Most workers who receive a work visa to enter the United States must return home upon the expiration of that visa. However, those who obtain lawful permanent resident status (a green card) can make a home in the United States and petition to bring their spouse or minor children to the country as legal residents.
To qualify, you must fit into one of five categories. These categories include possession of extraordinary ability, individuals holding advanced degrees, and those engaged in religious work or who have served the United States while overseas.
A lawyer can help you obtain a permanent employment visa to live in the United States. A knowledgeable employment visa lawyer will explain the five classes of permanent work visas and analyze the best category for your situation. An immigration attorney can help guide you through the necessary process so that your case is approved.
Benefits of Holding a Work Permit
Lawful permanent resident status allows holders to move in and out of the United States at will. They allow a person to work; however, some versions of these visas only allow a person to do a specific job. Additionally, a permanent visa never expires and can serve as the basis for a person to apply for an adjustment of status including citizenship.
Another significant benefit of applying for a permanent employment visa is that a person can bring their spouse and minor children into the country as well. However, family members must apply for their own visas to be able to work. A permanent employment visa lawyer could provide more information about the rights a person has on this type of visa.
What Are the Categories of Permanent Work Visas?
There are five types of permanent work visas under the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Around 140,000 of these visas go out every year, and it is essential that candidates make a proper application to maximize their chances of success. These categories, in descending order of preference, are:
- EB-1 – visas for people of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, or athletics. These can also apply to multinational executives or outstanding researchers.
- EB-2 – for people who are members of professions holding advanced degrees, such as doctors or people with exceptional abilities in the arts, sciences, or business. These applicants must submit a labor certification demonstrating a standing job offer.
- EB-3 – these go-to professionals, skilled workers, and workers for jobs whose employers cannot find employees in the United States. Here also, a labor certification is a requirement.
- EB-4 – special immigrant visas. These generally go to religious workers, employees of U.S. foreign service posts, or retired employees of international organizations, such as the United Nations.
- EB-5 – these visas apply to business investors who are engaged in business after an investment of at least $1,000,000. This business venture must employ at least ten full-time U.S. workers.
The higher preference level that an applicant can claim typically results in a shorter wait time under the visa bulletin. A permanent employment visa lawyer can help choose a visa category that provides the best chance for success.
Learn More about Permanent Employment Visas
A permanent employment visa allows a holder to move to the United States permanently with their family. While here, the employer can earn a living and make a home without fear of deportation, unless they engage in certain unlawful activities. Over time, permanent work visa holders may be able to obtain U.S. citizenship status after holding lawful permanent status for five years.
Obtaining a permanent work visa is never easy. USCIS only issues around 140,000 visas a year, and most go to people with extraordinary abilities or who have standing job offers with U.S. companies. An immigration attorney can help you evaluate your options and pursue an employment visa under the correct category. Contact our office today to explore your options.
