Immigrants come to the United States for the opportunity to work and live in the country permanently. Different types of employment-based immigration visas are available, but the number granted each year is limited. Working with an experienced South Florida immigration lawyer can make obtaining an employment-based visa easier.
Based in South Florida, Shannon Rosales Law PA helps immigrants from around the world obtain employment-based visas. Whether you are seeking to come to the U.S. because jobs are scarce in your home country or wages here are considerably higher, we can help.
Lead attorney Shannon Rosales has in-depth knowledge of U.S. immigration law and the determination to guide you through the process. Contact Shannon Rosales Law today to learn about your options. Se Habla Español.
What Is An Employment-Based Immigration Visa?
An employment-based visa grants immigrants lawful permanent residency. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues these visas through a complicated preferential system. Therefore, having a skilled immigration attorney can mean the difference between obtaining and not obtaining one.
Types Of Employment-Based Immigration Visas
USCIS grants employment-based immigration visas in the following categories:
Employment First Preference (EB-1)
EB-1 visas are for:
- Persons with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, arts, business, or athletics. These applicants do not need a sponsoring employer or specific job offer but must prove they are entering the U.S. to continue working in their field.
- Outstanding professors and researchers with at least 3 years of experience who are internationally recognized. They must be coming to the U.S. to pursue a teaching or research position at an institution of higher learning through a sponsored employer.
- Managers and executives employed for at least 1 of the 3 preceding years by an overseas affiliate, parent company, subsidiary, or branch of a U.S. employer.
Employment Second Preference (EB-2)
EB-2 applicants must be a professional of exceptional ability with an advanced degree and have a job offer. EB-2 visas are issued to:
- Professionals with an advanced degree (e.g. Master’s degree, Juris Doctor, medical degree) or a Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of experience in their chosen field
- Individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.
Employment Third Preference (EB-3)
Third-preference applicants include:
- Professionals with at least a Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution of higher learning or its foreign equivalent
- Skilled workers without a degree but with at least 2 years of work experience or training
- Unskilled workers with less than 2 years of experience or training whose jobs are not seasonal or temporary
Notably, for some EB-2 and EB-3 categories, sponsoring employers must apply for a labor certification from the U.S Department of Labor before they can submit an immigration petition to the USCIS.
Employment Fourth Preference (EB-4)
EB-4 visas are for “special immigrants,” such as:
- Former or current employees of the U.S. Government abroad
- Ministers, clergy, and religious
- Foreign medical graduates
- Retired international organization employees
This is not a complete list of immigrants eligible for EB-4 visas. Our capable Florida immigration attorney can advise you on whether you may qualify.
Employment Fifth Preference (EB-5)
EB-5 visas are for immigrant entrepreneurs or investors who intend to invest capital in new U.S. commercial enterprises that will create new jobs.
How Do I Obtain An Employment-Based Visa in South Florida?
To obtain an employment-based immigration visa, you or your employer sponsor must file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with USCIS. You must also have the required documentation, including:
- A valid passport
- Identifying photographs
- Civil documents (e.g. birth and marriage certificates)
- Translating documents if necessary
In addition, you must demonstrate that you will be self-supporting and not require public assistance from the U.S. Finally, you and any family members joining you must complete a medical exam and have the necessary vaccinations. Once your application is approved, you can apply for a green card.
If you are seeking an employment-based visa, working with an experienced immigration lawyer can help to clarify your options and move the process along. You can depend on Shannon Rosales to work closely with you and your sponsoring employer to complete the application process, advocate for you before the USCIS, and help you secure your employment opportunity in the U.S.
South Florida Nonimmigrant Visa Attorney
Our Florida immigration lawyer also helps foreign nationals who are temporarily entering the country for employment opportunities obtain nonimmigrant visas:
- H-1B visas for highly educated or skilled workers in specialized positions
- L visas for intracompany transfers of executives, managers, and skilled workers in an international company
- O visas for workers with extraordinary ability or achievement
- P visas for professional artists, entertainers, athletes, and coaches
- E visas for treaty traders and investors
Contact Our Experienced South Florida Employment-Based Immigration Attorney
Seeking to live and work in the United States permanently can be a life-changing opportunity, but obtaining an employment-based immigration visa is challenging and not guaranteed. Shannon Rosales has extensive experience working with immigrants, coordinating with employers, and dealing with the USCIS and can help you complete all the necessary steps to obtain your green card. Contact Shannon Rosales law today to get started.
