Business services
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Navigating the complexities of relocating employees and executives to the US can be challenging, given the diverse visa options and intricate regulations. Whether you’re considering E, L, O, H-1B, E-3, TN, or H-1B1 visas, each type comes with specific requirements and benefits tailored to different scenarios.
Partnering with Samartin & Friends offers significant advantages over managing the process in-house or attempting it independently. We provide expert guidance to ensure compliance, streamline the application process, and address any potential hurdles. Without professional support, you risk delays, denials, and missed opportunities due to complex paperwork and evolving regulations. Our expertise ensures that your employees and executives secure the appropriate visas efficiently, allowing them to focus on their roles and contribute to your organisation’s success.
E Visas
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E-1: Treaty Trader Visa
For individuals from countries that have a trade treaty with the US, allowing them to come to the US to engage in substantial trade activities. This visa is ideal for those who are actively involved in the trading of goods or services between the US and their home country.
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E-2: Treaty Investor Visa
For individuals from treaty countries who invest a significant amount of money in a US business. This visa allows them to live in the US to oversee and develop their investment.
L Visas
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L-1A: Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager Visa
For managers or executives who are transferring from a foreign office to a US office of the same company. This visa allows them to continue their role in the US and is often used for senior-level positions.
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L-1B: Intracompany Transferee
For employees with specialised knowledge who are transferring from a foreign office to a US office within the same company. This visa is for those who possess unique skills or knowledge vital to the company’s operations.
O Visas
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O-1A: Extraordinary Ability in the Sciences, Education, Business, or Athletics Visa
For individuals with extraordinary skills or achievements in fields like science, education, business, or athletics. This visa is designed for those who have demonstrated exceptional ability in their field.
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O-1B: Extraordinary Ability in the Arts or Motion Picture and Television Industry Visa
For individuals with extraordinary talent in the arts or in the motion picture and television industry. This visa is for those who have achieved significant recognition and success in their artistic career.
H Visas
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H-1B: Specialty Occupation Visa
For professionals in specialty occupations that require a higher education degree or equivalent experience. This visa is commonly used for jobs in fields such as IT, engineering, and medicine.
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H-1B1: Free Trade Agreement Visa for Chile and Singapore
Similar to the H-1B visa but specifically for citizens of Chile and Singapore, this visa allows them to work in specialty occupations in the US under the free trade agreements with these countries.
E-3 Visas
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E-3: Specialty Occupation Visa for Australians
For Australian citizens working in specialty occupations that require a bachelor’s degree or higher. This visa is designed for Australians and is similar to the H-1B but with some differences in eligibility and application processes.
TN Visas
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TN: Trade NAFTA Visa
For Canadian and Mexican citizens working in certain professional roles as specified under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This visa allows professionals in specific fields to work in the US for a defined period.
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When your organisation seeks to employ recent US graduates or provide specialised training to international professionals, navigating the visa options can be complex. Whether you need to bring on board highly skilled graduates, facilitate exchange programs, or offer professional training, the appropriate visa must be secured to comply with US immigration laws. Options like the J-1, H-1B, and H-3 visas each cater to different scenarios, and choosing the right one is crucial. By partnering with Samartin & Friends, you ensure that the application process is handled with precision and efficiency, reducing the risk of delays, rejections, or non-compliance. Without expert guidance, the intricate regulations and paperwork can lead to significant challenges, potentially jeopardising your ability to hire or train the talent your organisation needs.
J Visas
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J-1: Exchange Visitor Visa
For individuals participating in exchange programs approved by the US Department of State. This visa is commonly used for students, interns, trainees, teachers, and others involved in cultural or professional exchange programs. It’s ideal for those seeking practical experience or training in the US.
H Visas
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H-1B: Specialty Occupation Visa
For professionals in specialty occupations that require a higher education degree or equivalent experience. This visa is often used by US employers to hire international graduates from US universities in fields like IT, engineering, and healthcare.
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H-3: Trainee or Special Education Exchange Visitor Visa
For individuals coming to the US to receive training in any field other than graduate medical education, or to participate in special education programs. This visa is ideal for those who want to gain practical training or experience that is not available in their home country.
