A visa is a special document that authorizes your presence in the United States. Visas are issued by the Consulate or United States Embassy that is in closest proximity to your foreign residence.
If you are not a U.S. citizen but would like to be employed in the United States, you have to obtain a work visa before you can receive legal employment in the United States. There are various work visas for which a foreign national may qualify. Here are a few of them.
Green Cards
A green card permits you to permanently reside in the U.S. through your employment.
In order to qualify for a green card, you may have to provide proof from the Department of Labor indicating that your employment is not blocking the employment of any U.S. citizens. The certification may state that there is an insufficient number of American workers who are available or qualified for the position you are seeking.
If you have an unusually desirable skill base in certain areas, such as education, science, art, or athletics, the issuance of your green card may become a priority. You can also receive a green card if you are selected through a green card lottery.
Temporary Visa for Skilled Employees
If you are educated and skilled, you may be eligible for a temporary work visa that allows you to work for a designated employer on a temporary basis. To qualify, you must already work for the company in a specialized position. Additionally, your compensation level must be above average.
Temporary Non-agricultural Work Visas
If your field of work is non-agricultural, you may be given an employment visa as long as there are not enough American workers to fill your position. Non-permanent positions that are not related to agriculture are typically eligible. However, only a set number of workers can receive this type of work visa.
Seasonal Agricultural Visas
A seasonal agricultural worker visa allows a foreign employee to work in the United States temporarily during a certain season. However, there must be too few American agricultural workers to serve in the needed positions.
Once you have been issued the work visa that applies to your situation, you receive a work permit that proves your eligibility to be employed in the United States.
If you are a foreign national and would like to learn more about available work visas, contact an employment visa attorney today.
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