Expert guidance for H-1B, L-1, O-1 visas and Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). We help professionals and employers navigate the complex U.S. work authorization system.
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
For employees transferring within a multinational company to a U.S. office.
For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field.
Work permit for eligible immigrants including asylum seekers, adjustment applicants, and more.
For Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) agreement.
For nationals of treaty countries engaged in substantial trade or investment.
Employers submit electronic registrations during the registration period (typically March 1-21). Fee: $215 per beneficiary.
Registration window opens annuallyUSCIS conducts lottery if registrations exceed cap. Selected registrants are notified and have 90 days to file full petition.
~85,000 selected from 400,000+ registrationsSubmit complete H-1B petition including Labor Condition Application (LCA), supporting documents, and applicable fees.
Premium processing available: 15 business daysApproved H-1B workers can begin employment on October 1 of the fiscal year.
Cap-exempt employers: File anytimeThe Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) allows eligible individuals to work legally in the United States for any employer.
The 540-day auto-extension ends October 26, 2025. Standard 180-day extension applies after.
For temporary or seasonal agricultural work when U.S. workers are not available.
For temporary non-agricultural work including hospitality, landscaping, and construction.
Complete preparation of Form I-129 petitions for H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other employment-based visas with supporting documentation.
Labor Condition Applications for H-1B and PERM labor certification for employment-based Green Cards.
Form I-765 applications for work authorization including initial applications, renewals, and replacement cards.
Strategic use of premium processing for faster decisions on eligible petitions. 15 business day adjudication.
Expert handling of Requests for Evidence (RFE) with thorough responses to address USCIS concerns.
Extensions and amendments for existing work visas, maintaining legal status throughout your employment.
The H-1B visa has an annual cap of 85,000 visas: 65,000 for regular cap and 20,000 for U.S. master's degree holders. Because demand exceeds supply, USCIS conducts an electronic lottery. Employers register during the registration period (typically March), and selected registrants can file full petitions. Some employers are cap-exempt, including universities, non-profits affiliated with universities, and research organizations.
Yes, H-1B portability allows you to change employers. The new employer must file an H-1B transfer petition, and you can begin working for the new employer as soon as the petition is filed (if you're already in valid H-1B status). You don't need to wait for approval, but you're not counted against the cap again. The new employer must still meet all H-1B requirements.
L-1A is for managers and executives being transferred from a foreign office to a U.S. office (maximum 7 years). L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge of the company's products, services, or procedures (maximum 5 years). L-1A holders can apply for EB-1C Green Cards without labor certification, making it a popular path to permanent residence for multinational managers.
O-1 visas require demonstrating extraordinary ability through evidence such as: awards or recognition, published articles, judging others' work, original contributions to your field, high salary, or membership in organizations requiring outstanding achievement. You must meet at least 3 of the criteria. O-1B (arts) has a slightly lower standard of "distinction" versus O-1A's "extraordinary ability."
EAD processing typically takes 3-6 months, though times vary by service center and category. If you're renewing your EAD in the same category and file before expiration, you receive an automatic 180-day extension of work authorization. For adjustment of status applicants, EAD and Advance Parole are often filed together on Form I-765/I-131.
It depends on your visa category. L-2 and E-1/E-2 spouses can obtain work authorization. H-4 spouses can apply for EAD only if the H-1B holder has an approved I-140 immigrant petition or is in 7th year H-1B extension based on pending Green Card. O-3 and TN dependent spouses cannot work. Check your specific visa category for spouse work authorization rules.
Get expert guidance for your work visa or EAD application. Start your free assessment today.
Get Free Assessment