Employment Immigration Lawyer Atlanta: Your Partner For Work Visas & Green Cards
From healthcare workers in Decatur to tech professionals in Midtown and hospitality employees in Sandy Springs, every employment immigration case poses unique challenges.
If you’re an employer expanding your team or a skilled worker navigating your next move, reach out to us for clear legal guidance tailored to your situation.
Why Choose Spar & Bernstein For Employment Immigration In Atlanta
Our employment immigration lawyers in Atlanta simplify the immigration process for employers who want to sponsor international talent or professionals seeking work authorization.
We’ll look into your case to determine if you need a temporary or permanent visa. We’ll identify the type that works best for you. We’ll and prepare and file your application.
If the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asks for more evidence, we’ll step in immediately, collecting and organizing the right documents, representing you through every agency interaction from start to finish.
The Employment Immigration Landscape In Atlanta
Atlanta is home to more than 150,000 businesses across industries like logistics, technology, construction, film, and healthcare.
- Metro Atlanta hosts 15 Fortune 500 companies and 26 Fortune 1000 companies.
- There are 864,200 immigrants in Atlanta’s labor force.
- The highest share of immigrant workers are employed in construction, agriculture, and general services.
- Immigrant entrepreneurs number 124,400.
Temporary vs. Permanent Work Visas
Two visa types allow you to work in the United States:
- Temporary (nonimmigrant) visas allow foreign nationals to work in the U.S. for a limited period.
- Permanent (immigrant) visas provide long-term status, allowing you to live and work permanently in Atlanta.
Not sure which type is right for you? We’ll break down your options clearly so you can choose the path that will help you achieve your long-term goals.
Employment-Based Green Cards Available In Atlanta
If you want to remain in the U.S. permanently, you may be eligible for an employment-based Green Card in one of these categories:
- EB-1: Extraordinary-ability professionals, researchers, professors, and multinational executives
- EB-2: Advanced-degree professionals, exceptional ability workers, or applicants eligible for a National Interest Waiver (NIW)
- EB-3: Skilled, professional, or unskilled workers filling roles for which U.S. employers cannot find local staff
- EB-4: Special immigrants such as religious workers and certain U.S. government employees abroad
- EB-5: Investors who invest $800,000 to $1,050,000 in a U.S. business, creating at least 10 full-time jobs
Temporary Work Visas For Short-Term Opportunities In Atlanta
If you’re exploring short-term opportunities in Atlanta, a temporary visa might be the right way to get started.
- H-1B: Specialty occupations in STEM, healthcare, and finance
- H-2A: Agricultural work for seasonal laborers
- H-2B: Temporary non-agricultural jobs in hospitality, landscaping, and construction
- L-1: Transfers within multinational companies
- O-1: Individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, athletics, or business
- P-visas: For athletes, entertainers, and artists
- R-1: Religious workers
- I visas: Media professionals and journalists
Understanding the requirements for each visa type is essential, and it’s where our legal team’s support begins: ensuring that you’re applying for the right type.
Additional Visas Our Atlanta Employment Attorneys Handle
Beyond standard employment visas, our team assists with:
- E-1 & E-2 Treaty Trader/Investor visas for people who are investing in or conducting trade with the U.S.
- F-1, M-1, and J-1 Student & Exchange visas for academic, vocational, or cultural programs
- B-1 Business Visitor visas for short-term business activities like conferences or negotiations
Employment Sponsorship In Atlanta
If you’re an Atlanta employer looking to hire foreign workers, the sponsorship process may be lengthy and challenging.
Typically, you’ll need to define the role for which you want to hire talent and obtain Permanent Labor Certification (PERM). The next step includes filing either Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker or Form I-129, Nonimmigrant Worker Petition.
As an employer, you must also comply with strict Department of Labor regulations, including prevailing wage requirements, accurate job classifications, and thorough recordkeeping.
How Our Employment Lawyers Stand Out Against Other Atlanta Law Firms
Choosing Spar & Bernstein means working with a team that has more than six decades of immigration law experience.
With deep roots in Atlanta’s tech, healthcare, and logistics sectors, we know what local businesses need and what international professionals can expect. And we work tirelessly to help you get there.
