Are you interested in becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States, otherwise known as a Green Card holder? If so, you may be able to get a Green Card if you receive an employment offer from an employer in the United States.
The U.S. offers several different types of immigrant visas that are based on employment. An immigrant’s education, job skills, talent, and work experience are just a few of the factors that will determine if he or she is eligible for a particular employment-based visa. There are three main categories of employment-based visas:
- Priority workers have an exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, education, or business. Or they are outstanding athletes who are recognized for their achievements.
- Professionals who have advanced degrees in business, the arts, or the sciences.
- Skilled workers or professionals; this is a broader category.
Visa Availability is Limited
The U.S. does not issue an unlimited number of immigrant visas to individuals seeking lawful permanent status. There are caps on the number of immigrant visas that can be issued to applicants. As of this writing, the U.S. Department of State is the agency that issues immigrant visa numbers and they only issue 140,000 annually.
Additionally, only a certain number of immigrant visas are allotted to each country. If you are currently residing in the U.S., the prospective employer will have to obtain a labor certification directly from the Department of Labor (DOL) on your behalf, then they will need to file a Form I-140, Petition for Immigrant Worker.
Once the employer files the form, you will need to file a Form I-145, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, that is if a visa is available.
To learn more about obtaining a Green Card through a job offer, contact our Plano immigration firm to schedule a consultation. Our immigration attorneys would be happy to answer your questions and help navigate you through the next steps.