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HD | Harrison-Donaldson Attorney At Law
214-810-3933

Kimberly E. Harrison

Smart, Creative U.S. Immigration Law Solutions

H-1B Visa Attorney For Businesses And Individuals

In highly competitive markets, the ability to hire highly skilled foreign nationals can be a strategic advantage. The H-1B visa remains the standard for bringing professionals in “specialty occupations” to the United States. However, securing these visas has become increasingly difficult due to high demand and strict regulations. Navigating this system takes more than just paperwork. It requires a smart strategy and precise timing.

My name is Kimberly Harrison-Donaldson, and I have been practicing U.S. immigration law for over 20 years. With a background in both law (J.D.) and business (MBA), I can serve as a strategic partner to your HR department. As your legal counsel, my team and I at Harrison-Donaldson, Attorney at Law, can manage the strict H-1B lifecycle for you. From the initial lottery registration to the final petition, I will work hard to secure the critical talent your company needs to grow.

What Is An H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa is reserved for “specialty occupations.” To qualify, the position must meet a specific statutory standard: it must require the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge. It cannot be a role learned solely through on-the-job training.

At Harrison-Donaldson, Attorney at Law, I frequently assist employers in hiring for high-demand sectors such as:

  • Engineering and architecture: Civil, mechanical and software engineers
  • Technology (IT):Systems analysts, developers and data scientists
  • Medicine: Physicians, surgeons and medical researchers
  • Finance: Accountants and financial analysts

These industries rely on specialized skills that are often scarce in the domestic market. As your attorney, I will help you demonstrate to USCIS that the specific role meets the high threshold of a specialty occupation, which can help lessen the risk of a denial.

Guiding You Through The Annual H-1B Lifecycle

The H-1B process generally follows a strict annual calendar. For most corporate employers, missing a deadline by even one day can delay your hire by a full year.

Here is a general overview of the process:

  • Electronic registration: You must register your candidate in the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online lottery system during a specific window in March.
  • The lottery (selection): Demand consistently outpaces the statutory limit of 65,000 visas, as well as the additional 20,000 reserved for U.S. Master’s graduates. Consequently, USCIS conducts a random lottery to determine which cases proceed.
  • Labor condition application (LCA): Before filing, I can assist your HR manager or department in submitting an LCA to the Department of Labor. To comply with federal rules, you must attest that you will pay the visa holder the greater of two amounts: the official prevailing wage for the location, or the actual salary you currently pay employees with comparable credentials.

If selected, the filing period for the full I-129 petition begins on April 1 and typically lasts for 90 days. It’s important to note that some employers, such as nonprofit teaching hospitals or universities, are often “cap-exempt.” This means we can file your petition year-round without entering the lottery.

As your lawyer, I will carefully build a case that highlights the specialized nature of the role, ensuring it checks every box for approval.

Support For Physicians And Professionals

For incoming physicians and professionals, the H-1B process can involve complex employment agreements that can affect one’s long-term status. At Harrison-Donaldson, Attorney at Law, I also provide focused legal counsel on employment agreements. I will ensure that terms regarding worksites, hours and “prevailing wage” requirements are structured correctly to protect your H-1B eligibility.

USCIS frequently issues Requests for Evidence (RFEs) to assess whether a job truly requires a specific degree. As your attorney, I will work to pre-empt these hurdles by linking your coursework directly to your job duties in the initial filing. My goal is to secure approval without extra steps. However, if the USCIS does issue an RFE, I am ready to respond immediately with a rebuttal to defend your eligibility and keep your case moving.

Prepare For The Next H-1B Season Now: Call My Firm Today

The H-1B process can require months of advanced planning. Contact Harrison-Donaldson, Attorney at Law, today to discuss your hiring needs before the next registration window opens. Call my Irving, Texas, office at 214-810-3933 or my Columbus, Ohio, office at 614-647-2773 or send a message through my website to schedule an appointment.