Legal Support For Your Employment Immigration Case In Atlanta
Have questions about employment immigration matters in Atlanta? Our attorneys have the answers.
We’ll help you prepare and file your petition and remain by your side as you navigate USCIS and consular processing.
Atlanta Employment Immigration FAQs
What Services Does An Employment Lawyer In Atlanta Provide?
An employment lawyer in Atlanta can help individuals and businesses with immigration-related matters, including work visas, Green Cards, employment sponsorship, compliance with Department of Labor rules, and consular processing.
How Do Temporary And Permanent Work Visas Differ In Atlanta?
With a temporary visa, you can live and work in the U.S. for a limited period. It is often tied to a specific employer. Permanent work visas provide long-term status and a path to citizenship.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Work Visa In Atlanta?
Processing times depend on the type of visa you hold. For example, H-1B visas can take six months or more, PERM-based Green Cards may take over a year. If you want to speed up the process, you can check to see if premium processing is available for the type of visa you are applying for.
Can I Sponsor A Foreign Worker As An Atlanta Employer?
Yes. Many companies in Atlanta sponsor foreign employees through temporary visas like H-1B or permanent Green Cards such as EB-2 or EB-3. The process includes labor certification, filing a petition with USCIS, and meeting Department of Labor wage requirements.
What Industries In Atlanta Commonly Hire Foreign Workers?
With thousands of companies headquartered in the city, Atlanta provides opportunities for workers across sectors like technology, healthcare, logistics, film, construction, and education.
Can Small Businesses In Atlanta Sponsor Employees?
Yes. Even small or mid-sized businesses in Atlanta can sponsor foreign workers if they meet USCIS and Department of Labor requirements. A knowledgeable Atlanta employment immigration lawyer will ensure compliance with wage rules and documentation.
What’s The Role Of PERM Labor Certification In Atlanta Employment Cases?
PERM certification establishes that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position. Employers must advertise the job, interview candidates, and document the process before filing a petition with the Department of Labor. If you’re unsure about the process, our employment immigration lawyers in Atlanta will guide you through every step.
How Do Employment-Based Green Cards Work In Atlanta?
Employment-based Green Cards allow foreign workers to live and work permanently in the U.S. Categories include EB-1 (priority workers), EB-2 (advanced degrees or exceptional ability), EB-3 (skilled and unskilled workers), EB-4 (special immigrants), and EB-5 (investors). Our Atlanta employment lawyers help identify the right category for you.
What Happens If USCIS Requests More Evidence For My Employment Immigration Case In Atlanta?
If USCIS sends you a Request for Evidence (RFE) notice, it means they need additional documentation to decide your case. At Spar & Bernstein, we specialize in preparing and submitting the necessary materials promptly to avoid delays.
Can I Change Employers While On A Work Visa In Atlanta?
Changing employers depends on your visa type. For example, if you have an H-1B visa and want to move to another company, the new employer must file a petition to sponsor you.
How Can An Atlanta Employment Immigration Lawyer Help My Business Stay Compliant?
Employers must comply with Department of Labor and USCIS requirements. This covers multiple aspects of your work relationship, including paying prevailing wages, maintaining accurate job classifications, and keeping proper records. Need help? Schedule a consultation with our team at Spar & Bernstein to stay compliant and avoid costly penalties.
Can My Family Come To Atlanta If I Get A Work Visa?
Many employment visas allow spouses and children under 21 to join the principal visa applicant. Talk to an experienced lawyer to stay together with your loved ones.
What Are Common Challenges In Atlanta Employment Immigration Cases?
Challenges often include strict visa quotas, PERM delays, missing documents, and employer compliance issues. With help from an experienced employment lawyer in Atlanta, these obstacles can be addressed proactively, reducing the risk of denial.
Can I Transition From A Student To A Work Visa?
Many students at Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, and Emory University move from F-1 student visas to H-1B or employment-based Green Cards. If you’re a graduate, our Atlanta employment immigration attorneys will guide you through Optional Practical Training (OPT) and beyond.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Employment Lawyer In Atlanta?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether you’re an employer or employee. During your consultation, our Atlanta employment lawyers provide a clear fee structure and explain filing fees associated with USCIS and the Department of Labor.
Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
View Brad's Bio