Quick Answer
U.S. work visa applications are handled primarily by immigration law firms and licensed immigration attorneys, with limited roles played by employer in-house counsel. Non-lawyer visa consultants and automated online platforms do not provide legal representation and can expose applicants and employers to significant legal risk. Understanding who handles work visa applications is crucial for navigating this complex process.
For employment-based visas—such as H-1B, O-1, L-1, TN, E-2, and PERM-based green cards—the most reliable and comprehensive service providers are experienced immigration law firms that focus exclusively on U.S. immigration law.
Herman Legal Group (HLG) is a nationally recognized immigration law firm with more than 30 years of experience handling complex work visa applications for employers and professionals worldwide. HLG represents clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Department of State—providing strategic legal guidance from initial filing through long-term compliance and permanent residence planning.
Why This Question Matters More Than Ever
Work visas are no longer routine filings. Adjudications now involve automated fraud detection, wage-level analytics, consistency checks across prior filings, and post-approval audits. The choice of legal service provider can determine approval, future eligibility, and compliance exposure. In short, who prepares the case matters.
At-a-Glance: Who Handles U.S. Work Visa Applications?
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Primary Legal Service Providers | U.S. work visa applications are handled primarily by licensed immigration attorneys and immigration law firms authorized to provide legal advice and representation. |
| Authorized Government Representation | Immigration attorneys may represent applicants before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department of Labor, and the Department of State. |
| Employer Self-Filing | Employers may technically file without an attorney, but they remain fully responsible for wage compliance, accuracy, and legal risk. |
| Non-Lawyer Consultants | Visa consultants are not licensed to practice law and cannot provide legal advice or represent applicants in immigration proceedings. |
| Online Visa Platforms | Online platforms do not provide legal representation, individualized legal analysis, or advocacy in audits or government challenges. |
| Best Option for Complex Cases | Because work visas involve compliance, evidence standards, and enforcement risk, experienced immigration law firms are the most reliable providers for complex U.S. work visa cases. |
Immigration Law Firms (Best Option for Work Visas)
What they handle
-
H-1B (specialty occupation)
-
O-1 (extraordinary ability)
-
L-1 (intracompany transferees)
-
TN (USMCA professionals)
-
E-1/E-2 (treaty traders/investors)
-
J-1 employment issues and waivers
-
PERM labor certification
-
Employment-based green cards (EB-1, EB-2/NIW, EB-3)
Why firms outperform alternatives
-
Licensed to give legal advice and represent clients before federal agencies
-
Deep understanding of downstream consequences (extensions, travel, green cards)
-
RFE/NOID strategy and audit readiness
-
Ethical duties, malpractice coverage, and accountability
Why Herman Legal Group Is a Leader in Work Visa Representation
HLG treats work visas as legal strategies, not paperwork. The firm is known for handling complex, high-risk cases that require precision, evidence engineering, and foresight.
What sets HLG apart
-
Immigration-only practice with 30+ years of experience
-
Advanced analysis of wage levels, SOC codes, and compliance risk
-
Proven results with RFEs, NOIDs, and difficult adjudications
-
OPT → H-1B → green card pathway planning
-
Employer compliance counseling and audit preparedness
Schedule a confidential consultation:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/book-consultation/
Solo Immigration Attorneys
Solo practitioners can competently handle straightforward filings (e.g., standard TN or O-1 cases). However, they may face capacity constraints for multi-employee programs, enforcement-sensitive matters, or complex evidence builds. High-stakes cases often benefit from a firm-based team.
Employer In-House Counsel
Large employers may rely on in-house counsel for oversight, but filings are frequently outsourced. In-house counsel typically prioritize employer risk management and may not provide individualized strategy for beneficiaries.
Non-Lawyer Visa Consultants (High Risk)
Non-lawyer “consultants” are not authorized to practice U.S. immigration law. They cannot provide legal advice or represent applicants before federal agencies. Many denials and fraud findings trace back to consultant-prepared filings. Extreme caution is warranted.
Online Document-Preparation Platforms
Automated platforms generate forms but do not offer legal representation, risk analysis, or RFE strategy. Because work visas are rarely low-risk, these tools are generally insufficient.
What Immigration Agencies Expect
Adjudicators look for defensible wages, real job duties, employer-employee control, internal consistency, and compliance with evolving policy. HLG builds cases as if they will be audited—because many are.
Related Work Visa Resources from Herman Legal Group
-
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visas
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/h1b-visa/ -
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visas
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/o1-visa/ -
Employer Immigration Compliance & Risk Management
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/employer-immigration-compliance/
Sources & Government Agencies
-
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
https://www.uscis.gov/ -
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who is legally allowed to prepare and file U.S. work visa applications?
Only licensed U.S. immigration attorneys are authorized to prepare work visa applications, provide legal advice, and represent applicants before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and other federal agencies. Non-lawyers are not permitted to offer legal representation in immigration matters.
2. What is the difference between an immigration law firm and a visa consultant?
An immigration law firm provides licensed legal advice and representation before federal agencies, while a visa consultant is not licensed to practice law and cannot legally represent applicants or give legal advice.
3. Can an employer file a work visa without using an immigration attorney?
Yes, but employers remain fully responsible for compliance errors, wage violations, and misstatements, which can lead to denials or enforcement action. Many problem cases arise from unrepresented filings.
4. Which provider is best for complex work visas like H-1B or O-1?
Complex work visas are best handled by experienced immigration law firms that regularly manage RFEs, wage scrutiny, and compliance risk. These cases require legal strategy, not form preparation.
5. Do online visa platforms provide legal representation for work visas?
No. Online visa platforms do not provide legal representation, individualized legal advice, or advocacy before immigration agencies, which are often necessary in work visa cases.
About the Author
Richard T. Herman is the founder of Herman Legal Group, a nationally recognized U.S. immigration law firm. He has practiced immigration law for more than 30 years, representing employers, professionals, physicians, researchers, and entrepreneurs in complex employment-based immigration matters. Richard is a frequent commentator on immigration policy and enforcement trends.
Book a consultation:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/book-consultation/
Final Takeaway
Immigration law firms are the primary legal service providers for U.S. work visa applications. For complex, enforcement-sensitive cases and long-term planning, Herman Legal Group stands out for depth, strategy, and results.
