immigrationnews's Journal: Employment-Based Petitions for a Greencard

One of the easiest ways to get a U.S. greencard is through sponsorship via an employment-based petition by a qualified American employer. There are five employment categories, all requiring prerequisite qualifications. One of these is a confirmation from the Department of Labor of the existence of the employment opportunity and that there is an absence of qualified American labor in the place where the foreign applicant plans to work. The entire process may sound easy but its not, which is why you need the help of an experienced immigration law firm to explain how it works. Not only will an immigration lawyer help you understand the tiny details, he can also guide you through the petition process.

How to Get an Employment-Based Green Card

The entire process of filing an employment-based petition for a greencard begins with you finding an American employer who will not only hire you but support your application. Once you do, the employer then obtains a labor certification and files an I-140 petition with the immigration office. Once the employer request is approved, the document is filed with the National Visa Center who will stamp it with a visa number when available. Once you are assigned that number, you are now legally permitted to permanently work in the U.S. with some conditions.

But before you get your immigrant visa, you need to be medically examined by a U.S. doctor. After which, you file an I-485 for the greencard application, which can be arranged at the U.S. Consulate in your own country of residence with the help of an immigration attorney.

Obstacles to Getting a Green Card

Once you start filing your application, you may encounter some problems which experienced immigration lawyers can help you with. The first obstacle may be in the long wait concerning the visa numbers availability. Once you file, a priority date is given to your application. You will undergo the same process even if you are already in the U.S. working on a temporary visa. Immigration applications from different countries along with different work categories each receive a cutoff date. Depending on the application backlogs, your application may not be processed until the papers ahead of you receive their turn.

The time frame for the waiting period also depends on the type of job you applied for and your country of origin. Your application may be denied due to ill health, security reasons or you are found to have a criminal background. An experienced immigration attorney can advise you about your chances to successfully get a greencard.

What To Do While Awaiting Approval

It might be a good idea to find a place to live while you pass the time waiting for your US visa to arrive. Take a note of your expenses, which should include food, automobile maintenance, utilities, and rent. Keep in mind that the cost of living in the U.S. is different from what youre used to, and that you may need to pay a deposit for the apartment and the transfer of utilities in your name. Besides immigration processes, skillful and experienced immigration attorneys can help you transition from your old to your new life once you start working in the United States.