What are the steps to get a work visa in Reno?

Obtaining a work visa in Reno involves several key steps that must be completed accurately and in the proper order. First, your prospective U.S. employer typically files a petition with USCIS, such as Form I-129 for temporary workers or a Labor Condition Application (LCA) through the Department of Labor for certain visa types like the H-1B. Once the petition is approved, you’ll need to complete Form DS-160, schedule a visa interview at a U.S. consulate, and provide required documentation, such as proof of qualifications, a job offer, and a passport. After your interview and approval, you can enter the United States and begin working for your sponsoring employer under the terms of your visa. The process varies depending on the visa category (such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, or TN), and even small mistakes can cause delays or rejections. Working with legal counsel ensures that each step, from filing to final approval, is handled correctly, reducing the risk of complications or unnecessary denials.

How does the process for an employment-based Green Card differ from a work visa?

A work visa allows a foreign national to work in the United States temporarily, while an employment-based Green Card provides permanent residency and the ability to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. The Green Card process generally requires more extensive documentation and a longer timeline, including labor certification (PERM) through the Department of Labor to prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position. Once approved, your employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), followed by your own adjustment of status or immigrant visa application. Unlike most temporary work visas, an employment-based Green Card grants permanent resident status and opens the door to eventual U.S. citizenship. However, it also involves strict eligibility requirements, multi-step reviews, and extended processing times. A skilled immigration attorney can evaluate your situation to determine whether a temporary work visa, Green Card, or dual-intent strategy best meets your goals while maintaining legal status throughout the process.

What are some common reasons for delaying or denying a work visa?

Work visa applications are often delayed or denied due to incomplete paperwork, inconsistent information, or failure to provide sufficient supporting evidence. Missing deadlines, errors on key forms, or failure to meet educational or job-related requirements can also trigger delays or denials. For employer-sponsored visas, problems with the Labor Condition Application or employer documentation can cause additional setbacks. USCIS or the U.S. consulate may also issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if they need more proof of eligibility, which can significantly extend processing times. In some cases, visa denials stem from concerns about intent, inadequate proof of professional qualifications, or issues with prior immigration history. An experienced attorney can help prevent these problems by ensuring your petition is well-documented, compliant with all regulations, and ready to withstand scrutiny.

Do you need a lawyer to apply for a work visa?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney to apply for a work visa, working with a knowledgeable immigration lawyer can greatly improve your chances of success. Immigration law is complex, and even small errors or omissions can lead to delays, denials, or long-term visa complications. A qualified attorney can assess your eligibility, prepare documentation, and communicate with U.S. immigration authorities on your behalf. Attorneys can also help you understand which visa type best fits your background, whether that’s an H-1B for specialized workers, an L-1 for company transfers, a TN for Canadian or Mexican professionals, or an O-1 for individuals with extraordinary ability. By partnering with legal counsel, you ensure your application is accurate, compliant, and strategically positioned for approval, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.

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Reno Employment Immigration Lawyer/

Work Visas

Reno Work Visa Attorney

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For Knowledgeable, Multilingual Assistance With Seeking H-1B, L-1, O-1, and Other Types of Work Visas, Count on Our Employment Visa Attorney in Reno, NV

Navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law can be overwhelming, especially when your career and livelihood depend on obtaining the right work visa. At Smit Law Group, our Reno work visa attorney helps professionals, employers, and families throughout Northern Nevada secure the immigration credentials they need to work legally in the United States. Whether you’re seeking an H-1B, L-1, O-1, or TN visa, our experienced team guides you through every step, from eligibility assessment to final approval.

We assist clients in all types of employment-based immigration, from temporary work visas to permanent Green Cards. For the help you need to make your next career move, contact us today.

Understanding U.S. Work Visas

Work visas allow foreign nationals to live and work in the United States for a specific period, usually tied to a sponsoring employer or qualifying professional activity. Each visa category has unique requirements, advantages, and potential challenges. Working with a Reno work visa attorney ensures you understand which category best fits your background and goals. This can help you avoid costly mistakes, as well as delays, during the application process.

There are different types of work visas available, with different purposes, eligibility requirements, and processes for obtaining them. As a full-service Reno work visa attorney, Smit Law Group assists the clients we serve in determining what option is right for them and managing every step of the process.

Your future deserves attention today. Call 775-993-2235 or contact our team to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.

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775-993-2235

H-1B Visa: Specialty Occupations

The H-1B visa is one of the most common employment-based visas in the United States. It allows U.S. companies to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations that traditionally require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a specific field, such as engineering, IT, finance, or healthcare.

Eligibility requirements include:

A valid job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialty occupation
A bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field
Employer certification through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Labor Condition Application (LCA)

H-1B visas are initially valid for three years and renewable for up to six years. Spouses of H-1B visa holders can apply for H-4 status and may be eligible for work authorization. You can also pursue permanent residency (a Green Card) while on an H-1B visa.

