Dallas, Texas Work Visa Lawyers

For a foreign citizen to take a job in the United States, the employer must sponsor the immigrant for permanent residency (also called a green card). The sponsorship process involves several complex steps and, if the employer and potential employee make any errors, the job opportunity may be lost. Even worse, the employer could be subjected to financial penalties by the United States government, or the potential employee could be charged with immigration fraud.

Elsa T. Gonzales, P.C., in Dallas, Texas, has 20 years of success guiding employers in a wide range of industries and foreign citizen employees through the green card process. Our attorneys offer clear and concise advice and competitive rates to guide you through each step of the business immigration process. For an immediate appointment with one of our experienced work visa attorneys, contact Elsa T. Gonzales, P.C., today.

Obtaining a Work Visa: An Overview

First, we determine if the foreign citizen is eligible under U.S. immigration laws for a work visa. Next, our attorneys complete and submit to the U.S. Department of Labor a permanent labor certification report (called PERM and required for most types of jobs). If the Department of Labor grants the certification request, the next step in obtaining a work visa is for the employer to submit a Petition for Alien Worker (Form I-140) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The employer acts as a sponsor, and the foreign citizen is known as an applicant or beneficiary. If the petition is approved, then the U.S. Department of State will give the applicant an immigrant visa number. Once the applicant has an immigrant visa number, he or she applies for "adjustment of status" if he or she already resides temporarily in the United States. If the applicant is located outside the United States, then the applicant completes the work visa process at the U.S. consulate in his or her home country.

Basic Types of Work Visa Eligibility Categories

Under U.S. immigration laws, there are four basic categories of work visas:

• EB-1 work visas are for foreign citizens (1) with extraordinary abilities in the arts, sciences, education, business or athletics; (2) who are outstanding professors or researchers; or (3) who are executives or managers working outside the United States for a U.S. company
• EB-2 work visas are for foreign citizens with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in the arts, sciences or business
• EB-3 work visas are for skilled or professional workers
• EB-4 work visas are for foreign citizen religious workers and employees and former employees of the United States government

Competent, Efficient Assistance with Business Immigration

If you are a foreign citizen with a U.S. job offer or a U.S. company wishing to sponsor a foreign citizen for U.S. employment, contact our offices today for qualified assistance with the labor certification and work visa application process. Don't risk wasting time and money doing the process on your own - hire seasoned immigration attorneys to assist you. Call Elsa T. Gonzales, P.C., at 214-688-1920 or contact us via e-mail.

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Elsa T. Gonzales, P.C.

Plaza of the Americas - North Tower
700 North Pearl Street, Suite 520
Dallas, Texas 75201
Telephone: 214-688-1920
Fax: 214-688-0087
E-mail
Map and Directions

Located in the Arts District of downtown Dallas
Less than 1 block from the Pearl Street DART station
Validated parking for initial consultations