Employment-Based Immigration Lawyer in Gainesville, GA

Looking to build your career in the United States? Or need exceptional international talent for your Georgia business? We know the path feels impossible – endless paperwork, shifting regulations, and anxiety-inducing wait times.

We’ve been there. At Holden Law Firm, we cut through the stress of employment-based immigration so you can focus on what matters: your work, your business, your future.

Employment-Based Green Card Categories We Handle

Your journey to permanent residence through employment depends on your specific skills, education, and the needs of the U.S. job market. We’ll help you identify the best category for your situation:

EB-1: Priority Workers

For those at the top of their fields, including:

• Extraordinary Ability Professionals – Scientists, artists, educators, business professionals, or athletes with national or international acclaim
• Outstanding Professors and Researchers – With international recognition and at least three years of experience
• Multinational Managers and Executives – Who have worked abroad for a company establishing operations in the U.S.

The advantage? No labor certification required, and faster processing times for truly exceptional candidates.

EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability

This path is for:

• Professionals holding advanced degrees (beyond bachelor’s)
• Individuals with exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business
• Those who qualify for a National Interest Waiver, bypassing the job offer requirement

We’ve helped engineers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and business specialists secure permanent residence through this category.

EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers

This category covers:

• Skilled workers with at least two years of job experience or training
• Professionals with bachelor’s degrees
• Other workers performing unskilled labor requiring less than two years of training

This path typically requires labor certification, proving no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.

EB-4: Special Immigrants

This diverse category includes religious workers, certain former U.S. government employees, and other special circumstances. Each subcategory has unique requirements we’ll help you navigate.

EB-5: Immigrant Investors

For entrepreneurs investing significant capital ($800,000 to $1,050,000, depending on location) in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

The Employment-Based Immigration Process

Securing permanent residence through employment typically involves several key steps:

1. Labor Certification (for most categories)

Unless you qualify for an exemption, your employer must prove they’ve tried to find qualified U.S. workers for the position through the PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) process. This involves:

• Prevailing wage determination
• Good faith recruitment efforts
• Filing the labor certification application

We guide employers through this complex process, ensuring compliance with Department of Labor requirements.

2. Immigrant Petition Filing

Once labor certification is approved (or if you’re exempt), your employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with supporting evidence of your qualifications and the job offer.

For self-petitioners (like those with extraordinary ability or national interest waiver candidates), we’ll build a compelling case demonstrating your eligibility without employer sponsorship.

3. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

When your priority date becomes current:

• If you’re already legally in the U.S., you can file for adjustment of status
• If you’re abroad, you’ll go through consular processing

We’ll prepare you for either path, including document preparation, medical examinations, and interview coaching.

Employment-Based Nonimmigrant Visas

Not ready for permanent residence yet? We also handle temporary work visas, including:

H-1B Specialty Occupation Visas

For professionals in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree. We help with:

• Initial petitions (including lottery registration when applicable)
• Extensions and amendments
• Employer compliance
• H-4 dependent visas and work authorization

L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visas

For executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees transferring to a U.S. office from a foreign branch of the same company. We assist with:

• Establishing qualifying relationships between entities
• Proving managerial/executive capacity or specialized knowledge
• Extensions and transitions to permanent residence

O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visas

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. These visas can serve as stepping stones to EB-1 green cards.

Other Employment Visa Categories

We handle E visas for treaty traders and investors, TN visas for Canadian and Mexican professionals, and various other categories specific to your needs.

Common Challenges in Employment Immigration

Extended Wait Times Due to Visa Backlogs

Depending on your country of birth and category, you might face significant waits due to annual visa limits. We’ll help you:

• Understand the Visa Bulletin and priority dates
• Explore strategies to maintain status during the wait
• Consider alternative pathways when appropriate

Complex Documentation Requirements

Employment-based cases require extensive evidence of qualifications, job offers, and business necessity. We excel at:

• Preparing compelling evidence packages
• Responding effectively to Requests for Evidence
• Organizing documentation to clearly demonstrate eligibility

Changing Employer or Position

Job changes during the immigration process can jeopardize your case. We provide guidance on:

• Job portability provisions
• AC21 protections after I-485 filing
• Strategies for changing employers while preserving your priority date

Why Choose Holden Law Firm for Employment Immigration

In-Depth Understanding of Business and Immigration

We bridge the gap between business needs and immigration requirements, helping employers and employees work together toward successful outcomes.

Strategic Planning for Long-Term Goals

We don’t just file applications—we develop comprehensive strategies that align with your career objectives and timeline, considering all potential pathways.

Personal Attention to Your Case

Unlike large firms where you might feel like just another file, at Holden Law Firm, Attorney Giovanna Holden works directly with you, providing responsive, personalized service throughout your case.

Bilingual Support in English and Spanish

Clear communication is essential in complex immigration matters. Our bilingual team ensures nothing gets lost in translation.

Take the Next Step in Your American Career Journey

Whether you’re a scientist, engineer, executive, healthcare professional, or entrepreneur looking to contribute your talents to the American economy, Holden Law Firm is ready to guide you through the employment-based immigration process.

Don’t let immigration complexities stand between you and your professional goals in the United States. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Gainesville office.

The information provided on this page is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice. Every immigration case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance. Immigration laws change frequently, so please consult with an attorney for the most current information related to your specific situation.