Chicago Employment-Based Immigration Lawyers
The Immigration and Nationality Act provides corporations and individuals with several opportunities to either immigrate to the United States or to enter the United States on a temporary basis to perform a specific job. While the statutes do permit many of these individuals to enter the United States, the accompanying regulations and government policy memoranda have recently made it increasingly more complicated to have employees or self-petitioners enter the country on their designated visas.
Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC has provided employment-based immigration services for over 50 years. We represent Fortune 500 companies, medium-sized companies, and small companies with very few employees. We tailor our services to the needs of each company, remaining conscientious of an employer’s bottom line and providing legal advice accordingly.
Who We Serve
Our firm assists employers and employees with their immigration challenges, including:
- Professionals with a U.S. job offer needing a work visa or help with green card sponsorship.
- Employers who are initiating or expanding their global workforce.
- Entrepreneurs and investors wanting to establish a U.S. presence.
- Researchers, scientists, or artists with a distinguished record wondering if they qualify for an extraordinary ability self-petition or national interest waiver.
- H-1B workers seeking permanent residency for a more stable future.
- Employers who need help mitigating risk through I-9 compliance and audit readiness.
Whether you need help bringing an employee to the U.S. or are trying to figure out how to maintain lawful status to continue working here, our team can support you.
Employment-Based Visas: Permanent and Temporary Options
Employment-based immigration offers pathways for both permanent residency and temporary work authorization in the United States. Permanent employment-based visas, often referred to as green cards, allow individuals to live and work in the country indefinitely. These visas are typically categorized into preference-based groups, such as EB-2 for advanced-degree professionals or EB-3 for skilled workers and professionals. Obtaining a permanent employment-based visa typically requires employer sponsorship and, in many cases, labor certification to prove that no qualified U.S. workers can fill the position.
Temporary work visas, meanwhile, are designed for individuals who intend to work in the United States for a limited period. Examples include H-1B visas for specialty occupations, L-1 visas for intra-company transferees, and O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary ability. These visas offer vital opportunities for foreign professionals but come with strict eligibility criteria and time constraints. Our firm can help you understand the requirements for your application and fulfill them accordingly.
Choose Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC for Your Employment Immigration Needs
Substantial Knowledge of Work Visas and Employment-Based Green Cards
From H, L, O, and E nonimmigrant work visas to PERM labor certification and employment-based permanent residency, we help you identify the right path and pursue it with confidence.
Trusted Support for Employers
We help employers navigate sponsorship, corporate compliance, and I-9 obligations so you can hire and retain the global talent your business depends on.
Proactive Approach to Complications
We anticipate and address the issues that can slow or derail an employment case, including:
- Eligibility questions tied to a role, credentials, or specialty occupation requirements
- Documentation to support a strong, well-prepared petition
- Timing and deadlines, from cap-subject filings to priority dates and renewals
- Changes in employment, such as job transfers, promotions, or new employers
- Strategic planning that keeps both short-term work status and long-term residency goals aligned
Clear Guidance and Steadfast Support
The employment immigration process can feel overwhelming, so we break it into manageable steps and keep both employers and workers informed of case progress, from the first consultation to final approval.
Gain the Legal Support You Need
From self-petitioners with exceptional ability in their field to researchers and those with specialty skills, we remain dedicated to providing the highest-quality legal services in order to meet the goals of companies and individuals who intend to work in the United States. We understand the complexities of immigration law and are here to guide you through every step of the process. Reach out to our team today to set up your initial consultation.
FAQs About Employment Immigration
The EB-1 visa is designed for workers with extraordinary abilities, distinguished professors and researchers, and multinational executives or managers. This category requires extensive documentation of achievements, sustained acclaim in your field, and evidence that your presence would substantially benefit the United States.
The PERM Labor Certification process requires employers to prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available to fill a specific position before they can sponsor a foreign worker. This requirement applies to most EB-2 and all EB-3 applications. Certain categories like EB-1 and National Interest Waivers are exempt.
Many individuals on specific temporary visas can apply for adjustment of status to permanent residence while maintaining their current status. You may be able to pursue permanent residency without jeopardizing your temporary visa status, provided you maintain compliance with both applications.
Required documentation typically includes educational credentials, employment verification letters, labor certification (if applicable), and evidence of qualifications specific to your category. Additional materials may include published articles, awards, recommendation letters from experts in your field, and financial documentation, depending on your visa classification.
You cannot begin working based solely on filing an employment-based petition, but you may be eligible for work authorization if you are able to file an I-485 adjustment of status application. The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) typically takes several months to process and allows you to work for any employer while your case is pending.