Union City Employment Based Immigration Lawyer

Certain foreign nationals can apply for a visa that would allow them to travel from abroad and enter the United States for work-related purposes if they have the education, experience, and skills. USCIS and other agencies manage the process and issue approximately 140,000 visas annually, approving applications based on five preference categories.

The process is challenging and time-consuming, and many find themselves feeling overwhelmed. Contact a seasoned Union City employment based immigration lawyer for guidance at the Law Office of Lloyd E. Bennett Esq., P.C., if you need help from a knowledgeable immigration attorney with a case.

What Are the Five Categories?

The five groups prioritize applications based on the type of work. Some allow self-petitioning, but most require a U.S. employer to sponsor you. Examples of each category are below:

  • EB-1 is for those aliens with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, education, arts, athletics, or business, outstanding professors or researchers and certain multinational managers or executives.
  • EB-2 is for professionals with exceptional abilities or advanced degrees
  • EB-3 is for individuals who are skilled workers, with at least two years of training, professionals with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with prior job training, or unskilled workers with less than two years of training.
  • EB-4 visas are meant for special immigrant juveniles, religious workers, U.S. foreign service employees, and international organization retirees
  • EB-5 is the final fifth preference visa, and investors in U.S. commercial enterprises may apply if their approval will create a minimum of ten full-time jobs in the U.S.

The process from application to approval typically takes one to three years or more, depending on the type of visa you wish to obtain. A skilled Union City employment based immigration attorney can help determine which category you qualify for and assist you in navigating each step of the process.

The Application Process Basics

The first step before applying is obtaining a Labor Certification, if applicable, which requires your employer to file Form ETA-9089 with the Department of Labor. The process can take up to 18 months, and exceptions may apply for those with waivers. The next step in the process is filing the immigration petition, which requires Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, and submitting it to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The petition also requires gathering the supporting documentation and paying a filing fee. A knowledgeable employment based immigration lawyer in Union City can help check visa availability and status to provide updates.

Individuals currently in the country complete and submit an application to the appropriate agency to register permanent residence or adjust status, while those abroad undergo consular processing at the U.S. embassy. After approval, an in-person interview may be necessary, and USCIS typically conducts them at the agency’s field office.

Information Specific to New Jersey

USCIS handles all of the immigration processes. The individual USCIS Field Office handles adjustments of status, interviews, and in-person appointments. Speak to a Knowledgeable Employment Based Immigration Attorney in Union City.

The prospect of relocating to the U.S. and starting a new career is an exciting time for anyone considering applying. However, the process can be time-consuming, and many find themselves frustrated without help and guidance.

A skilled Union City employment based immigration lawyer understands the challenges you face and can help you through the hurdles from application to approval. Call us today to schedule an appointment and discuss your options.