Our law firm has a team of lawyers based out of Washington D.C. exclusively focused on Employment Visas, Business Visas and Employment Based Green Cards. Our Fairfax lawyers have over 25 years working across a broad range of industries. Our clients are entrepreneurs, multi-national companies, professionals, F-1 students on OPT or CPT, J-1 Au pairs changing status, artists, STEM workers, sports professionals, media staff and investors.
TEMPORARY NON-IMMIGRANT WORK VISAS
We prepare and represent the following non-immigrant temporary work visas:
- H-1B Visas for Professional & Specialty Occupation Visas with a 4 year degree or higher
- L-1 visas for New Office(s) in the U.S. and Intra-Company Transfers of Managers, or Skilled Professional to the United States.
- Change of Status (I-539) for Optical Practical Training (OPT) University Students to a new appropriate Non-immigrant Visa prior to OPT expiration.
- O-1 visas for Outstanding and Extraordinary Workers in the Arts, IT, Research, Social Work, Business & Science
- H-3 Training Visas
- H-2B Seasonal Worker Visas
- TN Visas – For Canadian & Mexican Nationals
- E-2 Investor Visas
- E-1 Trade Visa
- P Sports Visas
- R Religious Visas
- J-1 Visas – Au pairs Change of Status
- I Visas – Media Staff
Consular Processing vs. Adjusting Status While in the United States
Employment Based Permanent Resident Status
In the area of Permanent Employment Based Sponsorship, we represent clients and process Employment Based (“EB”) Green Card Sponsorship with the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) for EB-1, EB-2, National Interest Waivers, EB-3 & Schedule A Nurses, Physical & Occupational Therapists employment categories. Clients are also represented by our lawyers at the Department of Labor where U.S. immigration regulations require an approved Labor Certification/PERM before an I-140 Employment Petition can be filed with DHS for certain professionals, skilled and unskilled workers.
Business Planning & Strategy Essential to an Approved Visa
Our business lawyers are not only experienced immigration legal professionals; but they are also seasoned business professionals in the areas of: Business Planning, Finance, Management & Standard Operating Procedures. As a part of our business immigration legal team, business professionals come together to prepare a winning strategy for your U.S. business and/or career goals. The combination of business and legal experience allows our clients from around the world to adapt their business models and professional goals to U.S. standards of business practices, corporate governance and professional standards necessary to meet the U.S. Federal Regulations for permanent or temporary visa approvals.
New Developments in Family Business & Employment Visas
Recent Changes to Non-immigrant Visa Processing and Interview Waivers
- Mandatory In-Person Interviews: As of September 2025, most non-immigrant visa renewals—including H, L, O, F, M, and J categories—require in-person consular interviews, ending the broad interview waiver (“Dropbox”) program. Even renewals and most age-based exemptions now require scheduling and attendance at a U.S. post, except for certain diplomatic categories.
- Impact: Individuals and families renewing their employment-based visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.) should expect longer processing times and more logistical hurdles. Employers sponsoring international talent should review on-boarding timelines and plan for possible travel delays.
- Best Practice: Consult your immigration attorney early and prepare for delays by collecting documentation and booking appointments well in advance.
Updates Affecting L-1 Intracompany Transfers and Dependent Processing
- End of Concurrent Processing for Dependents: With the expiration of the Edakunni v. Mayorkas settlement, L-1, L-2, and H-1B, H-4 applications—including Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for dependents—are no longer processed together. Separate filings may cause delays for spouse/child approvals and work authorization.
- Family Impact: When planning for U.S. business expansion or transfer, prepare for possible administrative backlog and the need to navigate multiple applications.
Proposed Rule to End “Duration of Status” (D/S) for F, J, and I Visas
- Fixed End Dates on I-94s: DHS has proposed eliminating D/S admissions for F, J, and I visa holders and replacing them with specific end dates based on the program’s length, not to exceed four years. Extensions will require filing Form I-539 and paying fees; grace periods will be shortened from 60 days to 30 days after program completion.
- Advising for Students and Researchers: Families and students planning U.S. study or exchange programs should anticipate increased paperwork for extensions and stricter limits on changing educational objectives or transferring between schools. Educational institutions will also face heavier compliance burdens.
Executive Guidance and Compliance Updates for Businesses
- Evolving Requirements for Family-Owned Businesses: Businesses seeking to bring family members to the U.S. for work must demonstrate a bona-fide business structure, clear job duties, and compliance with anti-fraud regulations. Enhanced scrutiny applies to L-1 petitions where the petitioner and beneficiary have close familial ties.
- Remote Work and Location: Remote employment or hybrid work arrangements for sponsored employees must be documented, and any material changes should be reported to USCIS—especially now that more interviews require clarifying work location and job duties.
Document and Practice Updates
- Interview Preparation: With the return of mandatory interviews, family-based or employment applicants should bring the most recent tax returns, relationship documentation, employer support letters, and any evidence of business legitimacy or salary arrangements.
- Legal Advocacy: For families facing delays or denials due to recent changes, individualized legal strategies—including expedited interview requests, ombudsman case assistance, and congressional inquiries—may be necessary.
Families, employers, and individuals are encouraged to seek the latest guidance before filing and to consult counsel early due to evolving policies and compliance risks. These updates reflect recent trends for families, employees, and businesses navigating U.S. immigration law at this time.
👉 Schedule a Consultation or call us at (703) 829-5881 to discuss your eligibility and begin your path to permanent U.S. residency.
We have successfully processed these U.S. immigration matters for over 25 years. To schedule a consultation, you may email us at info@becapitallaw.com or call / text (703)966-0907. B&E Capital – Vassell Law Group, PC | http://www.vasselllaw.com | http://www.becapitallaw.com | Members of the American Immigration Lawyers (AILA).