Types of Immigrant Visas

Types of Immigrant Visas

Immigrant visas allow foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States and apply for permanent residency (a.k.a. a green card). In most cases, a relative or employer sponsors the individual by filing an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Certain applicants such as workers with extraordinary ability, investors, and certain special immigrants can petition on their own behalf. Our immigration law team works with individuals, families, and businesses to obtain necessary visas.

Common immigrant visas used by businesses

• EB-1 Foreign Nationals of Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers and Multinational Executives and Managers: Individuals in this category can petition for permanent residency without having to go through a time-consuming labor certification process.
• EB-2 Workers with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability in the Sciences, Arts or Business: Visa holders in this category typically must have a job offer and their potential employer must complete the labor certification process.
• EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionals: Visa holders in this category typically must have a job offer, and the potential employer must complete the labor certification process.
• EB-4 Special Immigrant Visas for Religious Workers: Ministers of religion are eligible for permanent residency as are certain other individuals in EB-4 (ex. special immigrant juveniles, NATO employees, and those who assisted the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan)
• EB-5 Investor/Employment Creation Visas: For those who invest at least $500,000 in targeted employment areas (rural areas or areas experiencing high unemployment of at least 150 percent of the national average rate) and those who invest $1 million anywhere else. A person may also invest through a regional center where they can show job creation directly or indirectly.

Hiring an attorney

The visa process is complex. We can provide advice and help you through the process from start to finish. We help people worldwide, from Connecticut to Florida to Lima, Peru. Call us at +1 (959) 888-8001 today for a free consultation.