Archive for category: Business Investor and Employment Immigration

Non-U.S. citizens who are clergy members or have religious training or other theological credentials may be eligible to work and reside in the United States for up to two and a half years and, possibly, for five years if they qualify for an R-1 Visa. The U.S. Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) has established minimum requirements that an applicant must meet to procure this visa, and the application process can take up to ten months. Nonetheless, the R-1 Visa offers substantial benefits to its recipients.

As with all visa applications, however, verifying your credentials for an R-1 Visa can be challenging. To avoid errors and improve the odds that the application will be approved, applicants should contact an immigration lawyer in Tampa, Florida, at Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A. Our attorneys have represented applicants for religious visas for more than 20 years, and we can guide you and represent your best interests through the application process.

What Are the Most Significant Benefits of an R-1 Visa?

In addition to enabling an R-1 Visa recipient to live and work in the United States for two and a half years, it allows them to:

• Bring their dependent family members into the United States and enroll children in local schools
• Travel to and from the United States with no loss of visa privileges
• Establish a legitimate path to procure permanent U.S. residency with a green card (note, however, that it does not guarantee U.S. citizenship)
• Apply to extend the visa for an additional two and half years, for a total residency period of five years.
• Further, unlike other visa categories, the United States does not place an annual cap on the number of visas that may be available.

What Are the Qualifications and Requirements for an R-1 Visa?

R-1 Visa applicants must have been employed or sponsored by a bona fide religious organization for at least two years before applying. The organization is responsible for submitting proof of its legitimacy on Form I-129 (i.e., a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker), which requires it to submit evidence of:

• Its tax-exempt status
• Its payment of salaries and other financial support or its self-supporting structure
• Its membership in a recognized religious denomination
• The prospective position held by the prospective recipient of the R-1 visa.

The organization that submits this petition will pay application and filing fees totaling $640.00. The applicant must also submit a Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and pay a separate $190.00 filing fee to begin the process.

Organizations and applicants anticipating entering the United States through Florida or other southern states should consult a religious visa attorney in Tampa to verify their qualifications before submitting their application materials.

What Happens After the R-1 Visa Application Materials Are Filed?

After the sponsoring religious organization and applicant submit Forms I-129 and DS-160, the applicant should schedule an interview with a local embassy or consulate and collect and organize the required documents for that interview, including:

• Correspondence showing the scheduled interview
• A valid, current passport
• Copies of all forms and materials submitted as part of the application
• The Form I-797C (Notice of Action) showing receipt and verification of those forms and materials
• Proof of the applicant’s eligibility for an R-1 Visa (e.g., employment or sponsorship contracts with a religious organization and U.S. religious employer, documents showing qualifications as a religious worker, etc.)
• Clear color photographs that meet current U.S. visa requirements.

Call the R-1 Visa Lawyers at the Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.

Our seasoned, ethnically diverse, multilingual team of lawyers is inspired by our clients. We always welcome the opportunity to help you build your life or career in the U.S. We educate, advocate, and navigate an often rocky, time-consuming legal process for clients from all walks of life.

Our lawyers can help you and your sponsoring organization to navigate the process successfully. Please call us for more information about how you can procure an R-1 Visa and for answers to any other immigration and visa questions that you may have.

About Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.

Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A., led by attorney Aniefiok Bassey, provides comprehensive immigration services to individuals, families, and businesses in Florida and beyond. With over 20 years of experience, the firm assists clients with a wide range of immigration matters, from family reunification and green cards to business visas and deportation defense. The diverse, multilingual team is dedicated to supporting clients through the complex immigration process, with a special focus on citizenship, asylum, and LGBTQ+ immigration needs. They offer affordable initial consultations and are committed to delivering personalized, strategic guidance for achieving clients’ immigration goals.

This post has been reviewed by immigration attorney, Aniefiok Bassey.

On behalf of Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.

We are currently not accepting new L-1 visa clients. 

Executives and other corporate professionals can procure an L1 visa that allows them to work in their employer’s United States offices. In all cases, the L1 visa application process will include an interview. The applicant’s answers to those questions will be carefully reviewed and can have a significant effect on the ultimate approval or denial of an L1 visa application.  

