BHATTA LAW & ASSOCIATES PLLC
Business and Employment-Based Visa Updates – October 2024

At Bhatta Law and Associates PLLC, we understand that navigating the U.S. immigration system can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you understand the latest updates on some of the most common employment-based visas. Below are some important changes that may affect your visa journey, all sourced directly from U.S. government agencies.

 EB1 Visa (For People with Extraordinary Ability)
If you are someone with extraordinary skills in fields like business, science, or the arts, the EB1 visa might be your best option. The good news is that the EB1 category remains current for most countries, meaning there is no waiting period for many applicants. However, if you’re from India or China, you’ll need to be aware of the cut-off dates, which are currently set to February 1, 2022 (India) and November 8, 2022 (China). 

Wondering if you’re eligible for the EB1A Green Card? Let our experts guide you!

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Whether you’re considering this immigration path or just curious about the process, follow our Facebook page and watch our US EB1A Green Card video series.

EB2 Visa (For Advanced Degree Professionals)
The EB2 visa is for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities. For most applicants, there is some wait time, but if you’re from India or China, the waiting period is longer. For example, the cut-off date for India remains at July 15, 2012, while for China, it has moved forward slightly to March 22, 2020. 

EB2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)
The EB2 NIW is a great option if your work benefits the U.S. as a whole, such as in fields like healthcare, technology, or education. USCIS has clarified the eligibility requirements for this visa, making it easier for individuals whose work is in the national interest to apply. 

EB3 Visa (For Skilled Workers)
The EB3 visa is for skilled workers and professionals with at least two years of experience or for those in jobs that require less experience. Unfortunately, retrogression (a backward movement of the visa cut-off dates) means that applicants from most countries will face longer wait times. For example, the cut-off date for most countries is now November 15, 2022, while for India, it’s November 1, 2012, and for China, it’s April 1, 2020.

L1 Visa (For Company Transfers)
If you’re an employee of a multinational company looking to transfer to the U.S., the L1 visa is for you. Recent updates clarify how remote work may affect your L1 status, so it’s important to ensure that your company’s policies are compliant. 

Watch Bhatta Law’s Latest Video Series on the U.S. L1 Visa – Your Questions, Answered!

O1 Visa (For Extraordinary Talent)
The O1 visa is for people who have extraordinary abilities in fields like arts, sciences, education, or athletics. If this describes you, you’ll be pleased to know that premium processing times for O1 visas have been improved, allowing for quicker decisions. 

H1B Visa (For Specialized Workers)
The H1B visa is for people in specialized occupations, such as tech or engineering. As the demand for H1B visas continues to grow, USCIS recommends preparing early for the FY2025 H1B lottery to improve your chances of being selected. 

At Bhatta Law and Associates, we are here to help you with every step of your immigration journey. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you choose the best path forward for your specific needs.

Best regards,
The Bhatta Law and Associates Team  

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