Category Archives: business immigration

Work Visas

Work Visas | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Naples | Fort Myers | Boca Raton

Work Visa USA | US Immigration Lawyer Carl Rothrock

Immigration Attorney Carl Rothrock standing in front of the bar he rebuilt after Hurricane Charlie. Carl is a licensed Florida Contractor in addition to being a licensed attorney. He understands the day to day struggles of the small business owner.

Carl Rothrock is a U.S. business immigration attorney who has successfully filed work visas for applicants from all over the world. He has offices throughout Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Miami, and Boca Raton. He has filed thousands of cases, including EB1, EB2, NIW, EB3, EB5, O, P, H1B, and TN applications. In addition to being a licensed attorney, Carl is also a licensed Florida Building Contractor and has developed several real estate developments throughout Florida. As a small business owner, he understands the frustrations of the small business owner. Good workers are hard to find, and they are harder to keep. Many foreigners want to achieve the American dream and will work hard to prove themselves. They bring with them richness and culture of their countries and are eager to please their employer if given a chance.

Permanent Work Visas

An employer may sponsor an employee for a permanent job. The permanent residence card is also known as a “green card.” If the petition is approved, the employee’s spouse and children under 21 may also receive green cards. There are three primary categories of business visas. The first is the “EB1,” visa. The second is the “EB2” visa. The third is the “EB3” visa. The government limits the number of visas each year in each category by country of citizenship as well as type of visa. Some of these categories require the applicant to have a job offer while others do not. Visit our pages for these visas to learn more.

Temporary Work Visas

In addition to sponsoring an employee for permanent residence, an employer may sponsor an employee to work for a temporary duration. Most categories require the employee to hold a professional degree, license, or high level of skill. Common types of temporary visas are the TN Visa, the E1 and E2 treaty visas, the L visa, the O visa, the P visa, and the H1B visa. The employee’s spouse and children under 21 may accompany the employee to the United States. Many foreigners enter the US. under the temporary work visa until they can locate an employer who will sponsor them for permanent employment. The Rothrock Law Firm has counseled many clients to achieve this goal.

Work Visas for Unskilled Laborers

The U.S. government allots a very small percentage of permanent work visas for people who have unskilled labor. If people who work unskilled jobs wish to gain permanent residents in the United States, they often enter the United States to work temporarily. Eventually, they meet and marry a U.S. citizen. Once they marry a citizen, they obtain a green card through marriage. The H2B program and the J1 Exchange program allow unskilled workers to find temporary work in the United States. At this time, it is very difficult to find permanent employment in the U.S. through a work visa for unskilled workers.

Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Immigration Attorney Today

Carl Rothrock is an experienced Florida immigration lawyer with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Boca Raton, Florida. He has been licensed to practice law since 1989 and has successfully filed business visa applications for people all over the world. Mr. Rothrock is admitted to practice before all Immigration Courts in the United States. He provides representation to clients within and outside the U.S. To schedule a free initial consultation, call Rothrock Immigration Lawyer today.

Investor Visas

Investor Visas | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton, Miami

Carl Rothrock has counseled thousands of clients in selecting the right investor visa.

U.S. immigration attorney Carl Rothrock has successfully filed thousands of cases, including E2, L1, and EB5 investor visas. He has offices throughout Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale. Miami and South Florida are continuing to develop into a coveted site for both U.S. domestic and international business. Immigrants have played a large part in this success story, by staffing, managing and owning businesses – from small start-up operations, to companies with regional and international connections. The U.S. Government recognizes the benefits of such activity and encourages it. The government provides immigration laws and policies which reward and benefit entrepreneurs and their employees. These rewards often include pathways to U.S. Citizenship for investors, managers, employees and their families.

Types of Investor Visas (Click the link to see more information).

EB5 Visa: This visa is sometimes called the “Golden Visa” because an investor can obtain a green card by investing a large sum of money. This visa currently requires an investment of $800,000 USD to $1,050,000.00 USD. The amounts change frequently and should be verified prior to applying. Depending on the type of EB5 visa selected, the investor may not need to participate in managing the business.

