Sharma Crawford

Employment-based Immigration

A key aspect of U.S. immigration policy is the recruitment of international professionals by American employers for temporary or permanent work. Sharma-Crawford Attorneys at Law solely concentrates on three select types of employment-based visas, strategically assisting professionals to make significant economic contributions within the U.S. economy.

R-1 Visa
for Nonimmigrant Religious Workers

O-1 Visa
for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
EB-2 NIW visa
for those eligible for National Interest Waiver

R-1 Visa

For Nonimmigrant Religious Workers:
The R-1 visa provides temporary status for foreign nationals performing religious work in the United States. The R-1 visa does not require employer sponsorship or labor certification. It enables qualifying religious workers to reside in the U.S. for up to 5 years.

Eligibility: Applicants must meet a three-part test 

  1. Have been a member of a religious denomination for at least 2 years, 
  2. Be entering the U.S. to work at least part-time in a compensated religious occupation or vocation, 
  3. Work for a non-profit religious organization.

O-1 Visa

For the Extraordinarily Talented:
A non-immigrant or temporary visa for those with extraordinary ability in arts, sciences, athletics, education, or business. Suitable for talented individuals who might not qualify for other visa types.

Eligibility: Individuals must demonstrate a high level of achievement in their field. The visa is granted based on the duration of an "event" and can be extended.

The O-1 visa comes in two categories:

  1. O-1A Visa: for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics.
  2. O-1B Visa: for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in the arts, motion picture or television industry.

EB-2 NIW Visa

Serving the National Interest:
National Interest Waiver is designed for individuals whose work holds substantial intrinsic merit and benefits the U.S. on a national scale.

Eligibility: Individuals must meet a three-part test, including proving that their work benefits the national interest significantly more than a U.S. worker with similar qualifications. The main advantage of the NIW is that it does not require employer sponsorship or a Labor Certification.

Schedule an Consultation

How Sharma-Crawford Attorneys at Law Can Help

Navigating the complexities of employment-based visas can be challenging, but Sharma-Crawford Attorneys at Law is equipped to address and overcome these hurdles effectively. Our expertise covers a range of issues that applicants and employers may encounter:

Develop Tailored Strategies:

At Sharma-Crawford Attorneys at Law, we advise on and develop tailored strategies in securing the right visa while focusing on compliance and planning to meet legal requirements effectively. Our expertise in understanding specific criteria and requirements allows us to guide clients through the complexities of various employment-based visas.

Address Labor Certification Challenges:

For certain visa categories, obtaining labor certification is a critical step. We assist employers in navigating the labor certification process, addressing any complexities that arise.

Manage Documentation and Application Accuracy:

Ensuring that all application materials are accurate and complete is essential. Our team meticulously reviews and prepares all necessary documentation to avoid delays or rejections.

Handling Changes in Employment:

Changes in employment can impact visa status. We provide legal advice on how to manage transitions or modifications in employment while maintaining visa compliance.

Support in Dealing with Processing Delays:

Delays in visa processing can be frustrating and impact employment plans. We proactively communicate with relevant authorities to expedite processing and minimize delays.

Renewal and Status Extension:

We assist clients with visa renewals and status extensions, ensuring continuity of employment and legal status in the U.S.

Each family-based immigration case is unique. Our team at Sharma-Crawford Attorneys at Law offers expert, tailored guidance to help you smoothly navigate through the complexities of the process. Reach out to us for assistance!

Schedule an Appointment

From our Clients: Real Success Stories

    Hands down the best immigration attorney. I have worked with some other attorneys in past but Mrs. Sharma- Crawford is a masterpiece. I will highly recommend her to everyone she is a straight shooter and always advices righteously. Thank you for everything.

      I am always afraid of judgement when I go to places. As a trans Indian, I am used to a lot of discrimination. I had a very comfortable experience with this law firm. Rekha Ma'am was very kind to me and treated me warmly. Thank you for making me feel safe and un-judged.

        "We went to several other attorneys for an initial meeting. We felt overwhelmed and confused. Someone in the community told me to go and see this firm. I was very pleased. I can tell you that they were the only ones who took the time to really explain my case to me."

          We have known Michael and his team over 10 years. He’s consistently given us sound advice and excellent service. He’s been exceptionally easy to talk to and quick with our requests. Best lawyer we know! A blessing to our family.

            Had an emergency during the COVID-19 lockdown. They were rockstars. Thank you so so much!

            Contact Us

            From the Heartland to wherever you may be. We’re here for you.

            The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.

            Past results afford no guarantee of future results. Every case is different and must be judged on its own merits.

            Schedule a Consultation

            Call us Today

            • 515 Avenida Cesar Chavez | Kansas City, MO 64108
            • (816).994.2300
            • Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm

            Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

            The R-1 nonimmigrant visa provides temporary lawful status allowing foreign nationals to enter the United States to work in religious occupations. Qualified religious workers can obtain approval to live and be employed in the U.S. for up to 5 years by a non-profit religious organization. To qualify, applicants must meet requirements such as having 2 years of membership in their religious denomination and securing compensated religious work with a U.S. institution.  Eligible roles include ministers, religious instructors, or other permanent religious vocations essential to the religious mission. The R-1 still requires an employer to offer a job as a religious worker.

            The O-1 visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field, be it arts, sciences, business, or sports. It allows them to work in the U.S. for a sponsoring employer or agent. Given the complexities of the O-1 visa application, it’s crucial to have expert guidance.  Consult with a seasoned O-1 visa lawyer at Sharma-Crawford Attorneys at Law. Call (816) 994-2300 to schedule a consultation.

            The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) visa is an immigrant visa category for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities. It allows applicants to bypass the labor certification process if it’s in the U.S. national interest. The NIW is a waiver of the job offer and labor certification requirements typically needed for EB-2 visa petitions. It is highly recommended that you seek legal counsel. Immigration attorneys at Sharma-Crawford can guide you and ensure a smooth application process. Call (816) 994-2300 to schedule a consultation.

            NIW stands for “National Interest Waiver,” a U.S. immigration provision allowing specific foreign nationals to pursue a green card without employer sponsorship or a Labor Certification (PERM). To qualify, individuals must prove their work significantly benefits the U.S. in areas like healthcare, technology, or education, demonstrating its “national interest.”

            Yes, with an EB-2 NIW Visa, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can join you in the U.S. They’re eligible for derivative green cards based on your primary application. To understand the specifics and ensure a smooth process, schedule a consultation with Immigration attorneys at Sharma-Crawford. Call (816) 994-2300 to schedule a consultation.

            Notice

            At the present time and until further notice, Sharma-Crawford Attorneys at Law is only accepting zoom, skype, or phone consultations or appointments. While there are limited in-person services (fingerprinting, dropping off documents or payments, and signing of forms), these must be coordinated with our office staff. We are fully operational and all client needs are being addressed. Please call us at 816-994-2300 to speak to someone directly.

            Covid-19 changed everything and we have now adopted a new way to do things which make us more efficient, more productive and most of all, more able to meet our client’s needs faster. We look forward to seeing you from the comfort of your home, office, car, or wherever you may be!

            Thank you!