For many people, obtaining lawful permanent residency in this country is a lifelong goal. Major benefits come with this status, including the potential to become a citizen in the future. However, not every application will be granted.
If you are hiring an international employee, you need to identify the program that is appropriate for their needs and your business. A dedicated business immigration attorney could review an application and ensure your candidate meets all the qualifications. A skilled green card lawyer could provide helpful advice throughout the application process.
Every year, countless individuals from other countries seek to live and work in the United States. Some of the types of employment-based green cards an attorney could help obtain include the following:
Certain individuals with extraordinary abilities could qualify for an EB-1 visa. This option is generally limited to three categories of people: multinational executives, researchers and academics, or others who fall into a general “extraordinary ability” category.
To fit into this general category, an applicant must be able to show their national and international acclaim in the arts, business, education, or athletics. These visas are offered to individuals such as professional athletes and Nobel Prize laureates.
The holders of advanced degrees are eligible to immigrate to the U.S. with an EB-2 visa. This is arguably the most popular form of immigrant green card available. For the most part, this option is available to foreign professionals with a master’s or doctorate in their field. However, exceptions exist for applicants who have exceptional ability without an advanced degree. It is also possible to get a waiver from the degree requirement if the applicant can show that their admission to the country is in the national interest.
professionals who do not qualify for an EB-2 might still be eligible for the EB-3 program, which applies to a wide range of educational backgrounds and professional competencies. This green card is for full-time work, not temporary or seasonal hires. A person must have a prospective employer willing to sponsor them and provide a position upon entry into the U.S.
When it comes to employment-based green cards, a prospective employer can play an important role in the application process. In most cases, the company will initiate the process by first obtaining a labor certification from the United States Department of Labor (DOL).
This certificate establishes that the company could not successfully hire an American citizen or lawful permanent resident for the role and that bringing in an international hire would not hurt wages or work conditions in the area.
After securing the certificate, the employer must file a petition on the professional’s behalf. This is done using a document known as Form I-140. As the process continues, the remaining steps are in the hands of the applicant.
If your company is working to hire international employees, a green card could make that possible. Let a green card lawyer help you complete the application process and address any issues that come up along the way. Call today for a private consultation to discuss your employees’ options.
