If you have the right skills, working in the United States can be a lucrative endeavor for citizens and immigrants alike. Each fiscal year the federal government makes approximately 140,000 immigrant visas available to those who want to enter the country based on their job skills. These visas allow an immigrant to live permanently in the United States.
Labor certificates
Some of these visas mandate that you already have a job offer before arriving in the United States. Your employer is your sponsor, and sometimes before they can petition the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the immigrant to obtain a visa, they may need to obtain a labor certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor. The certificate must confirm that there are not enough qualified and willing U.S. workers to do the job being offered at the salary being offered and that hiring an immigrant will not negatively affect the salaries and working conditions of U.S. workers who have similar jobs.
Preference categories
There are five permanent worker visa preference categories. The first preference category is for workers with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors or researchers and multinational business executives. This category does not require a labor certificate. The second preference category is for workers who have advanced degrees or exceptional abilities. This category usually requires a labor certificate. The third preference category is for professionals, skilled workers and other workers. This category requires a labor certificate. The fourth preference is category for “special immigrants.” This category does not require a labor certificate. Finally, the fifth preference category is for certain business investors. This category does not require a labor certificate.
Learn more about skilled immigrant visas
If you are an immigrant seeking skilled work in the United States, you will need an employment based visa. After that you can apply for a Green Card. The immigration process can be complex, so it is important that you understand all the visa requirements you need to fulfill.