Getting an H-1B visa isn’t easy. Only 85,000 new H-1Bs are issued each year, and there is a complex lottery process for selection. This type of work visa is also employer-dependent, which means that you can’t switch jobs freely without transferring your visa.

Applying for H-1B visas requires employer sponsorship. First, the U.S. employer files an LCA with the Department of Labor and subsequently submits Form I-129 to USCIS. Under the lottery selection (if applicable), applications are randomly selected for review. If you are selected and then approved by USCIS, you can apply for your visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.

L-1 Visa: Intracompany Transfers

The L-1 visa facilitates the transfer of executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees from a foreign branch of a company to a U.S. office. It’s ideal for multinational corporations or growing businesses expanding into the U.S. market.

Eligibility requirements include:

Employment with the foreign company for at least one continuous year in the past three years
A qualifying relationship between the foreign and U.S. entities (parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary)
A role that is managerial or executive in nature or that involves specialized knowledge

With no annual cap, L-1 visa holders are available year-round. L-1A visa holders can pursue permanent residency under the EB-1C category. Spouses (L-2 visa holders) can work legally in the U.S.

Qualifying for L-1 visas requires detailed documentation proving company relationships. Strict interpretations of “specialized knowledge” and “managerial capacity” are used.

The process of applying for L-1 visas begins with the company files Form I-129 with supporting corporate documentation. The USCIS reviews the petition, evaluating it for eligibility and company structure. Upon approval, the applicant applies for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

TN Visa: For Canadian and Mexican Professionals

Created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the TN visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S. in designated professional occupations. Common TN fields include accountants, engineers, scientists, and teachers.

Eligibility requirements for TN visas include:

Citizenship in Canada or Mexico
A job offer from a U.S. employer in a qualifying USMCA profession
Appropriate educational credentials for the position

There is no annual cap or lottery system for TN visas, which facilitates fast processing. Canadians can apply directly at a port of entry. Although TN visas are renewable indefinitely in three-year increments, pursuing a Green Card while on this type of work visa may jeopardize TN status. You must maintain strong ties to your home country. This type of work visa is also limited to specific occupations listed in the USMCA.

The application process for a TN visa begins when the worker who is a citizen of Canada or Mexico receives a qualifying offer from a U.S. employer. Documentation, such as proof of citizenship, a job offer letter, and academic credentials, is required. Canadians apply at a port of entry, while Mexicans apply at a U.S. consulate.

O-1 Visa: Extraordinary Ability

The O-1 visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievements in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, film, or television. This visa recognizes professionals at the very top of their field.

Eligibility requirements for an O-1 visa include:

Demonstrated extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim
Documentation such as awards, published materials, critical roles, or peer recognition
A U.S. employer or agent willing to file Form I-129 on your behalf

There is no annual cap or lottery for an O-1 visa. This type of temporary work visa can be extended indefinitely in one-year increments, and dual intent (applying for a Green Card) is allowed. However, there are some challenges. To meet the high evidentiary standard required for this visa, extensive documentation is required. Additionally, you must demonstrate ongoing professional activity in your field, and you are limited to working within your area of extraordinary ability.

Applying for the O-1 visa requires you to:

Gather documentation: The foreign worker should collect evidence of achievements, publications, and recognition.
File the petition: Employer or agent submits Form I-129 with proof of qualifications.
Undergo USCIS review and approval: If approved, the worker can apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate.

For accomplished professionals, artists, and scientists, the O-1 visa offers opportunities, but obtaining it can also pose challenges. Our Reno work visa attorney provides skilled guidance to highlight your qualifications and strengthen your O-1 petition.

The Work Visa Process: Step-by-Step Guidance

Whether you’re applying for an H-1B, TN, L-1, or O-1 visa, the process can be daunting. Each involves strict timelines, detailed documentation, and procedural nuances that vary by visa type.

Typical steps include:

Consultation and assessment: Determine the most appropriate visa category.
Employer preparation: Gather documentation and complete labor or corporate filings as needed.
USCIS petition: File the necessary forms and evidence.
Visa interview: Attend your consular interview and submit fingerprints and supporting materials.
Approval and entry: Receive your visa and enter the U.S. legally for employment.

Working with an experienced employment visa attorney in Reno, NV, can save you time, prevent errors, and improve your chances of success.

Common Challenges and How Our Employment Visa Attorney in Reno, NV, Overcomes Them

Successfully securing a work visa can mean rising above numerous potential obstacles. Some of the challenges our clients most often encounter in the pursuit of work visas involve:

Changing jobs or employers: Work visas often tie you to a specific employer. Transferring your visa requires new petitions and can be risky without proper legal guidance.
Maintaining legal status: Failure to comply with visa terms or missing extensions can result in unlawful presence and potential deportation. Your Reno work visa attorney ensures timely renewals and compliance.
Meeting complex documentation demands: From degrees and contracts to company ownership records, every detail matters. Your attorney will ensure accuracy and completeness to minimize RFEs (Requests for Evidence) from USCIS.
Transitioning to permanent residency: Many professionals hope to move from a temporary visa to a Green Card. Certain work visas, such as H-1B and L-1A, offer dual intent pathways. At Smit Law Group, we develop long-term immigration strategies to help our clients meet these goals.

