Houston is a global hub for energy, technology, and trade, relying heavily on international talent and capital. At Karen Torres Law, we provide strategic Employment and Investor Visa services, enabling Houston-based companies to recruit and retain the best global talent, and assisting foreign investors in establishing a presence in the U.S. We cut through the red tape of USCIS and the Department of Labor (DOL) to secure the work visas and permanent residency status essential for business growth.
Call us now at (713) 576-0400 to get started with a free, confidential review of your family’s case.
Why Choose Karen Torres Law for Business Immigration?
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Employer Focus: We partner directly with HR departments and business owners, providing compliant, long-term strategies for hiring foreign workers and transferring key executives.
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Investor Expertise (EB-5 & E-2): We specialize in guiding investors through the complex requirements of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and E-2 Treaty Investor Visas.
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DOL Compliance: We ensure petitions involving the Department of Labor, such as PERM Labor Certification and Labor Condition Applications (LCA), are handled with impeccable compliance to prevent audits or denials.
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Strategic Long-Term Planning: We don’t just secure a temporary visa; we plan the pathway from temporary work authorization (H-1B, L-1, O-1) to Employment-Based Green Cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3).
Employment & Investor Visa Services We Provide
We manage a comprehensive range of non-immigrant and immigrant business visa categories:
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Non-Immigrant Work Visas (Temporary): H-1B (Specialty Occupation), L-1A/L-1B (Intracompany Transfers), O-1 (Extraordinary Ability), and TN (NAFTA/USMCA Professionals).
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Employment-Based Green Cards (Permanent): EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability, Multinational Managers), EB-2 (Advanced Degrees, National Interest Waivers), and EB-3 (Skilled Workers/Professionals).
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Investor Visas: E-2 Treaty Investor Visas and EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program petitions, including documentation of lawful source of funds and job creation requirements.
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PERM Labor Certification: Guiding employers through the required recruitment process to test the labor market prior to filing an EB-2 or EB-3 petition.
How We Help You Step by Step
- Needs Assessment: We evaluate the company’s hiring needs and the employee’s qualifications to select the optimal visa category.
- Petition Preparation: We meticulously prepare and file all forms (I-129, I-140, PERM) and compile extensive supporting evidence, including business plans and financial documentation.
- Responding to RFEs: We aggressively respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS, utilizing a strategic and data-driven approach.
- Consular Processing/Adjustment: We manage the final stage, whether it’s Consular Processing for the employee abroad or Adjustment of Status (I-485) in the U.S.
- Compliance Support: We advise on ongoing compliance matters, such as wage requirements, public access files, and visa maintenance.
Why Employment Visas Matter in Houston
Houston’s competitive advantage relies on global talent. From engineers in the Energy Corridor to medical researchers in the Texas Medical Center, skilled immigrants drive innovation and create American jobs. Our work securing H-1B, L-1, and EB-5 visas is directly responsible for fueling the economic engine of Greater Houston. We are the trusted partner for businesses seeking seamless and compliant immigration solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the H-1B visa, and is there a limit on how many are issued? The H-1B visa is for foreign workers in a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Yes, it is subject to an annual numerical cap (lottery), except for those sponsored by cap-exempt institutions like universities or certain non-profit organizations.
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As a Houston employer, what is the fastest way to get a Green Card for a highly skilled employee? The fastest route is often the EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) or EB-1C (Multinational Manager/Executive) category, as these usually do not require the lengthy PERM Labor Certification process and have more favorable visa timelines.
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What is the purpose of the PERM Labor Certification? The PERM process is required for most EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card petitions. It is conducted by the employer to prove to the Department of Labor (DOL) that there are no qualified, willing, and available U.S. workers for the position being offered to the foreign national.
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Can I start a business and get a visa, or do I need to be hired by an existing company? You can use investment-based visas like the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (if your country has a treaty with the U.S.) or the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program to start a business and obtain status. Other employment visas typically require a bona fide employer-employee relationship.
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How does an L-1 visa lead to a Green Card? The L-1A visa (for Multinational Managers/Executives) offers a direct path to an Employment-Based First Preference (EB-1C) Green Card. This is a powerful, compliant strategy for foreign companies establishing a presence in Houston.
Client Testimonials
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“Karen Torres Law seamlessly handled our executive’s L-1A transfer and subsequent EB-1C Green Card petition. Their attention to corporate compliance was excellent.” – CEO, Global Energy Firm
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“As an investor, the EB-5 process seemed daunting. Karen simplified the documentation of my source of funds and provided clear guidance through every regulatory step.” – Dr. Chen, EB-5 Investor
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“We rely on Karen to manage our H-1B sponsorship program. She is efficient, knowledgeable about DOL requirements, and responsive to all our HR needs.” – HR Director, Houston Tech Startup
