A U.S. employer wants to hire a foreign national to fill a permanent position. That's a good start to finding out whether it's possible to get a green card for that worker . . . but there is much more to know. Both the employer and the worker will need to fit many requirements within one of the several categories of immigrant visa (green card) possibilities for foreign workers. Although the category is limited, some interesting exceptions can be found -- such as situations in which the foreign national does not even need a U.S. employer to get an employment-based green card.
Possibilities to obtain a green card as or for a first-preference worker with extraordinary ability, outstanding university professor or researcher, or executive or managers of a multinational company.
If you have extraordinary ability in the sciences, you may qualify for an EB-1 visa even without an employer.
One of the ways in which professional foreign workers get employment-based green cards in the U.S. is in category “EB-2,” for those with advanced degrees.
Understanding the second preference category for workers with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.
This green card category has less stringent educational and other requirements -- but the resulting high demand leads to long waits.
Overview of the various eligibility subcategories available within the "Special Immigrant Visa" category.
Ministers and religious workers who have received job offers from religious organizations in the U.S. have the opportunity to apply for permanent residence.
Got $1 million to invest? You may qualify for a U.S. green card.
Not every EB-5 applicant needs to invest the full $1 million that's usually required in this category.
An artist of high achievement might be able to “self-petition” based on talent and achievement as a “Priority Worker” under the “extraordinary ability” immigrant visa category (“EB-1”).
Switching jobs can be done, so long as that wasn't your plan from the beginning.
You may be able to sponsor your nanny, but perhaps only for a temporary visa -- and if the nanny is in the U.S. unlawfully, perhaps not at all.
This comprehensive guide contains in-depth information on the process of applying for various labor-based green cards.
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