Chicago Employment Immigration Attorney

Chicago Employment Immigration Attorney

Under U.S. immigration law, approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas are issued in the country every year. This is good news for those who wish to come to the United States to work, as it provides them with a way to legally remain in the country. Employment-based immigrant visas are divided into five categories, and it is important for those wishing to immigrate to understand what those are. A Chicago employment immigration attorney can help those wishing to come to America understand which group they fall into and assist with the complex process. 

First Steps Towards Obtaining an Employment-Based Visa

Unfortunately, immigrants who would like to come to the United States to work cannot usually begin the process on their own. They must first speak to their employer or potential employer. The employer must then obtain a labor certification approval from the Department of Labor. Once the Department of Labor issues this approval, the employer must then file an Immigration Petition for Alien Worker, also known as Form I-140. 

The only exceptions to this are workers that have extraordinary abilities. These individuals can file the petition on their own. 

Immigrant Employee Categories

There are five categories under which immigrant workers can apply for an employment-based visa. These include:

• Persons with extraordinary abilities: These include workers in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Professors and researchers, along with multinational managers or executives, are also included in this category.
• Professionals holding advanced degrees: This category also includes people with extraordinary abilities, as well as professionals who hold an advanced degree. 
• Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers: This category includes skilled workers with at least two years of training, professionals who require a U.S. university or college degree to work in their field. Other workers are those that have the ability to fill employment positions that require less than two years of training. 
• Certain special requirements: There are many immigrants who fall into this category. A few of the groups include broadcasters in the U.S., ministers of religion, Iraqi and Afghan interpreters and translators, and more. Individuals who fall into this category must be the beneficiary of an approved Petition for Amerasian Widow(er) or Special Immigrant. 
• Immigrant investors: Those who wish to come to the United States to make a capital investment in new commercial enterprises are helping with employment in the United States. As such, they can obtain an employment-based visa. 

While there are many categories an immigrant can fall in to obtain an employment-based visa, the process is always long and complex. A Chicago employment immigration attorney can help make securing a visa easier and get you legal residency more quickly. 

Call an Employment Immigration Attorney in Chicago Today

If you wish to come to the United States to work, do not go through the immigration system on your own. Give yourself the best chance of success and call our Chicago employment immigration attorneys at Kriezelman, Burton & Associates today. We will fully explain the options available to you and walk you through the entire process to help you secure your employment-based visa. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.