There are multiple ways for people to arrange to live in the United States. People often use family-based immigration if they want a green card. Green cards are permanent resident cards that allow people to live in the country legally for as long as they qualify. If a green card holder avoids major criminal offenses and files the right paperwork every 10 years, they can stay in the country indefinitely.
Employment visas are a form of non-immigrant visa. They only allow someone an opportunity to temporarily stay in the United States. While employment visas are typically eligible for renewal, those with employment visas still eventually have to leave the country. As a result, some professionals may overlook the value of a work visa because they want to live in the United States forever. However, those who qualify for a work visa might eventually be able to apply for a green card.
Employment visas can help people qualify for green cards
People can qualify for a green card based on several different types of immigration. As previously noted, many family-based immigration opportunities lead to green cards. Refugees and asylees may eventually qualify for green cards as well.
Those with work visas may become eligible for a green card after adequate time in the United States. Typically, they need to remain in the United States for years to qualify. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does apply different preference levels to those in different types of careers.
Those with the most education and experience in competitive industries may have the best chance of qualifying for an employment green card. There are also special programs for physicians who agree to work in underserved areas and those investing in domestic businesses.
Provided that the immigrant can pass the background check in limits their international travel prior to seeking a green card, they may be able to turn a visa into an opportunity for a green card. Permanent residents have less risk of removal from the United States. They can also eventually pursue naturalization in many cases.
Seeking an employment visa is potentially the first step toward a successful relocation to the United States. Professionals from many different industries are in a position to find domestic jobs and turn an employment opportunity into an immigration opportunity.