For every question, concern, or hope, you need a trusted resource on your side, guiding your strategy and ensuring the completeness of your application.

How Smit Law Group Can Help

Our immigration law firm provides support for both individuals and corporate clients. In our interactions with foreign workers, our multilingual services often allow us to provide guidance to our clients in their native language, reducing the likelihood of issues arising out of language barriers.

Clients count on us to:

Assess eligibility and determine the most appropriate type of work visa
Assist with preparing and filing applications and submitting documentation
Coordinate the entire process, from start to finish
Prepare the foreign worker for all appointments and obligations, including what to expect during an immigration interview
Proactively anticipate challenges and be prepared to address any issues that arise

At Smit Law Group, our employment visa attorney in Reno, NV, has extensive experience guiding both employers and skilled workers through the H-1B process efficiently and effectively.

Why Choose Smit Law Group as Your Reno Work Visa Attorney?

At Smit Law Group, we provide more than paperwork. We provide meaningful partnership. Our team combines deep immigration law experience with personalized attention for every client.

What sets us apart:

Direct access to an experienced Reno work visa attorney
Transparent communication in English, Spanish, Dutch, German, and French languages
Dedicated, compassionate advocacy with personal knowledge of the immigration experience
Proven success in H-1B, TN, L-1, and O-1 applications
Support for both individuals and corporate clients

We take the time to understand your professional background and career goals, crafting a strategy that aligns with your aspirations and U.S. immigration law requirements.

Contact a Reno Work Visa Attorney at Smit Law Group Today for Your Initial Case Review

Our Reno work visa attorney assists businesses of all sizes, from startups to global corporations, and individual workers abroad in securing employment visas and in every stage of the immigration journey.

For help from an employment visa attorney in Reno, NV, contact Smit Law Group online or call 775-993-2235 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Work Visas in Reno, NV

Obtaining a work visa in Reno involves several key steps that must be completed accurately and in the proper order. First, your prospective U.S. employer typically files a petition with USCIS, such as Form I-129 for temporary workers or a Labor Condition Application (LCA) through the Department of Labor for certain visa types like the H-1B. Once the petition is approved, you’ll need to complete Form DS-160, schedule a visa interview at a U.S. consulate, and provide required documentation, such as proof of qualifications, a job offer, and a passport.
After your interview and approval, you can enter the United States and begin working for your sponsoring employer under the terms of your visa. The process varies depending on the visa category (such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, or TN), and even small mistakes can cause delays or rejections. Working with legal counsel ensures that each step, from filing to final approval, is handled correctly, reducing the risk of complications or unnecessary denials.
A work visa allows a foreign national to work in the United States temporarily, while an employment-based Green Card provides permanent residency and the ability to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. The Green Card process generally requires more extensive documentation and a longer timeline, including labor certification (PERM) through the Department of Labor to prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position. Once approved, your employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), followed by your own adjustment of status or immigrant visa application.
Unlike most temporary work visas, an employment-based Green Card grants permanent resident status and opens the door to eventual U.S. citizenship. However, it also involves strict eligibility requirements, multi-step reviews, and extended processing times. A skilled immigration attorney can evaluate your situation to determine whether a temporary work visa, Green Card, or dual-intent strategy best meets your goals while maintaining legal status throughout the process.
Work visa applications are often delayed or denied due to incomplete paperwork, inconsistent information, or failure to provide sufficient supporting evidence. Missing deadlines, errors on key forms, or failure to meet educational or job-related requirements can also trigger delays or denials. For employer-sponsored visas, problems with the Labor Condition Application or employer documentation can cause additional setbacks.
USCIS or the U.S. consulate may also issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if they need more proof of eligibility, which can significantly extend processing times. In some cases, visa denials stem from concerns about intent, inadequate proof of professional qualifications, or issues with prior immigration history. An experienced attorney can help prevent these problems by ensuring your petition is well-documented, compliant with all regulations, and ready to withstand scrutiny.
While you are not legally required to hire an attorney to apply for a work visa, working with a knowledgeable immigration lawyer can greatly improve your chances of success. Immigration law is complex, and even small errors or omissions can lead to delays, denials, or long-term visa complications. A qualified attorney can assess your eligibility, prepare documentation, and communicate with U.S. immigration authorities on your behalf.
Attorneys can also help you understand which visa type best fits your background, whether that’s an H-1B for specialized workers, an L-1 for company transfers, a TN for Canadian or Mexican professionals, or an O-1 for individuals with extraordinary ability. By partnering with legal counsel, you ensure your application is accurate, compliant, and strategically positioned for approval, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.