How an immigration attorney can help you

Gaining entry into the United States and being able to work legally can be a daunting task.  Many American employers would love to hire non-U.S. citizens to jobs where their skills are needed. 

However, people who meet these requirements and hope to fill these positions have to go through a complex and quite intimidating process.  An immigration lawyer can help make the process easier.  They will assist with the tricky process of completing forms and advise you on all the steps involved in the process. 

This is just one of the ways that a competent and experienced immigration attorney can help you.  Immigration law cuts across other legal matters such as family law, criminal law, business, and tax law.  You will need the experience of a professional who has assisted others with similar issues and can advise or even defend you where necessary. 

Other duties of an immigration attorney

•  They provide counsel to corporate and business units on immigration laws
•  They assist with resolving complex legal issues 
•  They organize, plan, and schedule cases on a priority bases 
•  They handle immigration cases and issues that are related to corporate personnel 
•  They analyze, evaluate and advise on key immigration issues including H-1B, L-1, TN,
     and PERM labor certifications. 

What are H-1B and PERM labor certifications?

H-1B Program 

This program was created for employers looking to hire non-U.S. citizens as workers in positions that required specialized ability.  This is known as Specialty Occupation and it requires that the employee have highly specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. 

The purpose of the program is to help employers who find it difficult to hire the needed skilled labor from the United States.  The program set standards in place that are meant to protect U. S. citizens in the same position from being negatively affected by the employment of non-U.S. citizens.  It also protects the H-1B workers.

It requires that employers pay the same level of wages to H-1B workers as they would to other workers with similar experience and qualifications. 

PERM labor certification

A Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) is used to obtain labor certification and is the first step to obtaining a green card.  Foreign workers are required to apply for an employment-based green card through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).  

Before they can do this, their employer must first receive a PERM labor certification for the U.S. Department of Labor.  The certification verifies to USCIS that the employers could not get any U.S. workers to fill the available job position.  It also allows the employer to file an immigrant petition with the USCIS on behalf of the foreign worker. The process requires a series of steps and takes between twelve and fifteen months.

The Law Offices of Jeffrey A.  Thompson provides robust immigration services that take care of everything required in the employment-based green card process.  We will conduct every step of the PERM process on your behalf, so you can focus on other things while being assured your case is in capable hands.  Contact our offices at 403 North Montello Street, Brockton, MA 02301 or call our office on (508) 588-3700 to speak with one of our lawyers.