Answers to Immigration Law's Most Frequently Asked Questions

By revolutionizing the way we communicate and do business, computer technology is radically changing immigration law. New technologies are creating new businesses, new products and new job opportunities. These developments are stretching the traditional categories that we use for U.S. work visas, both temporary and permanent.

For example, computer programming used to be a job that did not easily qualify for a work visa. Now, computer programming languages have become so sophisticated, and the line between systems analysis and programming so blurred, that many computer positions now qualify as a "specialty occupation" (professional job) under the H-1B temporary category. Knowledge of new technologies may also clinch a "green card" (lawful permanent residence) for certain candidates.

While we handle virtually all kinds of immigration matters, most of our clients are firms seeking work authorization - either temporary or permanent - for their employees. Below are a selection of topics we believe are of most interest for computer professionals, scientists and students, and their employers. Here also is a library of articles, written by lawyers in our firm and earlier published in the New York Law Journal or Interpreter Releases, that bring some immigration topics into sharp focus.

The pages that follow are intended to answer some frequently asked questions. While they cannot substitute for legal counsel, they can provide a basic framework for solving problems.

What's a Green Card and How Do You Get One?

Alphabet Soup for Temporary Statuses: B, E, F, J, H and L

What's an H-1B for Professionals?

Employment Authorization for Students and Exchange Visitors

Advanced Topic for J-1 Exchange Visitors: Do You Really Have to Go Home For Two Years?

Green Card for "Outstanding" Researchers and Professors

Green Card for Persons of "Extraordinary" or "Exceptional" Ability

Green Card for Other Professionals

It's a Family Affair: Does It Help That Your Brother is Married to a U.S. Citizen?

But What About the Kids? Work Permits for Nannies and Au Pairs

None of the Above - Contact SSBB with Any Questions Not Answered

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