Charlotte Employment-Based Immigration Lawyer

Foreign nationals with specialized career skills or job talents have the opportunity to obtain a green card and live permanently in the United States. Many individuals are drawn to the U.S. for its robust employment opportunities and the chance to advance their careers. If you are considering applying for a green card based on your career or job skills, it’s essential to consult with a Charlotte employment-based immigration lawyer. An experienced immigration attorney could guide you through the complex immigration process and help you achieve your goals.

Understanding Visa Availability

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers five preference categories for employment-based visas, each tailored to different skill sets and job requirements. Annually, approximately 140,000 immigrant employment-based visas are available for noncitizens seeking to work in the U.S. The categories are ranked as follows:

• EB-1: For workers with extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, athletics, education, or business, including international managers and executives
• EB-2: For individuals with exceptional skills in arts, sciences, or business, often requiring an advanced degree or demonstrated exceptional ability
• EB-3: For skilled workers, professionals, and other workers with at least two years of training or a bachelor’s degree
• EB-4: For special immigrants, including religious workers, broadcasters, physicians with domestic licenses, and employees of U.S. foreign service posts
• EB-5: For investors who invest at least $900,000 in a commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 U.S. jobs

A Charlotte immigration attorney could help you navigate each visa category’s specific criteria and application process, ensuring you meet all necessary requirements.

Labor Certification and Job Offer Requirements

Some visa categories require a labor certification from your potential employer, confirming that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job and that hiring you will not negatively impact U.S. workers’ wages or conditions. This certification must be obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor before your employer can submit a petition to USCIS. Labor certification is mandatory for the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, though exceptions like the national interest waiver for the EB-2 category exist.

Additionally, certain visas under the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories require proof of a job offer. Consulting with an employment-based immigration lawyer in Charlotte can clarify whether your petition will require a labor certification and how to gather the necessary documentation.

Temporary Employment Visas

If you are seeking temporary employment in the U.S., several visa categories are available:

• H-1B: For specialty occupations, including roles such as fashion models
• H-1C: For registered nurses working in areas with a professional shortage
• H-2A: For seasonal agricultural workers
• H-2B: For non-agricultural workers in temporary or seasonal positions
• H-3: For certain job trainees
• I: For members of the foreign press, radio, film, or other media
• O-1: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or the motion picture industry
• P-1A: For internationally recognized athletes

This list is not exhaustive; other temporary visa categories may also be relevant to your situation. Consulting with a Charlotte lawyer can help you identify the most suitable employment-based visa for your needs.

Get Help From a Charlotte Employment-Based Immigration Attorney

Hiring a Charlotte employment-based immigration lawyer could provide you with the expertise needed to navigate federal immigration laws and ensure a smooth visa process. An attorney can also advise on responsibilities after securing employment, such as tax obligations. Additionally, in some cases, an employment-based visa may allow your family to accompany you to the United States.

If you’re ready to explore your options for employment-based immigration, contact Sussman Law Firm, PLLC. We can help you understand the steps involved and support you throughout the process.