Ackah Business Immigration Law provides comprehensive expertise in all areas of Cross-Border U.S. immigration law. At Ackah Business Immigration Law, we guide you through the immigration journey to your desired destination. Our innovative legal practice combines professional knowledge, personal attention, and supportive advice. With knowledge and expertise, we navigate complex U.S. immigration rules and regulations to solve problems and remove obstacles, before you get to the border.
Crossing Borders Seamlessly isn't just a tagline - it's our mission.
FAQS
Can Ackah Law Help With Both Canadian and U.S. Immigration?
Yes. Ackah Law advises employers, professionals, entrepreneurs and families on both Canadian and U.S. immigration matters. This includes cross-border business travel, work authorisation, employee transfers, investor visas and immigration planning involving both countries.
Ackah Law can develop a coordinated cross-border strategy when a move or business plan involves both immigration systems.
Does Ackah Law Help Find Jobs in Canada or the U.S.?
No. Ackah Law does not provide recruitment or job placement services in Canada or the U.S. Once you have a job offer or an employer prepared to support your application, the firm can assess the appropriate Canadian work permit or U.S. immigration pathway and assist with the legal process.
What Is a B-1 Business Visitor Visa?
A B-1 visa allows eligible foreign nationals to visit the United States temporarily for permitted business activities such as meetings, conferences, contract negotiations and consultations with business associates.
A B-1 visa does not generally authorize employment or productive work for a U.S. employer. Travellers whose activities extend beyond permitted business visitor activities may need a work-authorizing visa.
What Is the F-1 Student Visa?
The F-1 visa allows international students to pursue academic or language studies at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The student must first be accepted by the school and receive Form I-20.
Eligible F-1 students may obtain Optional Practical Training for temporary employment directly related to their field of study. OPT may take place before or after program completion and requires proper authorisation.
What Is the TN Visa?
TN classification allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to work temporarily in the United States in designated professions under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The position, qualifications and proposed duties must meet the requirements of an eligible profession.
Canadian citizens can generally request TN status at a U.S. port of entry or preclearance location without first obtaining a visa. Mexican citizens generally require a TN visa from a U.S. consulate.
What Is the H-1B Visa?
The H-1B classification allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers temporarily in specialty occupations. The position must normally require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a directly related specialty, and the worker must possess the required qualifications. The U.S. employer generally files a Labour Condition Application followed by a petition with USCIS.
What Is the Difference Between a TN Visa and an H-1B Visa?
TN classification is available only to Canadian and Mexican citizens working in designated USMCA professions. It has no annual numerical cap but requires temporary intent and does not permit self-employment.
H-1B classification is available to workers of any nationality in qualifying specialty occupations. Many H-1B petitions are subject to an annual cap and selection process, but H-1B permits dual intent, which can offer greater flexibility for future permanent residence planning. The appropriate option depends on the worker, position and employer.
Is There a Cap on H-1B Visas?
Yes. The regular annual H-1B cap is 65,000, with an additional 20,000 spaces for eligible applicants who hold a master’s degree or higher from a qualifying U.S. institution. When registrations exceed the available spaces, USCIS uses a selection process.
Certain petitions are cap-exempt, including qualifying employment with institutions of higher education, affiliated non-profit entities, non-profit research organizations and government research organizations. Not every non-profit employer qualifies for the exemption.
What Is the L-1 Intra-Company Transfer Visa?
The L-1 Intra-Company Transfer Visa allows a qualifying multinational organization to transfer certain employees from a related foreign company to a U.S. parent, subsidiary, affiliate or branch. The employee generally must have worked for the qualifying organization abroad for at least one continuous year during the preceding three years.
L-1A classification is for executives and managers, while L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge. It may also support eligible companies opening a new U.S. office.
What Is an E-1 Treaty Trader Visa?
The E-1 visa allows qualifying nationals of treaty countries to enter the United States to carry on substantial trade. More than half of the enterprise’s international trade must generally be between the United States and the applicable treaty country.
Trade may include goods, services, technology and other qualifying commercial activities. The applicant may be the principal trader or a qualifying executive, supervisor or essential employee.
What Is an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?
The E-2 visa allows an eligible national of a treaty country to develop and direct a genuine U.S. enterprise in which a substantial amount of capital has been invested or is actively being invested.
There is no fixed minimum investment that applies to every case. The investment must be substantial in relation to the business, committed and at risk.
Can Self-Employed Individuals Obtain U.S. Work Authorisation?
Potentially, but the United States does not offer a general work permit based solely on self-employment. Depending on the individual’s nationality, business and professional background, possible pathways may include E-1 or E-2 status, an L-1 for qualifying business expansion or an O-1 petition filed by an eligible U.S. employer or agent.
Some EB-1A and EB-2 National Interest Waiver applicants may self-petition for permanent residence, but filing an immigrant petition does not automatically provide work authorisation. Ackah Law can assess the available U.S. options for self-employed individuals.
Can I Stay in the United States While My Immigration or Visa Application Is Being Processed?
It depends on the application, when it was filed and the applicant’s current status. A pending application or petition does not automatically provide lawful immigration status or permission to work.
A timely, non-frivolous application to extend or change non-immigrant status may allow someone to remain in a period of authorized stay while USCIS makes a decision, but different rules apply to other applications. Travel may also affect a pending case. Ackah Law can review the filing and current status before the person’s authorized stay expires.
How Much Will Legal Services Cost?
The cost depends on the type and complexity of your immigration matter. Standard cases may be handled for a flat fee, while complex files or standalone legal advice may be billed hourly or per consultation. Government filing fees and other costs may be separate, so Ackah Law provides a tailored quote and explains what is included before work begins.
Does Ackah Law Offer Flat-Fee Pricing?
Yes. Ackah Law offers flat-fee pricing for standard immigration cases. Complex matters may be billed hourly or per consultation, while government filing fees and other disbursements may be separate. The firm explains what is included in the quoted fee and provides an estimate of any additional costs.
Are Ackah Law’s Legal Fees All-Inclusive?
Legal fees are generally separate from government filing fees and third-party expenses unless the engagement agreement states otherwise. Third-party costs may include medical examinations, translations, credential assessments, courier services or other case-specific expenses.
The engagement agreement should explain the legal fees and identify expected government and third-party costs before work begins.
Can I Pay My Legal Fees in Instalments?
Available payment arrangements depend on the type of matter and Ackah Law’s current payment policies. Clients should confirm whether instalments are available, when payments would be due and what terms apply before signing the engagement agreement.
