining cap exempt status.

The E-1 and E-2 Non-Immigrant Visas

The E visa allow foreign nationals or employees of foreign companies, to trade or make substantial investments in the United States. These visas can be renewed indefinitely, provided the business conduct continues. We are thoroughly experienced in the development of business and financial plans, to meet the laws' definition of "substantial" and maximize the success in visa issuance/renewal.

Although there are no cap limitations associated with the E-1 (Treaty Trader) and E-2 (Treaty Investor) visas, the E Visa a application process and requirements are complicated. Our lawyers can guide you through the process successfully, help you to form a business entity and structure it in ways that protect your investment. We also assist in maintaining compliance with U.S. immigration requirements so that visa renewals are easier to obtain.

Guiding the Way to America Since 1983

Our team approach ensures that you will always work with a lawyer and receive the full benefit of all the experience and resources we have to offer. To start, call our offices in New York City at 212-401-4040 or Toll-Free in the U.S. at 866-746-0137. You can also contact us online.