Employment Based Visa Lawyers

Every year, the United States issues 140,000 plus employment based visas to immigrants. These issuances are conducted in accordance with rules laid down by the Immigration Nationality Act. Applicants must get certifications from the Department of Labor as well as file forms with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Employment based visas are awarded according to five different preference classes. The first preference class, known as E1, is reserved for key executives, researchers, professors, or aliens of “extraordinary ability.” E1 applicants receive approximately 30% of all employment visas. E2 preferred applicants include certain professionals with advanced degrees as well as those with “exceptional ability” in business, the arts, and many of the sciences. E3 preferred individuals include professionals with a baccalaureate degree as well as workers who have a minimum of training (usually two years). E4 individuals must file a so-called petition for special immigrant (Form I-360). These people include religious ministers, broadcasters, employees of key government zones and commissions, some native civilians, and some international aid organization employees. E5 preferred applicants, (who receive just around 7% of all employment based visas) include people who invest significantly in United States’ business interests.

If you are having trouble acquiring an employment based visa or are otherwise flummoxed by an immigration issue, please contact the Law Offices of Eliana Phelps. We can be reached either online or at 909-393-4100. Our experienced, compassionate immigration lawyers can help you strategize a smart course of action, avoid the legal “potholes” that ruin so many visa applications, and connect you with other services that can help you with other aspects of adapting to the immigrant experience.