|
Outline U.S. immigration law divides all individuals seeking to enter the United States generally into two categories: immigrants and nonimmigrants. “Immigrants” are individuals who are intending to remain permanently in the United States. “Nonimmigrants” are individuals coming for only a temporary stay. Those allowed to enter the United States as immigrants are permitted to have the intent to remain permanently and to abandon all foreign residence. Individuals admitted as nonimmigrants must demonstrate that they have a residence abroad which they have no intention of abandoning. There are certain nonimmigrant categories that are exempted from the foreign residence requirement which will be discussed in greater detail below, such as H-1B pro-fessional employees, and L-1 intracompany transferees.
All of the technical details, regulations and procedures regarding immigration cannot be explained in this brief Outline. However, the highlights discussed below show that workable strategies exist for establishing and expanding foreign business operations in the U.S. Current U.S. visa rules, labor and immigration laws, and bilateral trade and investment treaties offer many opportunities to transfer essential foreign personnel to U.S. operations.
Applicable law
Detailed information
Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Visas
1. Visa Waiver
2. B-1 Business Visitor Visa
3. B-2 Tourist Visa
4. H-1B Visas
5. L-1 Visas: Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Intern.Corporate Transfers
6. E-1 Treaty Trader & Treaty Investor Visas
7. O-1 Visas
8. F-1 Foreign Students
9. J-1 Visas
10. Business Trainee Visa Options For Up To 24 Months
Legal Permanent Residents (Green Cards)
1. Introduction
2. First Preference (EB-1): Managers and Executives
3. Second Preference (EB-2): Exceptional Ability and
Advanced Degree Professionals
4. Third Preference (EB-3) for Professsionals holding B.S. or
B.A. Degrees, skilled workers (requiring 2 or more years of
experience)and other workers
5. Green Cards for Investors
6. Adjustments of Status/Consular Processing
7. Citizenship
Frequently asked questions
Useful links
This site has been prepared by:
Eliot Norman, Partner
Business Immigration Group
Richmond Virginia Office
Reed SmithLLP
Riverfront Plaza-West Tower 901 E. Byrd St., Suite 1700
Richmond, VA 23219
USA
Phone: 804 3443427
Fax: 804.344.3410
Cell: 804 721 7851
E-mail: enorman@reedsmith.com
www.reedsmith.com
November 2007
| 
