Our company registered one or more candidates who weren’t selected in the lottery. Are there any other options to employ them?
In short – maybe! Here are some alternative nonimmigrant visa categories your company may consider:
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Optional Practical Training/Curricular Practical Training
International students who graduate from a U.S. post-secondary institution may be eligible for a 12-month period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and employment in a field related to their degree. Those who have graduated with a degree in a STEM field may extend the initial period of OPT for an additional 24 months. Students still enrolled in school may qualify for employment authorization through a period of Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Qualifying students should coordinate with their school’s Designated School Official to seek OPT or CPT work authorization.
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Work Visas Based on Nationality
There are some nonimmigrant employment visa categories that are available only to citizens of certain countries.
H-1B1 visas are available to citizens of Chile and Singapore. The requirements for the category are similar to an H-1B.
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Treaty Traders and Treaty Investors
Nationals of certain countries party to a qualifying treaty with the United States may receive an E-2 visa if the individual or their company invests a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. enterprise. Certain essential employees of a company with the same nationality may also qualify for an E-2
visa.
The E-1 visa category is appropriate for citizens of qualifying treaty countries who are coming to the United States to engage in substantial trade in goods, services, or technology, principally between the United States and the treaty country.
International Entrepreneurs May Have an Option for “Parole” into the United States
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The International Entrepreneur Rule allows lawful entry into the United States and work
authorization for employees/part owners of certain start-up companies that have received qualifying investments or grants.
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Visas for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
The O-1A category is for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, business, education, or athletics based on demonstrated, sustained national or international acclaim.
The O-1B category is open to individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, or achievement in the motion picture/television industry, demonstrated by meeting certain criteria.
An H-3 visa might be an option if the goal is to provide job-related training for work that will ultimately be performed outside the United States.
The J-1 exchange program may be a good option to provide training and enhanced skills for individuals with a degree or professional certificate and at least one year of work experience. Employers should coordinate with a sponsoring agency approved by DOS.
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Jump Straight to Green Card Sponsorship
If none of the nonimmigrant options are a good fit, the best route to employing a foreign national might be an immigrant petition filed by a prospective employer or self-petitioned by the individual. If sponsored by an employer, it may be necessary to first request certification from DOL.
If you believe that one or more of the options outlined above would work for your company and candidate(s), we encourage you to contact Michael H. Markovitch at (212) 947-7534. You can email Mr. Markovitch at Michael@mmlawnyc.com.