E2 Treaty Visa: This visa allows an investor to enter the United States with a smaller investment amount. Depending on the investor’s country of citizenship, the investor might be able to own and operate a business with an $80,000 initial investment. Although this visa does not lead to a permanent green card, it allows the investor to work in the U.S. for up to five years, and it can be renewed indefinitely.

E1 Treaty Visa: This visa allows an investor to enter the U.S. for a period of time up to five years to conduct trade. This visa does not require that an individual have an office in the U.S., nor does it require a minimum investment amount. Rather, the treaty holder must prove active trade between the U.S. and country of citizenship. Like the E2 visa, this visa does not lead to a green card, but it can be renewed indefinitely.

L1 Visa. The L1 visa is a hybrid visa between the E2 and the EB5 visas. Like the E2, it is a temporary visa with an investment amount of approximately $100,000 to $150,000 USD. However, the L1 visa is a dual intent visa. The investor can initially enter the U.S. temporarily but transition to a permanent green card by filing an EB1C visa application.

EB1C visa. This visa allows an entrepreneur to manage a company in the United States. Most applicants initially enter the U.S. on the L1 Visa. After they run their business for a year, they then apply for an EB1C visa to permanently manage the company.

Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Experienced US Immigration Attorneys

We counsel our clients not to view US immigration policy and law as an obstacle to “get around.” Rather, we counsel our clients to be careful not to do anything short term that could jeopardize any more important, long-term goals. We counsel our clients to choose cost-effective pathways. Initially, we determine the clients’ short- and long-term goals. We then point out how the creative use of US immigration law can meet the short-term solution required, as well as provide long-term business growth management.

Our Visa approval rates worldwide provide the best evidence of our capabilities and are the envy of our competitors. We are proud to provide what is often “life changing” advice and cost-effective legal solutions to business challenges. As native South Floridians, we are also humbly proud of the part we play in the accomplishments of our clients in the community. We provide “boutique firm” U.S. visa services to accomplish each clients’ goals. If you think you may benefit from our services, please contact us for a free consultation.

H1B Visa

H1B Visa | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Naples | Boca Raton | Miami

Florida Immigration Lawyer Carl Rothrock files H1B visa applications.

Florida immigration lawyer Carl Rothrock files H1B Visa Applications for his clients. He has offices in Naples, Boca Raton, and Miami. The H1B allows foreign nationals to temporarily work “specialty occupations” in the U.S. A specialty occupation is one that requires, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree or enough work experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

Requirements of the H1B Visa

The applicant must have a job offer.
The employer must acquire labor certification from the Department of Labor.
The job must be in a “specialty occupation.” Specialty occupations include architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine, health, education, business, law, accounting, theology, and the arts. Most occupations require the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher. If the occupation requires a license, the applicant must also have a license.
H1B visas are valid for up to three years. They can be renewed for one three-year period only and then for one-year increments if the visa holder has an approved I140 petition.
In most cases, the U.S. government caps the number visas given per fiscal year. The visas are typically used up within the first week or two of eligibility period so the applicant should file his or her paperwork early.

Benefits of the H1B Visa

The H1B visa is portable, meaning the visa holder can change job or change location of job as long as the employer files an amended petition timely.
Unlike the TN visa, The H1B is a “dual intent” visa. The applicant can submit a petition for a permanent green card without jeopardizing the ability to renew the visa.
The spouse and children under 21 can accompany the H1B holder to the U.S. The child can attend public school, and the spouse can work.
H1B visas are a viable solution for Indian citizens. Indians often have to wait for more than ten years to get a permanent green card. As long as the Indian citizen has an approved EB application, he or she can continue to renew the H1B application in one-year increments until a visa number comes up.

Hire an Experienced H1B Attorney Today

Call Florida immigration lawyer Carl Rothrock today at 239-206-2363 to schedule an appointment.

EB3 Visas

EB3 Visas | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Naples |Miami | Florida

EB3 Visa | Florida Immigration Lawyer Carl Rothrock | Naples | Miami | USA

Carl Rothrock is a Florida immigration attorney who files EB3 visas.

Carl Rothrock is a highly qualified Florida immigration lawyer who has filed EB3 Visas for clients throughout the world. Mr. Rothrock has represented thousands of clients from over 100 countries throughout the world. EB3 visas are employment-based visas that allow foreign citizens to legally work in the United States and obtain green cards. EB3 workers comprise three categories: skilled workers, professionals, and “other workers,” which includes unskilled workers. The U.S. government issues approximately 40,000 EB3 visas per year. The number of visas are capped by country.

