Understanding Employment-Based Visas
Employment-based visas allow foreign nationals to seek employment in the United States and for U.S. companies to recruit international talent. Get the facts on the various types of employment-based visas to understand which one is right for your unique situation.
Types of Employment-Based Visas
Every year, the United States provides approximately 140,000 employment-based visas to qualified applicants. In order to qualify for an employment-based visa, you must fall into one of the following categories:
First Preference Categories
Persons with extraordinary ability. These individuals have an extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Applicants must have extensive documentation showing national or international acclaim in their field of expertise. Applicants must want to enter the U.S. to continue work in the field in which they have extraordinary ability.
Outstanding professors or researchers. These individuals must have at least three years in teaching or research, and must be recognized internationally. Applicants in this category must be coming to the U.S. to pursue tenure, tenure track teaching, or comparable research position at a university or other institution of higher education.
Multinational managers or executives. These individuals must have been employed for at least one of the three preceding years by the overseas affiliate or branch of the U.S. employer. Employment outside of the U.S. must have been in a managerial or executive capacity, and the applicant must be coming to the U.S. to work in a managerial or executive capacity.
Second Preference Categories
Professionals holding an advanced degree. These individuals must have a baccalaureate degree and at least five years of experience in their profession.
Persons with exceptional ability. These individuals have an exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.
Lower-preference categories provide employment-based visas for skilled and unskilled workers, certain special immigrants, immigrant investors, and more.
Seeking an Employment-Based Visa? We Can Help
We understand that immigration is complex, which is why our immigration attorneys at Davis & Associates are here to help you every step of the way. No matter what your goals may be, rest assured that our team has your best interests in mind.
Contact us today at (214) 999-1942 or schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you.