Coral Gables visa lawyers
Work, investment and extraordinary ability. Choosing the wrong category is the most common cause of a denial, and it is decided before anything is filed.
- O-1
- P
- EB-2
- E-2
- L-1
Employment-based visas
The United States offers several routes for those who come to work, to open a business or to invest. The rules are as complex as the tax code, and the wrong category is the most common cause of a denial.
- EB-2Exceptional ability in your fieldThe EB-2 requires demonstrating exceptional ability in your area.
- H-1BTemporary work with sponsorshipThe employer sponsors the worker.
- PERMLabor certificationThe prior step establishing that no local worker is available.
Extraordinary ability in the arts or sciences
The firm has obtained O-1 and P visas for musicians, actors and comedians from Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia and Russia.
These are cases won with evidence: press, contracts, awards, tours, recognition from peers. The better documented your work is, the shorter the road.
Investing and staying
Two different routes, with very different requirements.
- E-2Treaty investorFor nationals of countries with a commercial treaty with the United States.
- EB-5Investment visaGrants permanent residency with an investment of $800,000 in a targeted employment area, or $1,050,000 outside one. Both amounts are adjusted for inflation on January 1, 2027.
Executives and managers
The L-1 allows a foreign company to transfer an executive or manager to its United States subsidiary. In many cases it later opens the door to permanent residency through the EB-1 route.
The documents you will need
- 1A valid passport
- 2Passport-style photos
- 3Form DS-160
- 4Proof of employment or school enrollment
- 5Case-specific documentationFamily sponsorship, proof of the investment, or evidence of extraordinary ability.
The deadline matters more than the paperwork. Letting a work permit lapse leads to unlawful status and opens the door to removal proceedings. If yours expires in the coming months, that is the urgent conversation.
Questions about visas
Tap a question to see the answer.
Can I change category after filing?
Sometimes you can, and sometimes starting over is the better route. It depends on the stage the petition is at and on why the original category did not fit.
The wrong category is the most common cause of a denial, so if there is doubt it is better to review it before a decision comes down.
How long does a work visa last, and can it be renewed?
Every work visa has an expiration. Anyone who wants to stay permanently has to pursue residency or citizenship.
Renewal can be requested, but the deadline matters: letting the permit lapse leads to unlawful status and opens the door to removal proceedings.
Does everyone need a visa?
No. Some stays of 90 days or less, and those who qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, enter without one. Being able to enter without a visa does not mean being able to work.
Before anything is filed, the category has to be right. That is the conversation to have first, and it is the one that saves the denial.
The consultation costs $70, the attorney takes it within 24 a 48 hours, and it is credited toward the contract if you retain the firm.