NEW H1-B VISA APPLICANTS :

The H-1B Visa program was established to allow U.S. employers to employ foreign-born professionals in the United States. In order to qualify for an H-1B visa, the proposed position with the U.S. employer must qualify as a specialty occupation. For purposes of the H-1B program, the term "specialty occupation'' means an occupation that requires theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.

The initial H-1B Visa may be approved for up to three years and extensions are permitted up to a maximum of six years. The H-1B Visa is employer-specific, meaning that the holder (a/k/a beneficiary) can only work for the sponsoring employer.

The time that it takes to obtain an H-1B Visa can vary greatly. It generally takes between 4 to 12 weeks for the INS to make a decision on an application, although it may take longer.

H1-b INFORMATION CHECKLIST AND INSTRUCTION: 

The following information and documentation will be needed to process your H-1B Visa. h1bChecklist. (Microsoft Word Format)

H1-b EXTENSION AND TRANSFER CHECKLIST AND INSTRUCTION:

Please complete this form if you requesting an extension of your Visa or transfer or your existing H-1B visa to Vision Online.
h1bextesnions. (Microsoft Word Format)

TN-1 (NAFTA) OVERVIEW:

Only citizens of Canada and Mexico are eligible under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to qualify for TN status. To qualify, the applicant must be coming to the United States to perform services at a professional level in one of the occupations that are designated under NAFTA. TN status is granted for a period of up to 1 year with unlimited extensions of stay in increments of 1 year thereafter. TN status is employer-specific.

ELIGIBILITY FOR A COMPUTER SYSTEM ANALYST:

Possession of a baccalaureate degree (OR) A postsecondary diploma/postsecondary certificate and 3 years' experience.

ELIGIBILITY FOR MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT:

Possession of a baccalaureate degree (OR) Equivalent professional experience as established by statement or professional credential attesting to 5 years' experience as a management consultant.

INFORMATION NEEDED FOR TN PROCESSING:
(Canadians Only)

INSTRUCTION ON GREEN CARD PROCESSING:

A Permanent Resident Alien Card, or "Green Card," allows a foreign national to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis.

There are three phases to the Green Card process:

• Labor Certification (ETA 750 Application for Alien Labor Certification); 

• Preference Petition (I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker); and, 

• Final Application for Permanent Residence (I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status). 

Green Card applications can be initiated only by VisionOnline. If you are a VisionOnline employee and would like more information, please contact your Manager.