Obtaining an employment-based visa can be a complicated matter. After all, there’s no doubt that America’s immigration laws are complex. But if you hope to secure the visa that you want, then you need to have a basic understanding of the law and how it applies to your circumstances. After all, only about 140,000 employment visas are issued each year. Only by acquiring an understanding of the law will you have the foundation necessary to navigate your visa application process with the best possible chances of success.
Employment preferences
The first thing to recognize is that visa applicants are broken down into five preference categories. The higher up the preference chain you land, the more likely you are to obtain an employment visa.
First priority employment
Those at the front of the employment visa line are priority workers and those who have extraordinary abilities in the arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics. This category includes managers and executives who operate in an international capacity, as well internationally recognized researchers. It’s critical to note that those who think that they fall into this category will have to prove that they have international acclaim in their field. Professors and researchers will have to demonstrate that they’re pursuing a tenure track position or a similar research position, and managers and executives must have a job offer in America along with a certain period of time working overseas for a U.S. employer or its subsidiary.
Know how to navigate your visa application
Although the visa application process may seem pretty straightforward when you look at the applicable categories, the truth of the matter is that the process can actually be pretty complex, and there can be a lot of room for argument. That’s why if you’re considering seeking a visa you may want to consult with an attorney who is experienced in this area of the law.
