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Who are we and what do we do at CIS?

At Certified Immigration Services (CIS), we are a team led by Teresa E. Vazquez, J.D., dedicated to providing full legal support in U.S. immigration matters. We specialize in employment, family, and investor visas, and have helped thousands of individuals and companies achieve their goal of living and working legally in the United States. As immigrants ourselves, we understand the challenges and offer personalized, honest, and professional guidance every step of the way.

FAQ CIS

Why should you hire us for your immigration process?

We offer personalized, detail-oriented support tailored to your unique case. Our team specializes in employment-based visas like EB-2 and EB-3, and we guide both employers and workers through every step, minimizing delays and avoiding costly mistakes. We treat your case as if it were our own—because we know how much is at stake.

What makes Certified Immigration Services different from other providers?

We combine professional experience with personalized support. Unlike large law firms or online-only platforms, we offer one-on-one attention, prompt communication, and a strong understanding of both the legal process and real-world immigration challenges. Our bilingual team is especially equipped to assist the Hispanic community with clear guidance, experience and reliable service.

Do you only work with large companies?

No. We work with both small businesses and larger companies, helping them understand sponsorship obligations and streamline the hiring process for foreign workers.

Are your services available to clients outside the U.S.?

Yes. We serve clients around the world and throughout the United Sates. Whether you’re applying from abroad or already in the U.S., we can assist with your case through virtual consultations and secure online document handling.

What type of immigration services do we offer?

At CIS, we provide a full range of immigration services, including:
– Work Visas: H-1B1, H-1B, EB-3, EB-2, TN, E-2, etc.
– Green Card and permanent residency applications
– Family-based petitions (spouses, children, parents, etc.)
– Changes of Status, renewals, and extensions
– Consular processing and adjustment of status

FAQ H-1B and H-1B1 Visas

What is the difference between an H-1B and an H-1B1 visa?

The H-1B visa is for professionals in specialty occupations from any country, with an annual cap and a lottery system. The H-1B1 visa is a similar visa but is exclusively available to citizens of Chile and Singapore under a free trade agreement. H-1B1 does not require a lottery and is typically faster to obtain and renewable.

Who qualifies for an H-1B1 or H-1B visa?

Both visas require:
– A job offer in a specialty occupation (usually requiring a bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
– A valid U.S. employer sponsor
For H-1B1, applicants must be citizens of Chile or Singapore and meet similar educational and job-related requirements.

Can I apply for H-1B1 or H-1B from inside the U.S.?

Yes. Both visas can be filed as a Change of Status through USCIS if you’re already in the U.S. with valid legal status. Alternatively, you can apply via Consular Processing in your home country.

How long will it take to get my H-1B or H-1B1 visa
and move to the U.S. or change my status?

For H-1B1 (for Chilean and Singaporean nationals), there’s no lottery and the process is faster, you can often get your visa approved and travel to the U.S. within a few weeks of securing a job offer (3-6 weeks). If you’re already in the U.S., we can help file a change of status or extension smoothly and quickly.

For the H-1B visa, if you’re selected in the lottery and your petition is approved, you can typically start working in the U.S. on October 1st. Processing takes several months, but premium processing can speed up approval to 15 days.

Can my spouse and children come with me?

Yes. Dependents of H-1B or H-1B1 visa holders can apply for H-4 visas. H-4 spouses of H-1B holders may qualify for work authorization (EAD) under certain conditions. H-4 dependents cannot work under H-1B1.

Can I get H-1B status without going through the lottery?

Yes, it is absolutely possible under certain conditions. Some employers are considered cap-exempt, which means they can sponsor H-1B petitions at any time of the year without going through the lottery. Every case is different, so we recommend contacting our office to determine whether you or your employer may qualify. We’ll gladly guide you through these options.

Call us to learn more.

FAQ – EB-2 and EB-3 Employment-Based Green Cards

Who qualifies for the EB-2 or EB-3 visa?

The EB-2 is for individuals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability though an employer. The EB-3 covers skilled workers, professionals with a bachelor’s degree, and unskilled workers. If you have a U.S. job offer and meet the minimum education or experience requirements, you may qualify.

Why should I apply for a green card through employment?

Employment-based green cards offer permanent residency, stability, and a pathway to citizenship. It also opens doors to work opportunities and benefits for your family (permanent Residence, if approved)

How long does the EB-2 or EB-3 process take?

Timelines vary based on your country of birth and case specifics, but most applicants can expect 24 to 36 months. We help you avoid delays by preparing accurate, complete petitions from the start.
What’s the difference between applying from inside or outside the U.S.?
If you are already in the U.S. with legal status, you may adjust status here. If not, consular processing through a U.S. embassy is available. We support both processes and guide you on the best strategy.

Is this process complicated?

Yes, it can be. That’s why we’re here. With multiple steps including PERM labor certification, prevailing wage determination, and I-140 petition filing, having experienced guidance greatly improves your chances of approval

Why hire Certified Immigration Services for this process?

We specialize in employment-based visas and understand how to match qualified workers with US employers. Our team offers one-on-one support, bilingual service, and deep experience handling complex immigration filings. We work closely with both the applicant and the employer to ensure success.

FAQ Visa TN for Mexico and Canada

What is a TN visa and who qualifies for it?

The TN visa allows qualified Mexican and Canadian professionals to work in the U.S. under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA). To qualify, you must have a job offer in one of the approved professional occupations—like engineer, accountant, teacher, or computer systems analyst—and meet the education or licensing requirements for that role.

How long does it take to get a TN visa?

The TN process is fast. In many cases, qualified applicants can receive approval in as little as a few days when applying at the border or a consulate. For those already in the U.S., we can help file a change of status or extension with USCIS.

 

Why hire Certified Immigration Services for my TN visa?

A TN visa may appear straightforward, but errors in job title, documentation, or filing strategy can lead to delays or denials. At CIS, we help you prepare a strong and compliant case by clearly demonstrating how your qualifications align with the designated TN occupational categories. We draft effective employer letters and guide you through the consular or USCIS process—always with the goal of maximizing your chances for approval.

Can I bring my family with me on a TN visa?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you to the U.S. under TD status. We can help prepare the TD applications as part of your TN process.

Frequently Asked Questions About the H-1B1 Visa

What is an E-2 visa?

The E-2 visa allows nationals of certain treaty countries to invest in and operate a business in the U.S. It’s a nonimmigrant visa that grants legal status to investors, business owners, and in some cases, key employees.

Can I start a new business, or do I have to buy one?

You can do either. The E-2 visa supports both starting a new business from scratch or purchasing an existing one. We help evaluate which option better supports your immigration and investment goals.

How long does it take to get the E-2 visa?

Processing times vary by country and consulate, but most E-2 visas are processed in 2 to 4 months approximately . We help you prepare a strong application to avoid delays and increase your chances of approval.

Can I apply for the E-2 visa from within the U.S.?

Yes. If you are lawfully present in the U.S., you can apply for a change of status to E-2 through USCIS. However, a visa stamp for re-entry can only be obtained at a U.S. consulate abroad.

Can I bring my family with me?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you under E-2 dependent status. Spouses can also apply for work authorization in the U.S.

 

What are the benefits of the E-2 visa?

You can live in the U.S., operate your own business, bring your family, and renew your visa as long as your business remains active. It also allows flexibility and does not require permanent labor certification.

What types of businesses qualify for the E-2 visa?

Virtually any for-profit business can qualify, including franchises, service-based businesses, restaurants, retail stores, tech startups, and more. The key is that the business must not be marginal and must support more than just the investor’s income.