Anyone who comes to the United States to work must have a visa or green card. Tourist visas do not allow the holder to work or conduct business in the U.S., so it is important to consult with an immigration lawyer before your work begins. There are many ways to accomplish employment-based immigration. Learn more about the different options available for getting a lawful employment immigration status below.
If you will only be in the United States for a short time, a short-term business visitor visa (B1) may be right for you. These visas are very limited in duration. A business visitor visa is usually valid for a few short weeks, so it is helpful if you only intend to be in the U.S. to attend a conference, complete a specific business deal, or complete other discrete tasks. These visas are easier to obtain than work visas that are valid for longer stays. Currently, there is no annual cap on the number of B1 visas that may be issued.
Many workers need to be in the United States for a longer period of time. There are many work visas that can achieve this goal. Different work visas allow stays of a year, or three, or even five. The length of stay depends on the specific work visa you hold.Â
Some work visas are more difficult to obtain than others. The annual quota and amount of demand will determine how long you must wait to get your work visa. In some cases, you might be eligible for more than one visa type, so it can be helpful to choose the visa with the shortest waiting period. Our Chicago immigration attorneys can help you find the best visa for your unique situation.
If you intend to work in the United States indefinitely, the most permanent option is a green card. A green card is officially known as “a lawful permanent residence.” Permanent residents may live and work in the United States indefinitely, so long as they remain eligible to stay (for example, by not committing violent crimes) and renew the green card when required. Having a green card is also the first step on the path to citizenship.Â
So why doesn’t everyone get a green card to work in the United States? Unfortunately, there are some real barriers to becoming a permanent resident. The first is the annual quota. Congress limits the number of green cards that can be issued in a calendar year, and the demand has long outpaced the supply. This has created lengthy waiting lists. It could take years before a green card is even available to you.Â
The second barrier to an employment-based green card is sponsorship. If you do not have a family sponsor, your green card can be sponsored by an employer. It can be difficult to find an employer who is willing and able to serve this function. It takes a lot of time and money to file the appropriate documents with Citizenship and Immigration Services, and some smaller employers may not have the resources to act as immigration sponsors, or may just be intimidated by the process. Large companies and universities are more likely to be able to act as a sponsor – especially if they have sponsored employees before and are familiar with the process.
The experienced employment immigration attorneys at Kriezelman Burton & Associates are here to answer all your questions. Call (312) 332-2550 or visit our website to schedule your consultation.Â
5-Star Rating | Based on 200+ Satisfied Customer Google Reviews
We had the chance to work with Maya Flores during the final stage of our employment-based green card process, and we are so thankful we did. Even though our case was already far along when she stepped in, she took full ownership right away. She carefully reviewed everything, prepared the documentation, suggested the right immigration forms, and made sure we felt ready. She was with us during the interview and…
I highly recommend Attorney Mathew Kriezelman and Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. I had an outstanding experience working with their office. I petitioned for my parents, and the firm guided them through the entire adjustment of status process. From the very beginning, Attorney Mathew Kriezelman and Paralegal Silvia Dimayuga were professional, knowledgeable, and exceptionally supportive. They clearly explained each step, ensured all documentation was properly prepared, and promptly answered every…
Navigating the immigration system is incredibly stressful, but Justin Burton made the process seamless. They were patient with all my questions and explained every step of the legal process in a way I could easily understand. Their attention to detail is unmatched, and their staff is professional and kind. Highly recommended!
I cannot thank Justin Burton enough for their incredible work on my case. From our very first consultation, I felt a sense of relief knowing I was in expert hands. They were meticulous with the paperwork, always kept me updated, and ultimately helped me achieve a successful outcome. If you are looking for an immigration lawyer who truly cares about their clients, look no further.
Outstanding Immigration Attorney – Worth Every Penny I cannot recommend Justin highly enough as an immigration attorney. My case was extremely difficult and complex, and from the very beginning, Justin demonstrated an exceptional level of knowledge, professionalism, and dedication. He took the time to fully understand every detail of my situation and explained the entire legal process clearly and honestly, which gave me confidence during a very stressful time. While…
I highly recommend this law firm! They are always honest right from the initial consultation. They don't take cases just for the money. My family member was a victim of an ICE raid in Michigan on November 17th and returned home on December 30th. It could have been faster, but everything happened during the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas). Maya Flores was recommended by another lawyer, and the entire team has…
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all your help and professionalism throughout my green card and citizenship process. Your guidance has made everything much easier to understand, and I truly appreciate how patient, thorough, and responsive you’ve been with every question I had. I’m very grateful for your support and the quality of your work. I would gladly recommend your services to anyone who needs…
My experience with Kriezelman Burton & Associates was excellent. We worked with Jennifer Peyton, for removal proceedings due to being detained by ICE. Jennifer worked diligently and was responsive. Jennifer was supportive throughout the whole process and showed compassion. With the help of Jennifer and the help of the firm, we were able to get the removal proceedings stopped and received permanent residency. I am so thankful for Kriezelman Burton…
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing contact information, users acknowledge and give explicit consent to be contacted via the methods of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out.
NUVEW | Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Notice | privacy policy