If you want to move to the United States permanently, you should definitely take the time to do some careful research and planning. You most certainly do not want to make any mistaken moves that may have long-term consequences on your eventual successful move. If the option of immigrating with a job is not open to you, you must consider different visa alternatives.
Permanent Work Visa Categories
The permanent work visa categories that require a job offer from an employer that will serve as a sponsor are EB-2 and EB-3. If you have a sponsor for your employment and the prescribed quality of education, work experience, and appropriate skills, you may be eligible for a permanent job in the United States. In all cases, when an employer is required to sponsor a worker, the employer must file with USCIS a nonimmigrant or an immigrant petition on behalf of the person seeking to come to the United States for temporary or permanent employment.
What are the permanent work visa categories?
Visas EB-2 and EB-3 are the permanent work visa categories that require a job offer from an employer that will serve as a potential immigrant’s sponsor. If you have a job offer from an employer that can sponsor you and you have the required educational degree, work experience, and skills, you may be eligible to obtain a permanent job in the United States. When an employer must sponsor a worker, they must file with USCIS a non-immigrant or an immigrant petition on behalf of the individual intending to come to the United States either for temporary or permanent employment.
What visas allow you to move to the U.S. without a job?
Investor Visa or EB-5 Visa
An Investor or EB-5 visa is available to international entrepreneurs who can invest at least $500,000. This visa has the advantage that it offers a path to a Green card. If you hope to qualify for this type of visa, you must invest in the United States economy and generate jobs for American workers. As opposed to other work visas, this one does not require a job offer. On the contrary, you are required to create jobs for others.
Extraordinary Expertise or EB-1A Visa
The EB-1A visa is available to individuals who have exceptional expertise in fields such as the sciences, education, athletics, the arts, or business, among others. It also applies to multinational managers or executives. To qualify for it, you must demonstrate that you are at the top of your field, even if you do not have a job offer before initiating the application process. You can demonstrate this exceptional ability through your awards, publications, medals, business portfolio, or letters of reference. If you feel that you qualify for this visa, you must truly be exceptional.
An immigration attorney is essential when applying for a Visa
As stated above, the immigration process requires a great deal of research and preparation. Starting with the decision on what visa to apply for, immigration is a complicated and lengthy process. It includes putting together the required paperwork, completing the right forms, and knowing where and when to file. With so many specific and timely requirements to keep in mind, it’s highly recommended to have the help of a legal expert in order to achieve a successful application.
Work Permits That Do Not Require a Job Offer in USA
Many US visas require that a job offer has been made to you when you want to work in the United States. The reason that you need a job offer to qualify for those visas is that your employer will file a petition on the behalf of you, the employee. There are specific visas aimed at immigrating workers and non-immigrating workers. A non-immigrating worker is one that wants to work temporarily in the US before returning to their home nation. You will be sponsored by your company and will need to re-apply for a new visa if you chose to change your job while in the US. However, not all US Work Visas are issued on an approved petition filed on behalf of the worker by the prospective employee. Some permanent work visas that do not require a job offer and a sponsor in the United States are the EB-1, O-1 and EB-5 visas.
EB-1A Visa
An EB-1A visa is intended for those who have exceptional and extraordinary expertise in sciences, education, arts, business, or athletics; and for multinational managers and executives. It asks you to demonstrate that you are at the top of your field but does not require a job offer before beginning that application process. You can demonstrate that you are at the top of your field in several ways. This can be done using your publications, awards, business portfolio, or letters of reference. This is a highly selective visa which means that you must truly be exceptional. If you think that you might qualify for this type of visa, you can begin gathering your proof. However, you should speak with an immigration lawyer as they can help you to assess the strength of your candidacy.
EB-5 Visa
An EB-5 visa, which is known as an investor visa, is reserved for business people who can invest at least $500,000 under certain circumstances. This type of visa is typically seen as a path to a Green card. The person hoping to earn this type of visa must invest in the United States economy and this investment should generate jobs for US workers. This visa does not require a job offer, in fact, you will be creating jobs for others.
Why Seeking Professional Help for Your Visa is Important
Beyond the decision about which visa to apply for, immigration requires a great deal of preparation. It includes assembling the proper paperwork, following the proper procedures and knowing where to file and when. With so many specific and timely requirements to fulfill, successful applications are often achieved with the help of a legal expert.
Why Hire Us to Help You With Your Application?
We have over 15 years of experience in handling applications and we know what steps and details immigration officers consider when deciding whether to approve or deny an application bid. We have helped thousands of individuals enter the United States and we can help you too. The first step is to complete an assessment and we will get back to you to discuss your eligibility and options.
