How to Bring International Talent to Your D.C. Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s competitive market, finding the right talent can be one of the biggest challenges for growing companies. For many Washington D.C. employers, the ideal candidate isn’t always local — they may be abroad. Whether you’re a startup, a nonprofit, or an established corporation, hiring global talent can give your business access to unique skills, cultural insight, and innovation that help you stay ahead.

At Lacki & Company, LLC, our immigration attorneys in Washington D.C. help businesses navigate the complex U.S. immigration system so they can hire and retain the international talent they need. If you’re considering hiring a foreign employee or contractor, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand how the process works.



Step 1: Identify the Right Visa Category

The first step in hiring international talent is determining the correct visa for your employee. The right visa depends on the type of work, the individual’s qualifications, and your company’s goals. Common employment-based visa options include:

• H-1B Visa: For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• L Visa: For intra-company transfers of executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge.
• O Visa: For individuals with extraordinary achievements in their field.
• TN Visa: For Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA agreement.
• EB Visas: Employment-based green cards for permanent positions.

Lacki & Company helps Washington D.C. employers assess which visa fits their hiring needs and ensures all requirements are met before filing.

Step 2: File the Necessary Documentation

Once the correct visa is identified, the next step involves filing petitions and supporting documents with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This step requires precision, as even small errors can lead to delays or denials.

Our attorneys at Lacki & Company handle the paperwork and communication with federal agencies, ensuring your company’s filings are accurate and timely.

Step 3: Maintain Compliance

Employers must remain compliant with federal immigration and labor laws, including I-9 verification, E-Verify, and Department of Labor requirements. Proper documentation helps your business avoid penalties and protects your ability to continue hiring internationally.

The team at Lacki & Company works closely with businesses to establish strong compliance systems and ongoing legal support to minimize risk.

Step 4: Support the Employee’s Transition

Bringing talent from abroad involves more than just paperwork — it’s about setting them up for success. Your employee may need help understanding work authorization timelines, renewing status, or adjusting to life in the U.S.

Lacki & Company provides guidance not only to employers but also to employees and their families, helping them navigate the transition smoothly and maintain lawful status throughout their employment.

Step 5: Plan for the Future

Many employers who hire internationally later decide to sponsor employees for permanent residency or green cards. This step ensures long-term stability for both the employee and the business.

Our immigration attorneys assist D.C. companies with employment-based green card petitions, ensuring each case aligns with your company’s growth plans.

Your Washington D.C. Partner for Business Immigration

Hiring international talent can seem overwhelming, but with the right legal guidance, the process becomes manageable and rewarding. Lacki & Company, LLC provides businesses across Washington D.C. with trusted immigration and business law services to help them grow globally while staying compliant locally.

Whether you’re hiring one key employee or building a global workforce, our team is here to guide you every step of the way — from visa selection to compliance and beyond.

📞 Contact Lacki & Company today at (301) 888-7451 or reach out online to schedule a consultation. We offer immigration law services in English, Spanish, and Korean to serve the diverse D.C. business community.