E & L Visas, Temporary Worker Visas
E-1 Classification Visa
The E-1 visa allows a citizen and his immediate family members of a treaty country to be admitted into the United States solely to engage in international trade on his or her own behalf. Check this link to see if your country is included in this E visa category.
E-1 visa emphasizes on the quantity of transaction instead of the size or monetary amount of the transaction you or your company is involved in the principal trade between the United States and the treaty country which qualifies you for E-1 classification. You may renew your E visas every year or every two (2) years.
E-2 Classification Visa
The E-2 visa, contrary to E-1 visa applicant, allows a citizen (and his immediate family members) of a treaty country to be admitted into the United States already engaged or in the process of investing in a “substantial” and “active” enterprise in the United States. The investment must not be speculative in nature and must not only provide sufficient income for himself or his family only. The key employee of the same country of citizenship can also be qualified, but only limited to 5 years maximum.
L Classification Visa
L visas have no restrictions like E visas which require treaties established with the U.S. So any country can apply for an L category visa.
L-1A Classification Visa
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. The foreign office can be an existing or a new office. The visa has a duration of maximum of 7 years. (3+2, 1+2+2 etc.) After the visa holder may be also qualified for a EB-1 immigrant visa during the L-1A visa holding period.
L-1B Classification Visa
The L-1B nonimmigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer a professional employee (Engineer, computer professional etc.) who has specialized knowledge relating to the organization’s interests from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its existing offices in the United States or in a process of building a new Office. The visa has a duration of maximum of 5 years.
Immediate family members can join the principal L visa holder to the USA.
Our law firm has been retained previously by some of the World largest international corporations such as Samsung, Hyundai, in applying for their L- visas.
Other Temporary Worker Visas
R-1, Nonimmigrant Religious Workers: This is for Ministers or religious workers, (musician, psychologist etc.) to come to the U.S. temporarily for the purpose of performing religious work. The maximum period of stay is 5 years and after staying for two years, the R-1 visa holder can apply for permanent resident status as a religious minister. The USCIS keeps a close eye on these types of visas due to many fraudulent applicants. Extreme cares is needed to apply R-1 visa.
Cultural Exchange Visa, J, Q, O, P.
J visa is for participants of exchange programs, designated by the Department of State, that are designed to promote educational and cultural exchanges between the United States and other countries.
Q visa is for participants of international cultural exchange programs designated by the Department of Homeland Security. You may be eligible for Q-1 nonimmigrant classification if you are seeking to participate in an international cultural exchange program approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
O-1 Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement in art (TV, music, movie etc.) and science, education, business or athletics. The applicant must demonstrate a record of extraordinary achievement, recognized nationally or internationally. The spouse and children of an O-1 visa holder may be able to obtain an O-3 visa.
P-1 visa divided into P-1A (athletics) nd P-1B (entertainment and models).
P-3 visa is for artist or entertainer of a cultural unique program.
Successful Cases
Mr. H Lee is from Korea. He first came to the U.S. with his family in 2000 as tourists. Then they decided to invest in a gas station and convenience store.
Mr. Yuen and the Law firm assisted Mr. Lee for the closing of the business deal and also applied for E2 investor status for him and his immediate family members. It took just over one week for the application to be approved.
His business has been quite successful over the years and has grown from one gas station to several meat markets and grocery stores. We have successfully helped Mr. Lee to renew his E2 status every two years till present.