Types of EB3 Visas

“Skilled workers” must hold two years of training or experience.
“Professionals” must belong to a profession requiring a bachelor’s degree.
“Other workers” include unskilled laborers and skilled laborers having less than two years of experience.

Requirements of the EB3 Visa

A U.S. company must sponsor the immigrant for a job. The applicant cannot file a petition on his or her own behalf.
The U.S. Department of Labor must issue labor certification before the government will grant the visa. Labor Certification is a complicated and lengthy process. The employer must prove to the government that it is paying a fair wage to the foreign employee and that no suitable U.S. citizens are qualified to fill the job.
The foreign employee must be qualified for the job.

Advantages of the EB3 visa

The EB3 provides permanent residence in the United States to the holder, the holder’s spouse, and children under 21. Eventually, the family members can apply for U.S. citizenship.
Compared to other types of visas, the applicant does not need to prove that his or her talents are extraordinary. Rather, the applicant simply needs to prove that he or she is qualified.

Miami Immigration Lawyer

Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | E2 Visa | L Visa | EB2 NIW |EB1 | Miami | Florida | USA

Miami Business Immigration Lawyer Carl Rothrock

Carl Rothrock is a Business Immigration Attorney in Miami, Florida.

Carl Rothrock is a Miami business immigration attorney, who has represented thousands of clients, including E2, L1 and EB5 applications. The firm’s specialty is business immigration, including forming regional centers, assisting investors in E2 treaty visas, L visas, and EB5 investment visas, and assisting employers and employees with EB1, EB2, and EB3 visas. In addition, Carl represents individuals in family based immigration services, such as K1 and K2 fiancée visas, marriage visas, I-130 relative visas, I-485 adjustment of status applications, and N-400 and 600 naturalization and citizenship proceedings. Further, the Rothrock Law Firm has successfully obtained waivers for inadmissibility, including unlawful presence, misrepresentation, fraud, and criminal acts. All of the attorneys at the Rothrock Law Firm have been licensed for more than 25 years and all attorneys are rated AV Preemminent by Martindale Hubbell.

Awards, Recognitions, and Memberships

“AV Preeminent®, the highest ranking level of professional excellence, skill and integrity under the Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating System
Perfect 10.0 score on AVVO.com, a lawyer rating and referral website
“Top Rated Lawyers in Florida, Immigration,” Lawyers of Distinction, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
“Immigration Lawyer of the Year,” Lawyer Monthly’s Legal Awards, 2022
“Nations Top One Percent,” the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, 2021, 2022
“The Top 10 Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” Best of the Best Attorneys, 2020
“10 Top Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” the American Institute of Legal Counsel, 2019 and 2020, 2021
“Top 10 Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2019 and 2020
“The Top Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” The Top 100 Lawyers, 2018
“Top Ranking Immigration Law Firms in Florida,” American Association of Attorney Advocates, 2020
Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Member, Academy of International Business, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Recent Case Approvals

We received approvals in all of these categories in the last eighteen months:

EB1A, Extraordinary Ability Green Cards
EB1C, Executive Green Cards
EB2NIW, National Interest Waiver Green Cards
EB2, Advanced Degree Green Cards
EB3, Skilled Worker Green Cards
PERM labor certification
E2 Visas
E1 Visas
L1A Visas for Executives
L1B Visas for Specialized Skill Workers
H1B Specialty Occupation Visas
TN Visas for Canadians
601 Waivers for fraud, criminal history, and unlawful presence
Citizenship Applications
Marriage Based Green Cards (adjustment of status and consular processing)
Family Based Green Cards
Fiancée Visas

Biography of Carl Rothrock | Miami Business Immigration Lawyer

Prior to practicing immigration law, Carl served as a complex litigation consultant to the defense teams of many Fortune 100 companies, including Shell Oil, British Petroleum, Chevron, Chesapeake Energy, Bank of America, UBS Bank of Switzerland, Johnson & Johnson, American Airlines, and Walmart. He has acted as counsel for over 800 clients in a defective product litigation involving defective construction materials.

