4 Immigrant Work Visas You Can Apply in the US

If you are a foreign national who wants to work in the US for the long-term, you may be unsure of the appropriate visas you should apply for. Normally, you may start with a temporal one as it is easier to get, unlike a permanent US residency. Below are the types of immigrant visas you can apply for in the country.

1. First Preference EB-1 

Also known as the extraordinary ability immigrant visa, this visa covers individuals with extraordinary abilities. If you are a scientist, researcher, academic, business professional, artist, or athlete, this is the ideal visa to get permanent employment and residency in the United States.

Also, this visa does not require a labor certification, but you have to prove that you are at the top in your field and have sustained national or international acclaim.

2. Second Preference EB-2 

To apply for this visa — also known as the advanced degree immigrant visa — you must have a job offer, and your employer should undertake the sponsorship steps. You can also consult with an immigration attorney to help you with the legal process and ensure you get your visa.

You must also have at least a U.S Master's degree and demonstrate that the job position offered to you also requires the certification.

For example, if your prospective position is a university lecturer, you have a higher chance of qualifying for this visa because it requires a master's degree. On the contrary, you will not qualify for this visa if your prospective job is an elementary teacher because the position does not require a master's degree. 

3. Third Preference EB-3

You should apply for this visa if you hold a bachelor's degree or are a skilled or unskilled laborer with a permanent employment offer from a  U.S employer. However, you must obtain a labor certification to qualify.

4. Fourth Preference EB-4

This visa is ideal for you if you are a religious worker, a retired employee in an international organization, an employee of the U.S foreign service post, or a minor who is a ward of courts in the country. Also, some families are eligible for this visa under special conditions.

Suppose you have gotten a permanent job offer in the United States; consult an immigration attorney to help you identify the appropriate visa for your situation and take you through the process. An immigration lawyer is well-versed with all the visa application steps and can avert common delays.