For more than 20 years, the L1 visa attorneys at the Bassey Immigration Law Center in Tampa, Florida, have helped to prepare managerial-level employees and other corporate applicants for the L1 visa interviews. We have in-depth knowledge about the interview process and the questions an executive is likely to hear. In all cases, our preparation and assistance significantly improve the likelihood that an L1 visa application will be approved. Below is a quick rundown of what types of information you might be required to provide in an interview.  

What questions are asked in an L1 visa interview? 

When you consult with a FL Nonimmigrant visa lawyer from our Firm, you will be counseled to prepare for specific categories of questions: 

• Basic background information, including the type of visa you are seeking, your work experience in the United States and other countries, and personal information about your permanent residence and identification documents. 

• Details about your current employment outside of the U.S., including your work experience and salary, specific job duties, and your length of employment with your current and any past employers. 

• Your expectations for employment in the United States, including reasons for why you will work in the U.S., your salary expectations, plans for where you expect to reside, and what you might do if your U.S. employment is terminated.  

• Information about what corporate authority you will have in the U.S., including whether you will establish budgets, hire or terminate employees, and manage employees who will report directly to you.  

• Your professional experience or any special knowledge you might have that requires your presence in the U.S., such as particular education or training you received outside of the U.S. that will benefit your employer while you are resident in its American offices. 

Is there a recommended strategy for answering L1 visa interview questions? 

The actual questions you may hear in your L1 visa interview will be a function of your employer’s specific business, the role you will fulfill, and the employment responsibilities you will have while you are in the United States. In all cases, you should listen carefully and provide direct and honest answers to questions. If you do not understand a question or do not have sufficient information to answer a question, you can ask for clarification, Additionally, you can request a translator if your English-language ability is not proficient. 

A business immigration lawyer FL should meet with you before your interview to review these and other issues. The L1 visa attorneys at the Bassey Immigration Law Center understand that an L1 interview can be stressful for even the most seasoned corporate executive, and we will devote as much time as you need to review possible lines of inquiry and to put your mind at ease before you walk into an interview room. 

Call the L1 Visa Attorneys at the Bassey Immigration Law Center  

The L1 visa attorneys at the Bassey Immigration Law Center in Tampa, Florida represent business executives and their employers throughout the United States. We provide comprehensive immigration law services that include thorough preparation of an L1 visa application, and all corollary immigration matters for the applicant’s family members.  

Please call us for more information about the L1 visa interview process and answers to your questions about procuring the necessary visa or permit to work in the United States.  

About Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.

Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A., led by attorney Aniefiok Bassey, provides comprehensive immigration services to individuals, families, and businesses in Florida and beyond. With over 20 years of experience, the firm assists clients with a wide range of immigration matters, from family reunification and green cards to business visas and deportation defense. The diverse, multilingual team is dedicated to supporting clients through the complex immigration process, with a special focus on citizenship, asylum, and LGBTQ+ immigration needs. They offer affordable initial consultations and are committed to delivering personalized, strategic guidance for achieving clients’ immigration goals.

This post has been reviewed by immigration attorney, Aniefiok Bassey.

On behalf of Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.

After the election, many in Florida were hopeful that the incoming presidential administration would bring significant changes and improvements to current immigration policies. Many view these policies as unfair and unnecessary. President Biden swore to roll back certain restrictions places by the prior administration, but it is unclear exactly what he will do or how soon changes can be expected. There is uncertainty over how he will address the current bans on certain types of business visas.

What’s the problem?

Trump-era restrictions severely limited the number of visas individuals could get when hoping to enter the country for work purposes, declaring that jobs should first go to Americans. Traditionally, business-related immigration allows many talented individuals to enter the United States for work and research. Advocates worry the bans could stay in place despite promises of reversal.

Changing current policies may not be as easy as many hoped. While bans on certain types of worker visas will expire next month, advocates believe that the current administration may view foreign workers a threat to American workers. This could mean there is no intention to fully repeal the restrictions on work-related visas.

In the meantime

For those hoping to come to the United States to work, the process can be lengthy and frustrating. It may be more complicated than ever to secure business visas, and it’s beneficial for those pursuing this route to have help. Regardless of what President Biden chooses to do regarding immigration, it will be helpful to have a Florida legal advocate working for a successful outcome to any immigration-related pursuit.

About Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.

Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A., led by attorney Aniefiok Bassey, provides comprehensive immigration services to individuals, families, and businesses in Florida and beyond. With over 20 years of experience, the firm assists clients with a wide range of immigration matters, from family reunification and green cards to business visas and deportation defense. The diverse, multilingual team is dedicated to supporting clients through the complex immigration process, with a special focus on citizenship, asylum, and LGBTQ+ immigration needs. They offer affordable initial consultations and are committed to delivering personalized, strategic guidance for achieving clients’ immigration goals.

This post has been reviewed by immigration attorney, Aniefiok Bassey.

On behalf of Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.

A business immigration lawyer is crucial to navigating the process for obtaining work visas. Those who hope to work in the United States must meet certain requirements, obtaining specific types of visas to enter the country for their jobs. Business immigration is a wonderful tool for companies based in the United States as it allows countries to bring in brilliant and qualified individuals for certain roles. Unfortunately, it can be remarkably complicated to navigate the application process and get the right visas.

There are different types of temporary work visas, and it is important to make sure the right one is selected. This process begins with the Florida employer actually filling out a specific form, the I-129 form. The application must be completed accurately, and the right type of visa indicated — which can be challenging. The following are a few examples of foreign nationals who may be eligible for a temporary business visa:

• Researchers
• Temporary agricultural workers
• Individuals with exceptional abilities
• Religious workers
• Business visitors
• Treaty investors

Florida employers may want to work with an experienced attorney as they navigate the business immigration process. A lawyer can assist with every step of the process, including assessing the individual situation to determine if the individual is an eligible candidate. He or she can also assist with selecting the right visa type and completing the I-129 form.

The business immigration process is complex and often frustrating. Individuals and employers can both benefit from knowledgeable legal counsel at every step. This assistance can prove invaluable when completing paperwork, navigating challenges and taking the next step after a setback.

About Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.

Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A., led by attorney Aniefiok Bassey, provides comprehensive immigration services to individuals, families, and businesses in Florida and beyond. With over 20 years of experience, the firm assists clients with a wide range of immigration matters, from family reunification and green cards to business visas and deportation defense. The diverse, multilingual team is dedicated to supporting clients through the complex immigration process, with a special focus on citizenship, asylum, and LGBTQ+ immigration needs. They offer affordable initial consultations and are committed to delivering personalized, strategic guidance for achieving clients’ immigration goals.

This post has been reviewed by immigration attorney, Aniefiok Bassey.

On behalf of Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.

Many dream of coming to the United States to work, but the ability to do this depends on the ability to secure a certain type of visa. It is not easy to obtain work visas, and the overall number is typically limited. It could be even more difficult to get one if the current administration extends the temporary ban placed on visas back in April, which would further reduce the number of people able to enter the country for work purposes.

Many Florida businesses thrive when they are able to bring employees into the country for work purposes. It provides diversity and allows other countries to collaborate with the United States. Plans and dreams will be put on hold if an extension on visas is announced. Many business leaders are asking the administration to reconsider.

Businesses are not alone in this frustration. The ban also affects those hoping to enter the country for educational opportunities. The original ban issued in April included many exemptions, and it did not address temporary work or student visas. Consequently, there is a lot of confusion over the ban and how an extension could impact specific cases. One reason given for the possible extension on a work visa ban was the lower number of jobs available for American workers at the moment.

Securing work visas can be a complicated process. It may be helpful to work with a Florida immigration attorney if hoping to get permission to enter the country for a job opportunity. Experienced legal professionals can help an applicant understand his or her options and avoid unnecessary setbacks when pursing immigration goals.

About Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.

Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A., led by attorney Aniefiok Bassey, provides comprehensive immigration services to individuals, families, and businesses in Florida and beyond. With over 20 years of experience, the firm assists clients with a wide range of immigration matters, from family reunification and green cards to business visas and deportation defense. The diverse, multilingual team is dedicated to supporting clients through the complex immigration process, with a special focus on citizenship, asylum, and LGBTQ+ immigration needs. They offer affordable initial consultations and are committed to delivering personalized, strategic guidance for achieving clients’ immigration goals.

This post has been reviewed by immigration attorney, Aniefiok Bassey.

On behalf of Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.