Work Visa Services

Immigration via Employment

Navigate the complexities of employment-based immigration with expert legal guidance. From H-1B specialty occupation visas to media representative credentials, we help employers and foreign workers successfully navigate the U.S. work visa process

  • H-1B Specialty Occupation Visas
  • I Visas for Foreign Media Representatives
  • Green Card Sponsorship Pathway
  • Dependent Visa Support (H-4)
Schedule Consiltation
Employment-Based Immigration

Work Visa Categories for Foreign Nationals

All interested citizens can obtain a work visa, however they must undergo a selection process. There are regulated quotas for most employment-based visa categories.

Exceptional Abilities

Individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics

Common Visa Types:
O-1
EB-1

Skilled Workers

Professionals with specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Common Visa Types:
H-1B
EB-2
EB-3

Creative & Athletic Achievements

Artists, performers, athletes, and entertainment industry professionals

Common Visa Types:
O-1
P-1
P-2
P-3

Special Immigrant Categories

Religious workers, international organization employees, and other special categories

Common Visa Types:
EB-4
Special
Path to Permanent Residence

Work visas for permanent residence in the U.S. for different categories of foreign citizens entitle them to apply for a Green Card. Our firm assists with both temporary work visas and the employment-based permanent residence process.

H-1B Work Visa

Specialty Occupation Work Visa

The H-1B classification allows U.S. employers to hire foreign specialists who have at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a specialty occupation.
Common H-1B Specialty Occupations
  • Architecture
  • Scientific Research
  • Engineering
  • Finance & Accounting
  • Information Technology
  • Law
  • Mathematics
  • Education
  • Medicine & Healthcare
Exceptional achievement: If you have received a major internationally-recognized award such as a Nobel Prize or Olympic Medal, this alone may be sufficient to establish extraordinary ability.

Initial Period: Maximum 3 years

Extensions: Can be renewed for 2 years, then 1 year

Maximum Stay: 6 years total on H-1B status

65,000 Regular H-1B cap for all applicants
20,000 Advanced degree exemption (U.S. Master's or higher)
Educational Requirements
  • At least a U.S. bachelor's degree or equivalent
  • Foreign degree must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
  • Work experience can substitute: 3 years = 1 year of education
Employer Requirements
  • Job offer from U.S. employer required
  • Position must require specialized knowledge
  • Labor Condition Application (LCA) approval from DOL
Wage Requirements
  • Must pay prevailing wage for position
  • Salary must match U.S. workers in similar roles
  • Cannot adversely affect U.S. worker conditions

H-1B3 for Fashion Models

Special subcategory for models of distinguished merit and ability

Eligibility Requirements
  • Must be nationally and internationally recognized
  • Have a job offer that requires high achievements in the field
  • Work must involve design, photography, or other creative fields
  • Demonstrate preeminence and sustained acclaim in modeling
Required Documentation
  • Portfolio of work
  • Press coverage and reviews
  • Awards and recognition
  • Contract or job offer letter
  • Evidence of international work
  • Expert opinion letters
Note: The H-1B3 classification has the same duration limits and cap requirements as the standard H-1B visa (6-year maximum stay, subject to annual cap).

H-4 Dependent Visa

Visa for H-1B Family Members

The H-4 classification is intended for spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old of H-1B visa holders.

Eligible family members
  • Spouse: Legally married spouse of H-1B visa holder
  • Children: Unmarried children under 21 years of age

H-4 status is granted for the same period as the principal H-1B visa holder. Extensions are tied to the H-1B holder’s status extensions.

H-4 Benefits
  • Can accompany or join H-1B visa holder in the U.S.
  • Same duration of stay as principal H-1B holder
  • Can attend school and pursue education
  • May apply for Social Security Number
  • Can travel in and out of the United States
H-4 Visa Limitations
  • Cannot be employed in the United States
  • Must maintain valid H-4 status
  • Cannot receive employment authorization (with exceptions)
  • Status depends on H-1B holder's status
  • H-1B spouse is the beneficiary of an approved I-140 immigrant petition
  • H-1B spouse is in H-1B status beyond 6 years under AC21 provisions
  • Must file Form I-765 to request EAD
Important: H-4 work authorization is only available to spouses (not children) and requires a separate application process. Children under H-4 status cannot work regardless of the principal H-1B holder’s immigration status.
"I" Visa Classification

Foreign Media Representatives

Classification I is intended for journalists, reporters, film crews, editors, and other media workers representing foreign news agencies working in the United States.

Journalists & Reporters

Print and online journalists covering U.S. news and events

Film Crews

Camera operators, cinematographers, and production staff

Broadcast Media

Radio and television reporters and correspondents

Editors

News editors and editorial staff for foreign media outlets

I Visa Application Requirements

Required Documentation:
  • Valid passport
  • Letter from employer (foreign media organization)
  • Proof of media credentials
  • Evidence of foreign media office location
  • Description of work to be performed in U.S.
Key Points:
  • No petition to USCIS required - apply directly at U.S. Embassy/Consulate
  • Must maintain employment with the same foreign media organization
  • Independent freelance journalists do not qualify for I visa classification
Path to Permanent Residence

From Work Visa to Green Card

Work visas for permanent residence in the U.S. for different categories of foreign citizens entitle them to apply for a Green Card through employment-based immigration.
EB-1

Priority Workers

Persons with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, multinational executives

Processing: Fastest – No labor certification required
EB-2

Advanced Degree Professionals

Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business

Processing: Labor certification typically required
EB-3

Skilled Workers

Professionals with bachelor’s degrees, skilled workers with 2+ years experience

Processing: Labor certification required

PERM Process Includes:

  • Prevailing wage determination
  • Recruitment process to test U.S. labor market
  • Documentation that no qualified U.S. workers available
  • Filing of ETA-9089 application with DOL

Employment-Based Green Card Process

  • Labor Certification (PERM) Employer obtains approval from Department of Labor (unless exempt)
  • I-140 Petition Employer files immigrant petition with USCIS
  • Priority Date Wait for priority date to become current (if applicable)
  • Adjustment of Status File I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident
  • Green Card Approval Receive lawful permanent resident status
Why Choose Us

Your Partner in Employment-Based Immigration

At Miami Law Group P.A., we have extensive experience navigating the complex world of employment-based immigration. From H-1B specialty worker visas to permanent residence applications, we provide comprehensive support for employers and foreign professionals.

Employment Visa Experts

Specialized experience with H-1B, I visa, and employment-based immigration

Labor Certification Support

Complete PERM labor certification process management

Employer & Employee Services

Comprehensive support for both employers and foreign workers

Compliance Guidance

Ensure full compliance with DOL and USCIS requirements

Multilingual Support

We provide services in English, Russian, Spanish, and other languages

Green Card Pathway

Strategic planning for permanent residence through employment

Get In Touch

Schedule Your Consultation

Take the first step towards securing your future. Contact us today for a confidential consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.

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