Broward County’s hospitality and tourism economy continues to thrive, driven by Fort Lauderdale’s beaches, hotels, cruise port, restaurants, and entertainment districts. This growth has created a steady demand for international talent, from skilled chefs and hotel managers to seasonal resort staff and specialized service professionals. Understanding the immigration pathways available to workers, and the obligations for employers, is essential for keeping this vital industry fully staffed and compliant with federal law. For those seeking guidance, the Fort Lauderdale immigration lawyers at Guerra Sáenz, PL provide trusted legal experience at every stage of the immigration process.
At the forefront of the firm is attorney Luis A. Guerra, a Florida Board Certified Specialist in Immigration & Nationality Law, one of the highest designations an attorney can hold in the state. Board certification recognizes substantial experience, advanced knowledge, rigorous examination, and a commitment to professionalism. For employers and workers navigating complex immigration matters, this certification offers assurance that they are working with a true expert.
Below is an overview of the most common U.S. work visa options available to hospitality and tourism workers, along with how Guerra Sáenz, PL assists clients in Broward County’s dynamic service economy.
Temporary Work Visas for Hospitality and Tourism
Many hospitality employers rely on temporary or seasonal workers to meet demand during peak tourism months. Several nonimmigrant visa categories allow foreign nationals to perform temporary work when employers can demonstrate a legitimate need.
H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa: The H-2B visa is one of the most frequently used options in Broward County’s tourism sector. It allows employers to hire foreign workers for seasonal, peak-load, intermittent, or one-time-occurrence positions. Hotels, resorts, cruise operations, landscaping companies, catering businesses, and event venues often qualify. However, the H-2B process involves strict recruitment requirements, labor certifications, and submission deadlines. The annual visa cap also fills quickly, making advance planning vital.
As a Fort Lauderdale immigration lawyer with deep experience in employment-based programs, Guerra Sáenz, PL assists employers with obtaining temporary labor certifications, preparing petitions, and navigating the competitive H-2B cap season.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Program: The J-1 program supports hospitality internships and trainee placements. International students and young professionals can gain practical experience in hotels, restaurants, and resorts in Broward County under structured training plans. Employers benefit from motivated participants with strong educational backgrounds.
Guerra Sáenz, PL helps employers and J-1 candidates evaluate program categories, maintain compliance with program rules, and handle issues such as extensions, status concerns, or transitions to other visa categories.
O-1 Visa for Individuals of Extraordinary Ability: Although less common in the hospitality setting, the O-1 visa is important for chefs, culinary artists, sommeliers, or hospitality professionals with nationally or internationally recognized achievements. Award-winning chefs or hospitality innovators serving Broward’s luxury markets may qualify.
The attorneys at Guerra Sáenz, PL work with candidates to document achievements, gather evidence, and present compelling petitions to demonstrate extraordinary ability.
Long-Term and Employment-Based Immigration Options
Some workers and hospitality organizations in Broward County seek long-term or permanent staffing solutions. Several employment-based immigrant visa categories allow workers to pursue permanent residency based on job offers and qualifications.
EB-2 and EB-3 Employment-Based Green Cards: Hotels, restaurants, and management companies with ongoing staffing needs may sponsor workers for permanent roles. EB-2 visas generally require advanced degrees or exceptional ability, while EB-3 visas apply to skilled workers, professionals, and certain entry-level positions. The process typically includes obtaining a PERM labor certification, demonstrating that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job.
Because the PERM process is highly technical, many employers rely on the guidance of a Fort Lauderdale immigration lawyer with specialized knowledge. Guerra Sáenz, PL handles all aspects of employment-based green card sponsorship, from recruitment compliance to petition preparation.
TN Visa for Canadian and Mexican Hospitality Professionals: Under the USMCA, Canadian and Mexican citizens in qualifying professions—such as hotel managers, economists, or certain technical roles—may obtain TN status. Broward County employers who hire internationally for management-level hospitality roles often benefit from this category.
Why Board Certification Matters in Immigration Cases
Immigration law is complex and rapidly evolving. Mistakes can delay applications, result in denials, or create long-term consequences for employers and workers alike. This is where attorney Luis A. Guerra’s status as a Florida Board Certified Specialist in Immigration & Nationality Law becomes especially important.
Only a small percentage of Florida attorneys achieve board certification. It signifies:
- Mastery of immigration statutes, regulations, and procedures
- Significant case experience across a wide range of immigration categories
- Successful completion of a rigorous examination
- Commitment to professionalism and continuing education
For workers seeking Fort Lauderdale work visas or employers sponsoring essential staff, having a board-certified attorney provides confidence that their case is handled with precision and experience.
How Guerra Sáenz, PL Supports Workers and Employers in Broward County
Whether you are a hotel group preparing for the busy season, a restaurant recruiting international culinary talent, or a foreign worker hoping to secure lawful employment in the United States, Guerra Sáenz, PL brings deep knowledge and individualized attention to every case. The firm assists with:
- Visa eligibility evaluations
- Labor certifications and compliance
- Petitions for temporary and permanent workers
- Change-of-status and extension requests
- Problem-solving for delays, RFEs, and complex cases
- Guidance for employers on maintaining immigration compliance
The attorneys at the firm understand the demands of Broward County’s hospitality and tourism industries and provide strategic, timely support throughout the immigration process.
Contact Guerra Sáenz, PL for Immigration Assistance
Fort Lauderdale’s tourism economy relies on a strong, diverse workforce, and immigration options play a key role in filling critical roles across the region. If you are seeking guidance on Fort Lauderdale work visas, employment-based immigration, or any other immigration matter, the experienced legal team at Guerra Sáenz, PL is ready to help. Contact the firm today to speak with a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale immigration lawyer and learn how their attorneys can assist you with your immigration needs. Call (954) 434-5800.