Tampa Work Visa Lawyer

Trusted Employment Immigration Support For Your Future

When your job, your status, and your family’s plans depend on the right visa, you need more than a stack of forms. You need clear guidance, a thoughtful strategy, and a team that understands how employment immigration works for workers and employers connected to Tampa.

At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., we focus our practice on immigration law. Our Tampa work visa attorneys help professionals, skilled workers, companies, and HR teams navigate work and employment visa options so they can move forward with confidence. Whether you are pursuing a new opportunity or trying to protect the one you already have, a work visa attorney Tampa on our team can guide you through each step.

With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our firm brings depth, perspective, and a shared commitment to excellence, compassion, and loyalty. We work to build genuine relationships with our clients, so you always know who is standing with you as you face the immigration system.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Common Types of Employment Visas

Employment visas fall into several categories depending on the type of work, the worker’s qualifications, and the employer’s needs. Some of the most common employment visas we handle include:

H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)

The H-1B visa is for foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher. This visa is commonly used in fields such as IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and academia. Employers must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) and demonstrate that the job requires a specialized skill set.

L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transferee)

The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge to their U.S. offices. There are two main types: L-1A for managers and executives, and L-1B for specialized knowledge employees.

E-2 Visa (Treaty Investor)

The E-2 visa is available to nationals of countries that have a treaty with the United States. It allows investors to enter and work in the U.S. to develop and direct their investment enterprise. The investment must be substantial, and the business must be a bona fide enterprise.

O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of achievement through awards, publications, or other recognized accomplishments.

TN Visa (NAFTA Professionals)

The TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican citizens working in certain professional occupations. It is typically used for roles in fields like engineering, accounting, science, and teaching.

EB-1 / EB-2 / EB-3 (Employment-Based Green Cards)

For those seeking permanent residency, employment-based green cards may be an option. The EB-1 is for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, or multinational executives. The EB-2 is for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, and the EB-3 is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.

Requirements for Work Visas

Each work visa category has its own set of requirements, but most share some common elements. Understanding these requirements is crucial to building a successful petition.

Employer Sponsorship and Documentation

Many work visas require employer sponsorship, meaning the employer must file paperwork on behalf of the employee. This often includes:

• Job offer letter
• Detailed job description
• Proof of ability to pay the offered wage
• Evidence of business operations and need for the role

Education and Qualifications

Most employment visas require proof of education or professional qualifications, such as:

• Diplomas or degrees
• Professional licenses or certifications
• Work experience letters

Labor Condition Application (LCA)

For visas like the H-1B, the employer must file an LCA with the U.S. Department of Labor, demonstrating that the employment will not negatively impact U.S. workers and that the worker will be paid prevailing wages.

Eligibility and Legal Compliance

Applicants must also meet general immigration requirements, such as:

• Maintaining lawful status
• No disqualifying criminal history
• No immigration violations

Timing and Filing Deadlines

Work visas often have strict filing deadlines and limited quotas. For example, the H-1B visa has an annual cap and specific filing windows. Our Orlando employment visa attorneys help clients prepare applications in advance to avoid missed deadlines.

Employment Visa FAQs

Q: How long does it take to get a work visa?

A: Processing times vary by visa type, USCIS workload, and whether premium processing is available. Some visas can take several months, while others may be processed more quickly.

Q: Can I change employers while on a work visa?

A: It depends on the visa category. For example, H-1B workers may change employers through a transfer process, while other visas may require a new petition.

Q: Can my family come with me?

A: Many work visas allow dependents (spouse and children) to accompany the visa holder. Dependents may also be eligible for work or study authorization depending on the visa type.

Q: What happens if my visa is denied?

A: Denials can be appealed or refiled depending on the reason. An experienced attorney can evaluate the denial and recommend the best course of action.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for a work visa?

A: While not required, having an attorney significantly improves the chances of a successful application, especially for complex cases or those involving employer sponsorship.

Why Workers & Employers Choose Us

Choosing an immigration firm is a serious decision. Your ability to live and work in the United States, or to hire the talent your company needs, depends on getting it right. We understand that responsibility. Our firm has devoted its work to immigration law for decades, including complex employment and work visa matters for people connected to the Tampa area and across the country.

Our attorneys bring over 100 years of combined legal experience to each case. This experience matters when you are evaluating visa categories, responding to requests for evidence, or planning a path from temporary work status to permanent residence. We use what we have learned from many immigration matters to help you understand options, identify risks, and make informed choices.

What sets us apart is how we approach our clients and our work. Our firm is built on values of love, compassion, excellence, and loyalty. In practice, that means we listen carefully to your goals, we are honest about challenges, and we remain committed to you throughout the process. We work to go beyond convention when advocating for our clients, within the framework of immigration law, because we know how much is at stake.

We also recognize that employment immigration rarely stands alone. Many clients want to know how a temporary role today can support a permanent future in the United States. Because we also assist with family-based cases, green cards, and citizenship, we can help you see the bigger picture and plan for what may come next.

Call (800) 708-4399 to connect with our immigration team.