Many people immigrate into the U.S every year in search of employment. These immigrants get the opportunity to petition through employment-based immigration petitions that assist eligible workers in applying for residency and employment in the country.
There are different types of petitions for employment-based immigration. These include:
- Employment-based Preference 1 (EB-1) – Individuals eligible for this category are those who are skilled and knowledgeable in the sciences, arts, athletics, business, and education. They are considered priority workers and may be distinguished professors or research executives who are going through international transfers.
- Employment-based Preference 2 (EB-2) – Eligible applicants have a postgraduate degree in their field or hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in work. Other qualified individuals are those with exceptional expertise in arts, sciences, or business.
- Employment-based Preference 3 (EB-3) – Skilled individuals with a college degree and at least 2 years of work experience are qualified for this category.
- Employment-based Preference 4 (EB-4) – These are individuals who work in particular positions or industries. They are considered special immigrants and often include government employees, members of the armed forces, and religious workers.
- Employment-based Preference 5 (EB-5) – Qualified individuals under this category are entrepreneurs and investors who have invested at least $500,000 to $1 million and have created at least 10 new jobs for U.S residents.
Other employment visas that can be issued which are time-restricted and non-immigration include:
- TN visas – For Mexican and Canadian nationals
- H-1B visas – For personnel in specialty occupations
- P visas – For athletes and performing artists
- O visas – For individuals with expertise in arts, science, education, business, or athletics
- E visas – For traders and investors
- L-1 visas – For executives and managers going through a transfer
Are you eligible for employment-based immigration petitions? The Davis Law Firm immigration team, headed by a former U.S consular officer and Visa chief, will help you with your employment-based immigration petition.