San Francisco Employment Visa Attorney for Green Cards

Secure Your U.S. Green Card Through Employment

Did you know that some employment opportunities may help you obtain a green card in the United States? Green card holders are lawful permanent residents, which means they can live and work here permanently. They can also sponsor certain family members for green cards, travel abroad, obtain a Social Security number and driver’s license, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.

If you are interested in accessing these benefits through employment-based immigration, our attorney at Harrison Law Office can answer all your questions and determine whether you may qualify. Whether you are currently living in the United States or applying from abroad, we can guide you through the process from start to finish.

Call our San Francisco employment-based immigration attorney at Harrison Law Office by dialing (415) 212-6817 or contact us online for a personalized consultation.

Explore Employment-Based Green Card Categories

The exact process you use to obtain an employment-based green card depends on your category, location, and other factors.

This area of immigration includes the following 5 preference categories:

1. First preference EB-1: for priority workers (multinational managers/executives, outstanding professors/researchers, or individuals with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, business, arts, education, or athletics).
2. Second preference EB-2: for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities (including those who have obtained a national interest waiver).
3. Third preference EB-3: for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers (each of which has its own definitions and corresponding requirements).
4. Fourth preference EB-4: for special immigrants (e.g. religious workers, special immigrant juveniles, international broadcasters, Afghan/Iraqi translators, and more).
5. Fifth preference EB-5: for immigrant investors (must invest a certain amount of capital into a qualifying U.S. commercial enterprise).

Eligibility Criteria for Employment Visas in the U.S.

Many employment-based immigrants will need a bona fide job offer from a qualifying U.S. employer. That employer will file a petition on the immigrant’s behalf and complete a Labor Certification process that demonstrates a lack of available and willing American workers to fill the position. These requirements do not apply to first or fifth preference immigrants, nor do they apply to second preference immigrants who obtain national interest waivers. Some fourth preference immigrants may be able to self-petition, as well.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an Employment-Based Green Card

To obtain an employment-based green card, you will either:

• Apply for an immigrant visa through consular processing (if you are currently living outside of the United States); or
• Apply for adjustment of status (if you are currently living in the United States lawfully).

Whether you apply for adjustment of status or an immigrant visa, the process will involve both a petition and an application. You will most likely need to file your petition and, upon approval, wait until a visa becomes available in your category before filing your actual application. Some applicants, however, will be able to file the petition and application at the same time.

Once you obtain your green card, you will need to replace it every ten years. After five years of living in the United States as a permanent resident, you may qualify for citizenship through naturalization.

Understanding EB-3 Visa Costs and Processing Time

Some common jobs for Individuals who seek an EB-3 visa include teaching, graphic designing, and working in the housekeeping industry. The fee for the EB-3 visa is $345 and typically takes about 6 months to acquire.

Why Choose Our San Francisco Employment Visa Services?

Each of the above categories has extensive requirements, and the employment-based immigration process can involve many unexpected challenges. At Harrison Law Office, our attorney has years of experience helping clients from all around the world obtain green cards through employment or investment, and he wants to do the same for you.

When you bring your case to our firm, you can trust our employment-based immigration attorney to help you complete every step with care and efficiency. We know how important this process may be for your future, and we look forward to using our skills and experience to help you accomplish your immigration goals.

Ready to start your employment visa journey? Contact our San Francisco team at Harrison Law Office by calling (415) 212-6817 or reach out online for expert guidance.