Carl has always believed that success begins with hard work. He started mowing orange groves for his father at the age of 8 and continued working for his father’s construction company through high school. Carl took extra classes throughout high school and graduated from high school at age 16. While working two jobs in college, he saved enough money to attend law school without applying for a student loan. He has developed residential and commercial real estate projects and understands the day to day frustrations faced by small business owners.

Carl is a licensed Certified Building Contractor in Florida and is a licensed attorney in the State of Texas. In addition, he is admitted to practice before all Immigration Courts in the United States and the Board of Immigration Appeals, as well as all Tax Law Courts in all fifty states. His unique background and qualifications have enabled him to guide foreign investors through the process of doing business in the United States. Carl’s hobbies are scuba diving, boating, and rescuing animals.

To schedule a consultation, call the Rothrock Law Firm at (305) 677-9048.

Map of Miami Office: 8950 SW 74th Ct, Ste 2201, Miami, FL 33156

EB2 Visa

EB2 Visa | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Naples | Boca Raton | Florida

Carl Rothrock, EB2 lawyer

EB2 visa. Florida immigration lawyer Carl Rothrock has successfully filed thousands of cases, including EB2 visas. A foreign citizen may qualify for an EB2 visa if he or she possesses an advanced degree, has exceptional ability, or qualifies under a National Interest Waiver. If USCIS approves the application, the applicant and his or her spouse and children may receive permanent resident cards and can apply for citizenship after five years. There are three categories of an EB2 visa in which the foreign citizen may apply: 1) Advanced Degree, 2) Exceptional Ability, and 3) National Interest Waiver

EB2 Visa: Advanced Degree | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer Naples, Fort Myers, Miami, Boca Raton

An employer must sponsor an employee for an EB2 visa requiring an advanced degree.
The U.S, government limits the number of approved visas in this category to approximately 40,000 visas per year. Further, the government limits the number of immigrants by country. Citizens of China, India, the Philippines, and Mexico typically experience long waiting periods when they apply for this visa. Other countries do not experience significant wait times. Click this link to see current waiting times for immigrant visas.
The available job must require an advanced degree or relevant work experience. The applicant may have a master’s degree (or foreign equivalent) or a bachelor’s degree plus five years of work experience.
Prior to filing an I140 Employment Based Petition, an employer must usually file two preliminary applications. First, the employer must file a Prevailing Wage Determination and must pay the foreign employee a minimum amount determined by the government. Second, the employer must obtain “Foreign Labor Certification,” a process by which the government certifies that there are not enough qualified Americans to perform the job. The Labor Certification process currently takes several months.
Most occupations require Labor Certification. Nurses and physical therapists with advanced degrees do not.
The foreign employee’s spouse and children under 21 are also eligible for permanent resident cards if the employee’s EB2 visa is approved.

EB2 Visa: Exceptional Ability | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer Naples, Fort Myers, Miami, Boca Raton

The applicant must demonstrate that he or she has an exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Exceptional ability means “a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the sciences, arts, or business.”
An employer must sponsor an employee in this category.
Most applicants in this category hold a doctorate degree.
The government requires both Labor Certification and Prevailing Wage Determination unless it waives labor certification.
An Applicant must prove at least three of the criteria listed below:
Official academic record showing a degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other institution of learning relating to the area of exceptional ability
Letters documenting at least 10 years of full-time experience in the occupation
Professional license
Salary history reflecting the applicant’s exceptional ability
Membership in a professional association(s)
Recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the applicant’s industry or field by peers, government entities, professional or business organizations
Other comparable evidence of eligibility is also acceptable.

The EB2 Visa: National Interest Waiver (NIW) | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer Naples, Fort Myers, Miami, Boca Raton

Visit our EB2 NIW page for additional information about the EB2 NIW visa.

Unlike the category for extraordinary ability, National Interest Waiver applicants are not required to obtain Labor Certification. Applicants must show that the necessity of labor certification can be waived because it is in the interest of the United States.
Most approved applications in this category are in the field of science, and most applicants possess a doctorate degree.
Applicants in this category may file their own I140 Employment Based Petition. They do not need an employer to sponsor them.
The spouse and child of the applicant is eligible for permanent residence if the applicant is approved.