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For founders and entrepreneurs looking to establish or grow their businesses in the US, securing the right visa is a critical step. Whether you’re investing in a new venture or leveraging your extraordinary talents to drive innovation, the visa you choose can impact your ability to operate and expand within the US. The E-2 and O-1 visas are specifically designed to support entrepreneurs, but navigating the application process can be challenging without specialised expertise. By working with Samartin & Friends you gain access to tailored advice and comprehensive support, ensuring that your visa application aligns with your business goals. Attempting the process on your own can lead to complications, delays, or even denials, putting your entrepreneurial ambitions at risk.
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E-1: Treaty Trader Visa
For individuals from countries that have a trade treaty with the US, allowing them to come to the US to engage in substantial trade activities. This visa is ideal for those who are actively involved in the trading of goods or services between the US and their home country.
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O-1: Extraordinary Ability Visa
The O-1 visa is for entrepreneurs with extraordinary abilities in fields such as business, science, or the arts. If you’ve achieved significant recognition or success in your industry, this visa enables you to bring your unique talents to the US, where you can continue to innovate and lead in your field.
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If you’re an international consultant looking to provide services to a US business or individual, securing the right visa is essential to legally operate within the US. The E-1 visa is designed specifically for professionals engaged in substantial trade between their home country and the US, including the provision of consulting services. However, the complexities of US immigration law make it challenging to navigate this process alone. By partnering with Samartin & Friends, you ensure that your visa application is handled with the expertise required to avoid pitfalls and ensure compliance. Without professional assistance, you risk delays, legal issues, or denials, which could disrupt your consulting engagements and business relationships.
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E-1: Treaty Trader Visa
The E-1 visa is for consultants and other professionals from countries with a trade treaty with the US. It allows you to enter the US to conduct substantial trade, including the provision of consulting services. This visa is ideal for those who engage in regular and substantial trade in goods, services, or technology between their home country and the US.
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Establishing a business in the US as an international entrepreneur requires not only a strong business plan but also the right visa to legally operate and grow your venture. The E-2, L-1, and O-1 visas offer different pathways depending on your investment, role, and achievements. Navigating these options can be complex, with each visa having specific requirements that must be met. By partnering with Samartin & Friends, you gain the advantage of expert guidance through every step of the process, ensuring that your visa application supports your business goals. Attempting this process on your own can result in delays, non-compliance, or visa denials, which can hinder your business’s success before it even begins.
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E-2: Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 visa is for individuals from treaty countries who plan to invest a substantial amount in a US business. This visa allows you to actively manage and develop your business in the US, making it ideal for entrepreneurs who want to establish and run their own companies.
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L-1: Intracompany Transferee Visa
The L-1 visa is for business owners or executives who want to expand their existing company by opening a branch or subsidiary in the US. It allows for the transfer of key personnel, such as managers or employees with specialised knowledge, from a foreign office to the new US entity.
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O-1: Extraordinary Ability Visa
The O-1 visa is for entrepreneurs with extraordinary ability in their field, whether it be business, science, or the arts. If you have a proven track record of exceptional achievement and recognition, this visa allows you to bring your talents and vision to the US to establish and grow your business.
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When your business is ready to sponsor employees for permanent residency in the US, it’s crucial to understand the complex and often lengthy process involved. The Employment-Based (EB) Green Card categories and the PERM labour certification process are designed to allow businesses to sponsor foreign employees for a Green Card, but each step requires meticulous preparation and compliance with US immigration laws. By working with a specialised US immigration firm, you can ensure that your sponsorship process is handled efficiently and accurately, minimising delays and increasing the chances of success. Without expert guidance, the process can become overwhelming, with the risk of non-compliance or denial, which could impact your ability to retain valuable talent.
Employment-Based Green Cards
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EB-1: Employment-Based First Preference Visa
The EB-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors or researchers, or multinational executives and managers. This category is designed for those who have achieved significant recognition in their field and offers a faster path to permanent residency.
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EB-2: Employment-Based Second Preference Visa
The EB-2 visa is for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in their field. It also includes individuals who can prove that their work is in the national interest of the US, allowing them to bypass the labour certification process.
