Need a work visa to work in the United States? Mandi Law Group provides experienced legal representation for H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-2, TN visas and all employment-based immigration matters throughout New York.
Employment visas require precise documentation, employer qualification, and strategic legal planning. Attorney Musani Imtiaz guides professionals and employers through every aspect of work visa petitions — from eligibility assessment to USCIS approval.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by using this site.
We handle all major employment visa categories for professionals, executives, investors, and specialized workers in New York.
The most common work visa for professionals in specialty occupations requiring bachelor's degree or higher. Popular in tech, finance, engineering, healthcare, and business sectors. Annual cap of 85,000 visas with lottery system. Initial 3-year validity, extendable to 6 years.
For executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees transferring to U.S. office of their international employer. L-1A for managers/executives (up to 7 years), L-1B for specialized knowledge workers (up to 5 years). No quota limitations.
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Requires national or international acclaim and recognition. No annual cap. Initially approved for 3 years, extensions in 1-year increments. Common in entertainment, research, and entrepreneurship.
For investors and employees of companies from treaty countries who make substantial investment in U.S. business. Renewable indefinitely in 2-5 year increments. Popular pathway for entrepreneurs and business owners. Not available to all countries.
Comprehensive legal representation for all types of employment-based visas and work authorization in New York.
H-1B specialty occupation visa petitions and extensions
L-1A intracompany transfer visas for managers and executives
L-1B specialized knowledge worker visa applications
O-1 extraordinary ability visas for exceptional professionals
E-2 treaty investor visas for business owners
TN visa applications for Canadian and Mexican professionals
H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker visas
Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) and work permits
PERM labor certification for employment-based green cards
I-140 immigrant petition for employment-based permanent residence
From initial consultation to visa approval, we manage every aspect of your employment visa petition with professional legal oversight.
We analyze your education, work experience, job offer, and employer to determine the optimal work visa category. Each visa type has different requirements — we identify the best pathway for your situation.
We verify the employer's legal status, financial capacity, and business legitimacy. We ensure the position meets specialty occupation, managerial, or extraordinary ability requirements depending on visa type.
Your attorney prepares comprehensive visa petitions with supporting evidence including degree evaluations, employment letters, business documentation, and legal briefs establishing eligibility under applicable immigration law.
We file your petition with USCIS, including premium processing when available for 15-day adjudication. We respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) with legal arguments and additional documentation.
After USCIS approval, we guide you through consular processing for visa stamping at U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad, or change/extension of status if already in the United States.
We serve professionals across all major industries in New York's diverse economy.
H-1B and O-1 visas for software engineers, data scientists, IT specialists, and tech executives
L-1 and H-1B visas for financial analysts, investment bankers, accountants, and finance professionals
H-1B and O-1 visas for physicians, nurses, researchers, and healthcare administrators
H-1B visas for civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers across all specializations
H-1B and L-1 visas for management consultants, business analysts, and corporate executives
O-1 visas for artists, musicians, actors, directors, and entertainment industry professionals
Need to start work immediately? We handle premium processing for expedited 15-day USCIS decisions on H-1B, L-1, and O-1 petitions. Contact us for urgent work visa matters.
Employers: We help companies navigate work visa sponsorship, LCA filing, prevailing wage determinations, and compliance requirements for hiring foreign workers.
H-1B is for specialty occupation professionals hired by any U.S. employer, requires bachelor's degree, subject to annual lottery cap, and allows dual intent. L-1 is specifically for intracompany transfers from foreign offices, requires 1 year employment abroad, has no cap, and is divided into L-1A (managers/executives) and L-1B (specialized knowledge). L-1 typically processes faster but requires existing employment relationship.
Processing times vary by visa type. H-1B standard processing takes 2-4 months; premium processing provides 15-day decision for additional fee. L-1 standard processing takes 2-3 months; premium available. O-1 takes 2-3 months with premium option. TN visas can be approved immediately at border or within 2-3 months if filed with USCIS. E-2 consular processing takes 1-3 months depending on country.
Yes, you can change employers on H-1B through a process called 'H-1B transfer.' The new employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf. You can begin working for the new employer as soon as they file the petition (called 'portability'), without waiting for approval. However, if the new petition is denied, you must stop working. Time spent on previous H-1B counts toward your 6-year maximum.
If not selected in H-1B lottery, you have several options: (1) remain in current status if you have one (F-1 OPT, L-1, etc.), (2) explore cap-exempt H-1B positions at universities, nonprofits, or government research organizations, (3) consider alternative visas like O-1 or L-1, (4) pursue employment-based green card if employer willing to sponsor, or (5) reapply in next year's lottery. An attorney can help identify the best alternative pathway.
Work authorization for spouses depends on visa type. H-4 spouses of H-1B holders can obtain work permits (EAD) if the H-1B holder has approved I-140 or is in 6th year extension. L-2 spouses can apply for work authorization. E-2 spouses can obtain EADs. O-3, TN, and most other dependent visa holders cannot work. F-2 spouses cannot obtain work authorization.
Congress limits H-1B visas to 65,000 per year, plus 20,000 for U.S. master's degree holders (total 85,000). USCIS typically receives 300,000+ applications during the March registration period. USCIS conducts random lottery to select 85,000 registrations. Only selected registrations can file full petitions. Cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofits, government research) are not subject to lottery. F-1 students can maintain status on OPT while waiting.
Work visa attorney fees in New York typically range from $2,000-$5,000 depending on complexity and visa type. H-1B petitions generally cost $2,500-$4,000. L-1 visas range $3,000-$5,000. O-1 visas typically cost $4,000-$7,000 due to extraordinary ability evidence requirements. USCIS filing fees are additional: H-1B ($460-$780), L-1 ($460), O-1 ($460). Premium processing adds $2,500. We offer transparent pricing and consultations.
Yes. H-1B, L-1, and O-1 visas allow 'dual intent,' meaning you can simultaneously pursue permanent residence. Your employer can sponsor you for employment-based green card through PERM labor certification and I-140/I-485 process. This does not affect your work visa status or renewals. In fact, approved I-140 allows H-1B extensions beyond 6 years while green card is pending. Starting green card early is strategically important.
Premium processing guarantees USCIS will adjudicate your petition within 15 calendar days for additional $2,500 fee. Available for H-1B, L-1, O-1, and certain other petitions. USCIS will either approve, deny, or issue RFE within 15 days. If they don't meet deadline, they refund the premium fee (but case continues processing). Premium does not guarantee approval — it only expedites decision. Highly recommended for time-sensitive cases.
If you're in the U.S. on valid status (F-1, H-1B, etc.) and file for extension or change of status, international travel while pending is risky. Leaving the U.S. typically abandons your pending petition unless you have valid visa stamp to return. Exception: H-1B and L-1 holders can travel with valid visa stamp and approved petition. If outside U.S., you can travel while petition pending and undergo consular processing after approval. Consult attorney before any international travel with pending petitions.
Schedule a consultation with Attorney Musani Imtiaz to discuss your work visa options, employer sponsorship requirements, and application timeline.
Helpful government resources for employment visas and work authorization:
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes and not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is created by visiting this website. Consult with a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.