Choose a Qualified EB2 Visa Immigration Attorney to Represent your Interests

Immigration attorney Carl Rothrock has successfully represented thousands of immigration clients from more than 100 countries, including EB2 applicants. He has been licensed since 1989 and is admitted to practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals and all Immigration Courts in the United States. He has received numerous awards and recognitions as an immigration lawyer. To schedule a free initial consultation, call the Rothrock Law Firm at 239-206-2363.

EB1 Visa

EB1 Green Card | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Naples | Miami | Florida | US

Carl Rothrock is Florida immigration attorney who files EB1A visas for citizens who hold extraordinary abilities.

U.S. immigration lawyer Carl Rothrock has filed thousands of cases from over 100 countries, including EB1 visa applications. A foreign citizen may apply for an EB1 visa to obtain a green card without labor certification. If USCIS approves the application, the foreign citizen and his or her spouse and children may receive permanent resident cards and can then apply for citizenship after five years. There are three categories of an EB1 visa in which the foreign citizen may apply: 1) Extraordinary Ability, 2) Outstanding professors and researchers, and 3) Multinational managers or executives.

EB1Visa for Aliens of Extraordinary Ability (EB1A) | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer Miami, Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton

In order to qualify for an EB1 visa as an “alien of extraordinary ability,” the applicant must prove that he or she has an extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. The applicant must show that his or her achievements have been recognized in his or her respective field. An applicant must prove that he or she meets three out of ten criteria below:

Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence
Membership in associations in the field which demand outstanding achievement of their members
Published material about the applicant in professional or major trade publications or other major media
Evidence that the applicant has been asked to judge the work of others, either individually or on a panel
Applicant’s original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance to the field
Authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media
Work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases
Performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations
The applicant commands a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field
Commercial success in the performing arts

Alternately, if the foreign citizen does not meet three of the above listed requirements, he or she can substitute a one time achievement, such as a Pulitzer Prize, Oscar, Olympic medal, etc. An employer does not need to sponsor an alien of extraordinary ability. The foreigner can file his or her own petition. USCIS does not limit the number of visas issued in this category.

EB1 Visa for Outstanding Professors and Researchers (EB1B) | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton

Outstanding professors and researchers must demonstrate international recognition in a particular academic field. The EB1 visa applicant must hold three years of experience in teaching or research in that academic area. In addition, the applicant must enter the United States to pursue a tenure track teaching position or a comparable research position at a university. The foreign citizen must document evidence in at least two of the following criteria:

Receipt of major prizes or awards for outstanding achievement
Membership in associations that require their members to demonstrate outstanding achievement
Published material in professional publications written by others about the alien’s work in the academic field
Participation, either on a panel or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or allied academic field
Original scientific or scholarly research contributions in the field
Authorship of scholarly books or articles (in scholarly journals with international circulation) in the field

The applicant’s employer must file an I140 petition to sponsor the employee; however, the government does not require labor certification. If the government approves the petition, the employee and his or her spouse and children may receive permanent resident cards. USCIS does not limit the number of visas issued in this category.

EB1 Visa for Multinational Managers or Executives (EB1C) | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer Boca Raton, Miami, Naples

The employer must have employed the applicant for at least one year within the last three years outside the United States. An employee must enter the United States to continue service to this employer. In addition, the employee must have worked as a manger or executive with the employer, an affiliate, or a subsidiary. Only a U.S. employer can sponsor an employee under this category. The employer must have operated the business for at least one year as an affiliate, subsidiary, or same corporation that employed the person abroad. USCIS does not limit the number of visas issued in this category.

Choose a Qualified Immigration Attorney to Represent your Interests

Carl Rothrock, an immigration attorney in Fort Myers, Florida, has represented thousands of immigration clients from over 100 countries. He has been licensed since 1989 and is admitted to practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals and all Immigration Courts in the United States. He has offices throughout Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Boca Raton, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. To schedule a free initial consultation, call the Rothrock Law Firm at 239-206-2363.

Rothrock Immigration Lawyer Naples | Fort Myers | Boca Raton

Investor Visas | E2 Visa | L1 Visa | EB2 NIW | (239) 206-2363