Minnesota Non-Temporary Employment Visas

People who are looking to come to the United States to work are hoping to make a better life for themselves and their families. Ideally for these people, this move will be a permanent one. Unfortunately, most immigrants looking to gain entry to the United States to work must eventually return home. After their visas expire, they must go back to their home countries. The exception to this rule is when a person obtains a non-temporary or permanent employment visa.

A Minnesota non-temporary employment visa lawyer could explain the permanent work visa quotas and provide more information about the preference system. A well-versed immigration attorney could also help individuals seek these visas based upon their qualifications.

The Non-Temporary Employment Visa Categories

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers five levels of non-temporary employment visas. These categories place applicants into levels of preference for a limited number of visas. The USCIS offers only around 140,000 visas annually, so the higher preference level an applicant can claim, the better their chances of acceptance.

These levels are:

• EB-1: Top-level visas for people of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, or athletics. These can also apply to executives of multinational companies or exemplary researchers.
• EB-2: For people who are members of professions holding advanced degrees, such as doctors, or people with exceptional abilities in the arts, sciences, or business. These applicants must submit a certification from an employer demonstrating a current job offer in the United States.
• EB-3: These go to professionals, skilled workers, and workers for jobs whose employers cannot find employees in the United States.
• EB-4: Special immigrant visas. These generally apply to religious workers, employees of U.S. foreign service posts, or retired employees of international organizations, such as the World Bank.
• EB-5: These visas apply to businesspeople who are engaged in a company after an investment of at least $1,000,000. This business venture must employ at least ten full-time U.S. workers.

A Bloomington non-temporary employment visa lawyer could provide insight into the permanent employment visa preference system.

Benefits of Holding a Permanent Visa in Bloomington

There are many advantages of having a permanent work visa. The most obvious advantage is that the holder never needs to return home. Permanent visa holders can perform their jobs and raise their families secure in the knowledge that they can remain here for as long as they like.

Another clear advantage is the ability to transform a non-temporary work visa into a green card allowing for full legal permanent resident status. Holders of EB-1, 2, and 3 visas may be immediately eligible to request a change of status to a legal permanent resident. EB-4 and 5 holders must meet the other eligibility requirements for green card applications, such as sponsorship through a family member or employer. A Bloomington non-temporary employment visa lawyer can work with a person to adjust their status once they are in the United States.

A Minnesota Non-Temporary Employment Visa Attorney Could Help

The best option for people looking to live and work in the United States is to pursue a non-temporary employment visa. Unfortunately, there is a strict quota for how many of these visas the USCIS issues annually, and only people who possess special talent will qualify.

These people can include those who have already accomplished significant accomplishments in their careers, those who have received an award for their contributions to their field, or extraordinary artists or athletes. Because of the great benefit that having these people in the United States would have, the USCIS grants these people preference for permanent employee status. Contact a Minnesota permanent employment visa attorney today to discuss your options.