Obtaining Permanent Residence Through Employment 

Although the majority of immigrants come to the United States through family-based applications, seeking permanent residence through employment enjoys distinct advantages.

Employment-based immigration puts green card applicants in a unique situation. Prospective employers often have considerable resources in place that can help ease the bureaucratic and legal obstacles. Also, the current debate in Washington, D.C., has centered around enhancing the pathways for employment-based immigrants as many companies struggle to find uniquely skilled workers.

Government agencies such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) already have tracts designed to facilitate work-related visas. By better understanding some of the subtleties about obtaining permanent residence through employment, immigrants can enlist legal counsel to move swiftly and decisively.

The highest priority in employment-based immigration focuses on people with extraordinary abilities. This caveat has widely been thought about in terms of Nobel Prize winners, nuclear scientists or Grammy-winning musicians. That is not entirely the case.

This category includes a wide range of other unique and high-level skills. For example, multinational executives or managers falls under this heading. That might include Millennials around the world who own or operate social media and technology outfits, among others. If you work as a high-level professional, a well-prepared application that highlights your skill set could check this preference box.

Highly educated people – master degree or equivalent – can apply under the governments second preference category if an employer is willing to sponsor the green card application. Some foreign nationals first obtain a short-term work visa and prove their worth. If the company views you as a vital asset, the next step could be a sponsored work visa.

The third preference involves those who have a bachelor’s degree, more than two years of on-the-job experience and have an employer willing to sponsor their green card application. Keep in mind that approximately 70 million people in the United States have earned a bachelor’s degree. So, this does not set applicants apart.

The biggest issue with this level of education is that the wait times can far exceed those with a master’s degree or extraordinary abilities. Planning a head and working with an experienced immigration attorney are priorities for many utilizing this pathway.

The United States has shortfalls and gives priority treatment in certain areas. These niche jobs are not necessarily part of other employment preferences. If you fall into one of the categories, your experience may provide a pathway to permanent residence through employment. Some of the positions have included:

Although there is only a short list of these out of the ordinary positions, your background may fit the USCIS list.

Investing wealth into the U.S. economy can be an excellent pathway to permanent residence. Immigrants already comprise approximately 10 percent of all small business ownership in the United States. The minimum investment threshold stands at $500,000 for those opening businesses in high unemployment areas or $1 million nationally. The green card application will need to also persuade the USCIS that the venture is likely to succeed.

Immigrants seeking permanent residence through employment have a tremendous opportunity to earn high salaries and enjoy the rights and freedoms of Americans. However, the application process remains complicated and rife with bureaucratic impediments. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced immigration attorney that can help shepherd you through the process. Contact the Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett today to get started! 800-208-8472