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Practice Area

Immigration & Employer Compliance

Business-focused immigration and employer compliance counsel—helping employers hire global talent while managing I-9, visa, and regulatory risk.

Share and Download Immigration & Employer Compliance

Friday, Eldredge & Clark advises employers on the full spectrum of business immigration and workforce compliance issues. We help companies identify the most suitable visa strategies, prepare and file labor certifications, nonimmigrant visa petitions, and permanent residency applications, enabling them to recruit and retain key foreign talent. Our attorneys have experience with PERM applications, employment-based immigrant visas (EB-2 and EB-3), H-1B specialty occupation visas, E-2 investor visas, TN professional visas, and related family-based options when necessary.

On the compliance side, we guide employers in developing and maintaining strong I-9 processes, implementing best practices for document retention, and making informed use of E-Verify. When government scrutiny arises, we work closely with clients to respond to I-9 audits, worksite enforcement actions, investigations, and immigration-related discrimination claims, combining our immigration and employment law experience to protect both their workforce and their business.

Areas of Focus

Business Immigration

We assist employers in every stage of the immigration process, from strategic planning to petition preparation and filing. Our attorneys work with companies to identify the most appropriate visa options for their hiring and retention needs, including employment-based immigrant visas (EB-2 and EB-3), H-1B specialty occupation visas, E-2 investor visas, and TN visas for Canadian and Mexican professionals. We also guide clients through labor certification (PERM) filings, permanent residency, and adjustment of status applications to help them secure and retain key talent.

Investor and Employment-Based Immigration

For employers and foreign professionals seeking long-term placement or investment opportunities in the U.S., we provide comprehensive guidance on obtaining work authorization and lawful permanent residency. Our team assists investors in securing E-2 visas and permanent residency through investment-based programs while ensuring compliance with immigration and tax requirements.

Employer Compliance and Workforce Verification

We help employers develop and maintain strong I-9 verification and documentation procedures, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Our attorneys design best-practice policies, conduct internal audits, and train HR professionals to manage verification requirements efficiently. We also provide counsel on the proper use of E-Verify and assist in implementing compliance programs that minimize enforcement risk.

Audits, Investigations, and Enforcement Defense

Our team represents employers during I-9 audits, government investigations, and worksite enforcement actions by the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies. We respond quickly to notices of inspection, negotiate with regulators, and defend clients against immigration-related discrimination or penalties. Our experience ensures that employers remain compliant and protected during government scrutiny.

Summary
  • Business Immigration Strategy: Helping employers select and secure the right visa options (H-1B, PERM/EB-2/EB-3, E-2, TN, and permanent residency) to meet their talent and growth needs.
  • End-to-End Visa Support: Preparing and filing labor certifications, petitions, and adjustment applications while proactively addressing issues that may arise with foreign hires.
  • I-9 and E-Verify Compliance: Designing and implementing I-9 procedures and E-Verify practices that reduce risk and support day-to-day HR operations.
  • Defense in Audits & Investigations: Representing employers in I-9 audits, worksite enforcement actions, and immigration-related discrimination claims to protect their business and reputation.
  • Integrated Employment Law Insight: Leveraging collaboration with employment litigators to ensure immigration strategies align with overall workplace policies and legal obligations.
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