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EB-3: Employment-Based Third Preference Visa
The EB-3 visa is for skilled workers, professionals with bachelor’s degrees, or other workers whose skills are needed in the US labour market. This category typically requires the PERM labour certification to prove that there are no qualified US workers available for the position.
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PERM: Program Electronic Review Management
PERM is the first step for most EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card applications. It involves a rigorous process where the employer must demonstrate that they have tested the US labour market and found no qualified US workers available for the job. This step is crucial for ensuring that the foreign employee can be sponsored for permanent residency.
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For international artists, entertainers, and production teams looking to work in the US, securing the right visa is essential to legally film, record, or perform. Whether you’re leading a major production, participating in a concert tour, or handling behind-the-scenes work, visas like the O and I categories are tailored to meet your needs. The process of obtaining these visas can be intricate, requiring detailed evidence of your role and the nature of your work. Partnering with a specialist US immigration firm ensures that your visa applications are handled with precision, reducing the risk of delays or rejections that could disrupt your project timelines. Attempting to navigate this process alone can lead to costly errors, putting your work and investments at risk.
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O-1: Extraordinary Ability Visa
The O-1 visa is for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in the arts, motion picture, or television industry. This visa allows artists and entertainers to work in the US on specific projects, such as films, TV shows, concerts, or theatre productions.
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I Visa: Representative of Foreign Media
The I visa is for journalists and members of foreign media who are working in the US on assignments. This visa is ideal for reporters, film crews, and other media professionals engaged in news gathering or documentary production for a foreign outlet.
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Visa Processing Services
Visa processing involves handling all the necessary paperwork and logistics after your petition is approved, including completing visa forms, scheduling US embassy appointments worldwide, and preparing you for your consular interview. For large productions or tours involving multiple team members, our services streamline the process, ensuring that everyone’s visa is processed efficiently and on time. For more information, please visit our Visa Processing Services section.
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When you need to travel to the US for short-term business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts, the B-1 visa is typically the appropriate option. This visa allows you to conduct essential business activities without engaging in direct employment in the US. However, the application process requires careful preparation to ensure compliance with US immigration laws and to avoid any issues during your travels. By utilising our Visa Processing Services, you can streamline this process, ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and ready for submission. Attempting to handle the visa process on your own can lead to unnecessary delays or complications, particularly if the application is not properly prepared.
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B-1: Temporary Business Visitor Visa
The B-1 visa is for individuals traveling to the US temporarily for business purposes. This includes activities such as attending meetings, participating in business events, conducting negotiations, and other professional engagements. It’s important to note that the B-1 visa does not permit you to receive payment from a US source or engage in employment while in the US. Our Visa Processing Service covers the completion of necessary forms, the organisation of required documentation, scheduling embassy appointments, and preparation for any consular interviews, ensuring a smooth and successful visa application process.
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When you need to bring personal or domestic employees with you to the US for a temporary period, such as during business trips, events, or personal travel, securing the appropriate visa is essential. The B-1 and O-2 visas are designed to accommodate different types of support staff, ensuring they can legally enter and stay in the US while fulfilling their roles. Properly managing this visa process is crucial to avoid complications or delays that could impact your plans. Utilising our Visa Processing Services ensures that all necessary documentation is handled correctly, appointments are scheduled efficiently, and your employees are well-prepared for their consular interviews, simplifying the entire process and reducing the risk of issues.
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B-1: Temporary Business Visitor Visa
The B-1 visa is available for personal or domestic employees traveling with their employers to the US temporarily. This includes roles such as personal assistants, household staff, or caretakers. The B-1 visa allows these employees to accompany their employers and perform duties related to their employment but does not permit them to engage in direct employment with US entities.
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O-2: Support Personnel Visa
The O-2 visa is for essential support staff accompanying an individual with an O-1 visa, who is coming to the US to perform in the arts, motion picture, or television industry, or in other fields of extraordinary ability. The O-2 visa allows these employees to provide critical support functions directly related to the O-1 visa holder’s work. The support staff must demonstrate that their presence is essential to the successful completion of the O-1 visa holder’s performance or event.
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