Employment-based Immigration Lawyer in Washington DC

In addition to sponsorship by a family member who already lives in the United States, sponsorship by a U.S.-based employer is one of the most common ways that citizens and nationals of foreign countries acquire visas. Still, employment-based immigration can be a complex process with a lot of steps to complete and forms to fill out. A single mistake anywhere in this process could derail all your future plans.

If you want to immigrate to the U.S. for work, assistance from a Washington, DC, employment-based immigration lawyer could be key to achieving the result you want. With help from a dedicated immigration attorney, you could more efficiently progress through the application process and minimize the risk of small mishaps that could disrupt your career path.

Requirements for an Employment-Based Immigrant Visa

USCIS only makes a limited number of employment-based immigrant visas available each fiscal year—about 140,000 in total, with allowances for small adjustments on a yearly basis. Additionally, USCIS sorts applicants for these visas into preference categories based on their skillsets and the type of work they would perform if granted admission to the United States. These categories are as follows:

• E1 – priority workers like multinational business executives, as well as people with “extraordinary” ability and/or accomplishments in education, research, science, art, athletics, or business
• E2 – professionals with advanced degrees and workers with “exceptional” ability in specialized fields
• E3 – skilled workers with 2+ years of training or experience, professionals with baccalaureate degrees or equivalent, and unskilled workers, in that priority order
• E4 – immigrants who fall into one of several specialized categories
• E5 – foreign investors looking to start new businesses and create jobs in the United States

All employment-based visa applicants must have their prospective employer fill out and file Form I-140 on their behalf, except for E1 applicants, who can file this form and accompanying documentation themselves. Additionally, E2 applicants must already have a job offer prior to filing their visa application to qualify for this type of immigration.

Once the National Visa Center processes a worker’s Form I-140, the Center will schedule a date for a visa interview. The applicant must attend this interview as well as complete a medical examination and receive up-to-date vaccinations before they can receive their visa. Washington, DC, employment lawyers could explain all these elements of the employment-based immigration process in more detail, including the federal employment law, during an initial consultation.

Can Foreign Workers Immigrate with Their Families?

If someone receives an employment-based immigrant visa, an applicant from any category can apply to bring their immediate family with them. It is important to note that this option is only available for an applicant’s current spouse and unmarried children younger than 21.

Additionally, each family member who wishes to immigrate must fill out their own separate forms and civil documents, pay their own requisite fees, undergo a medical examination, and potentially attend the primary applicant’s visa interview with them. An employment lawyer Washington, DC residents trust could help facilitate a good outcome for a prospective foreign worker and their families.

Talk to an Employment Lawyer in Washington, DC Today

Immigrating to the United States to pursue a job opportunity can open up an exciting new chapter in your life. However, if you fail to comply with USCIS regulations while seeking your visa, your plans may be altered by a rejection of your application.

Washington, DC, employment attorneys could work on your behalf to ensure a favorable resolution to this often-complicated process. Our law firm can also provide legal representation at state and federal courts should you need one. Call Hacking Immigration Law, LLC today to learn more.